Everyone finds inspiration in different places but all designers should have a place where they store these gems that can be referenced and reviewed when needed. When you find you are using the same layout for projects, or your layout design isn’t working, it is best to have a place you can go back to for ideas. Often referred to in the past as a clip file, keeping examples of produced flyers, cards, brochures, or other designs that you like is a resource to have when you have a design block. Finding a place to store and collecting things that inspire you is a personal choice for what works best for you and your workflow. You might use some kind of curation tool like Scoop.it or Pinterest, or you might use a tool like Evernote or Dropbox to collect artifacts. You might even print things out and put them in a file (but for purposes of this class you’ll have to share some kind of electronic document)! Here are some considerations you might consider if you aren’t already using something to help with curation:
- accepts multiple file types (links, pdfs, images, etc.)
- ability to share with others either publicly or privately
- free or financially manageable
- available via multiple devices (computer, phone)
- ability to add some kind of annotation or comment so I remember why I wanted to save it.
- ability to tag or categorize
Here are some examples of places where I curate:
I have a Scoop.it account https://www.scoop.it/t/graphics-fonts-and-design where I can put things as I find on the internet. Other Scoop.it users can suggest additions to me and I can add them or not. If you’d like to try Scoop.it, feel free to make suggestions for me to add.
I haven’t used Pinterest very much beyond setting up an account a couple years ago. So I’ll be trying Pinterest out for this semester. Here is my Inspiration board: https://www.pinterest.com/hcolson/inspiration-for-design/
I have an Evernote account which is synched with my computer, online from any computer, my phone and my iPad where I can put things. I can create individual places to specific types of inspiration and I can tag things for easier access.
I have a Dropbox account that I share with co-workers where we all put examples of things that we like or want others to consider for future projects. Whatever tool you use for collection, sharing things that inspire you with the class will provide opportunities to expand our own personal experiences.
Week 1 Inspiration
Post something here that inspires you or if you’re already curating, let the class know where to look. If you aren’t currently curating or am not ready to committed to trying something for the semester, that’s OK. You can always change your mind!