Many people think you need to be creative all the time to be in a
creative field. I don’t believe so. I know I do pretty well and I don’t
think that creativity is seeping out of me. I think I’ve just become
good at developing ways to find inspiration when I need it so I can
create great custom graphics and logos for myself and my clients.
So here are five sources of web site graphics design inspiration you might not have thought of:
1. Down The Road – When you’re driving down the
street have a look at the logos and colors you see in the businesses as
you drive by. Most of these businesses will have hired a professional to
create the graphics you see on display and they are great sources of
ideas for your next product. Have a look at the shapes, colors, fonts
and the feeling you get when you view each image. Consider taking out a
video camera and video taping as you drive by with your own commentary
(as long as you’re not also driving the car, of course!).
2. Newspapers & Magazines – I was at my local
library the other day and I picked up a couple of local magazines. One
was the town activity guide about local living. Each had plenty of
graphics and ads that I could peruse for ideas and inspiration. Collect
your favorite magazines or a selection of different types if you serve
clients and you’ll always have plenty to draw from when you’re stumped.
3. Popular Websites – Of course you’ll want to look online for sources of web page graphic design ideas.
If you’re working on a particular product then look up keywords related
to your project and see what sites come up. Pay attention to the colors
and the logos you find on these sites. Also many popular sites have ads
that you can look at. The great thing about looking at ads is that
people often have these professionally designed as well so they’re often
great sources of quality ideas and inspiration.
4. Nature and the Outside World – Sometimes being
stuck at a computer isn’t the best way to get inspired. Nature is filled
with beautiful shapes, colors and materials. If you’re needing a new
idea take a drive or go for a walk, you’re sure to come up with new ways
to design web graphics that you never would have thought of without
drawing from natural beauty. Now, you can also go to a city and draw on
your surroundings for colors, shapes and of course plenty of marketing
you see.
5. Your Graphic Design Inspiration Book – One thing
I’ve wanted to do for a while is to create a binder filled with graphics
that inspire me. Also, in this book I’d add a section for all the
design techniques I can use to create different effects. You see, there
are so many ways to create graphics that sometimes we forget certain
techniques when we need them. I know that’s how it works for me, anyway.
My suggestion is to get a binder and a bunch of clear sheet protectors
and then just start collecting graphics you like. Organize them as you
go into different categories to suit your needs.
Inspiration comes from lots of places and the five listed above are a
good place to start. I’m sure as you become aware of your need for
inspiration you’ll start seeing new ideas as you go about your daily
life. Good luck and have fun!
Author Angela Wills
What are your favourite graphic design ideas? Please share in thge comments box below.
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