design dispatch 003 : inspiration 9 ways
Rather than write an entire article on inspiration, I thought I’d take a different tack this month and tap some of my nearest and dearest creative peers and co-conspirators for their thoughts on this squirrelly subjective topic.
I couldn’t think of a better way to discuss a highly idiosyncratic concept than to have a group of creatives present their own opinions. Each participant provided their interpretations of inspiration, how and where they locate it and it’s relevance to their respective industries. This being a design column, you’ll find a fair amount of industry related responses. However, there is a sprinkling of other pursuits to keep it interesting. Enjoy.
1. James
What's your industry/profession?
I design and build props, exhibitions, and interiors.
How would you define inspiration?
The moment when ideas converge: setting you on course; having a clear direction.
Where do you encounter it?
When I'm not being distracted. When I feel respected and encouraged. Sometimes in desperation.
How does it hit you and what do you do about it?
I see the final product complete in my mind and then I feel compelled to make it materialize.
Can you cultivate inspiration? If so, how?
Having limitations in time or material can spark inspiration. The idea of making something out of nothing gets me going.
Is there any one person, place, or thing that always inspires? Can you share? Or does it change? Is what inspired you last month replaced by something new or different this month?
Music keeps my creative juices flowing. I've always experienced sound in 3D. Nature challenges me with its perfection.
How does inspiration as a more general topic relate to your industry?
Inspiration keeps designers moving forward. Every variation on a theme is inspired from countless variations. Ideas forever morph.
With regards to inspiration, what do you envision for the future of your industry and creativity in general?
I see designers heading in a direction drawn more from a personal, emotional, even sentimental frame of reference.
2. HY
What's your industry/profession?
Architecture Student
How would you define inspiration?
Unexpected openings and cracks. Not lateral, not orthogonal, not parallel. Undefined. Can be mundane; from nowhere; random; serendipitous.
Where do you encounter it?
Passively: When alone. In the shower. Driving, on public transportation, or just walking. Doing something that requires some focus, setting my lucid mind free to wander. Actively: Looking for it in books, movies, music, etc. With others: talking to random people.
How does it hit you and what do you do about it?
There’s no how. It just does. It’s like asking, “How are we alive? What do you do about living”? Either enjoy it for the moment or take it further into work.
Can you cultivate inspiration? If so, how?
Perhaps. In groups as dialogue or a sharing space. Difficult to contain it or isolate it.
Is there any one person, place, or thing that always inspires? Can you share? Or does it change? Is what inspired you last month replaced by something new or different this month?
My former architecture tutor always did. No specific places. It can change of course. In a way it has to change/evolve as you do. But replaced is not the word. It is ephemeral. Depending on time and circumstances, something can inspire you one moment and not the next – it’s what your mind selects at the time.
How does inspiration as a more general topic relate to your industry?
Very important! Architecture can drag sometimes into a boring and time-consuming process. Need inspiration for process and an extra push into innovation.
3. Tim
What's your industry/profession?
Online Video Production and Acquisition (whatever that means)
How would you define inspiration?
A strong desire to surpass your own expectations and abilities.
Where do you encounter it?
When I see natural beauty, authenticity or unbridled joy. They all inspire me for the same reason... Each is completely committed to what they are doing at that time and probably have been for a long time before I came upon them. It can be found in nature, a person, a work of art or anything else that exhibits the above three things. Last night, I watched a show about a guy who decorates cakes for a living. That, in a weird way is inspiring because at some point he said, "I want to decorate cakes for life.” To be that committed to one thing and be that good is inspiring.
How does it hit you and what do you do about it?
Like a large butterfly in my stomach and with a grin on my face. Both come on fast and stay only as long as I can completely immerse myself in that moment. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to harness that butterfly or permanently affix that grin...yet. I usually start out by conjuring up some wild idea about what I will do with my newly minted inspiration. Mostly, I talk about it and then move on. On a few occasions I act on it.
Can you cultivate inspiration? If so, how?
Yes. You simply need to put yourself in the situations you know will help you along the way. Although, sometimes it is best when you don't come looking for it. It is best when it just finds you.
Is there any one person, place, or thing that always inspires? Can you share? Or does it change? Is what inspired you last month replaced by something new or different this month?
It is cliché, but the ocean. It is a powerful, natural force that we don't fully understand but love just the same.
How does inspiration as a more general topic relate to your industry?
You have to be innovative to keep up with the online media industry. Inspiration is an important ingredient for finding new ways of connecting to one another and communicating with the online world.
4. NC
What's your industry/profession?
Architecture, Interiors (Photography)
How would you define inspiration?
Inspiration is... The driving force behind creative act(s) - can lead to design innovation.
Where do you encounter it?
Sometimes in formal settings (galleries/lectures); sometimes in the company of small children because they see the world through an uncontaminated 'lens'. Also in nature - away from chaos of the city and distractions. Most often when I stay up past my bedtime...
Is there any one person, place, or thing that always inspires? Can you share? Or does it change? Is what inspired you last month replaced by something new or different this month?
*My inspiration is never a fixed point or fixed set of influences. It changes according to personal preoccupations + my current mood. Superstudio, Peter Saville, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent, Alvar Aalto, Yoshitomo Nara. Innovators who have respect for the past but question authority, popular consumption and who disregard the status quo. Some are still alive / going strong from the 1970s to the present. Merging of music/art/fashion/design/popular culture/cultural commentary brings together inspiring, sometimes unpredictable products and collaborations.*
5. Nick
What's your industry/profession?
Actor (Bartender)
How would you define inspiration?
Surprise, something beyond the norm. Overcoming the harshest of obstacles to make things work. Someone who over comes adversity. Inspiration is... people who have a crack!
Where do you encounter it?
I encounter inspiration from my profession as an actor and from customer stories at the bar. The everyday. A walk down the street, good weather or bad, can be inspiring. I also find inspiration when I'm in my darkest of phases. Most often, inspiration comes from the old people of wisdom.
How does it hit you and what do you do about it?
When it hits me, I've quite often had a few beers. If I remember the shenanigans of the previous night and what was spoken, I do something about it. Inspiration can also come from loved ones and the need to not disappoint.
Can you cultivate inspiration? How?
To a degree you can cultivate it. But I often find that it comes from somewhere when you least expect it.
Is there any one person, place, or thing that always inspires? Can you share? Or does it change? Is what inspired you last month replaced by something new or different this month?
I'm inspired daily. You need to be exposed to new and/or harsh elements of life. Sitting at home twiddling my fingers does not inspire me. Going out and trying to make a name for myself does. If I do this I alsotend to find like-minded people that inspire me.
How does inspiration as a more general topic relate to your industry?
Inspiration is imperative in the acting world. It's all about challenge. The degree of challenge varies depending on the task at hand. You could be inspired by a props master/gaffer/stage manager. Make the effort to know/work with them and relate. They will open up and through conversation they will share a story that can be wonderfully moving.
With regard to inspiration, what do you envision for the future of your industry and creativity in general?
Envision...well...I've been envisioning many things. I'm still doing the same thing and have been making baby steps. But if I can keep the left and right in check, I will continue to move forward. The acting profession is such a tough nut to crack but if I'm down I look to those people who've traveled a similar pass and readjust. Re-shape, reinvigorate. Don't be too stubborn. Be honest to your work and that's the best you can do.
6. Garth
What's your industry/profession?
Designer
How would you define inspiration?
For me inspiration seems to be the somewhat ambiguous catalyst that aids in the synthesis of something familiar into something novel that you have in your mind’s eye.
Where do you encounter it?
As it is often a trigger that is based on the connection of tangential experiences, it can be in found everywhere. I find it whenever something shines a light in the dim gap that lies between what I want and what is available. Between what I have and what I desire.
How does it hit you and what do you do about it?
Sometimes it's subconscious and natural, like getting to an answer on a test without really having focused on the problem. Other times it's a bit of a triumphant epiphany. However it arrives, the next step for me is to exhaust the energy of this moment - hang on to it and try to derive as much as possible from it.
Can you cultivate inspiration? If so, how?
I think you can. It's just matter of compiling as much personal experience as possible and becoming sensitive to the relativity of these experiences - sensitive to all the details and nuances. This results in a larger basis from which to draw your tangents.
Is there any one person, place, or thing that always inspires? Can you share? Or does it change? Is what inspired you last month replaced by something new or different this month?
It's always different and dependent on what it is that you are inspired about. And at the same time, for me, often it stems from misinterpretations, misconception, and misperceptions. I wouldn't say mistakes. I would say that these are gaps that the brain fills in automatically when it doesn't get all the necessary sensory info.
How does inspiration as a more general topic relate to your industry?
Right now inspiration is priority #1. At times, it takes on a stronger role than the physical aspects. The next great paradigm shift has yet to arrive in product design; and as such, the circular flow of creativity relies heavily on inspiration to differentiate products.
With regard to inspiration, what do you envision for the future of your industry and creativity in general?
Currently the accepted stream of inspiration for design and visual creatives is often deeply rooted in formal education and trend. I think that in the future the creatives will have to dig deeper to justify to themselves and others the validity/profoundness of their inspiration and its use as motivation to create another 'whatever' in the world. Wow that could sound a little '1984' if you ponder it…
7. Vicki
What's your industry/profession?
Art Direction/Graphic design (Painter on the side)
How would you define inspiration?
Anything (object, emotion, story, visual, etc.) that cultivates an urge inside of you to create. Something unique. Anything that bolsters an undisputable feeling or need to make things.
Where do you encounter it?
Everywhere on a daily basis.
How does it hit you and what do you do about it?
Collect, decipher. Figure out how something captivating was created. Usually I am so enamored with a technique or the beauty of the inspiring "thing" that I will sit and quietly think on it for hours. When something makes you question yourself or the "thing" -- that's inspiring.
Can you cultivate inspiration? If so, how?
Sure. Get a magazine subscription. Go to art museums. Look at fashion websites. Read the paper. Go for a walk. Watch your favorite movie. Most importantly, talk to your friends, peers, etc. Friends are good because they help you figure out what to pull from the conversation or the inspiration to get at the core of what it is that's making you feel the need to create. Don't stop thinking or asking questions of how things work...then you loose it.
Is there any one person, place, or thing that always inspires? Can you share? Or does it change? Is what inspired you last month replaced by something new or different this month?
*City life. There's design everywhere from graffiti to posters to trash, to individuals to groups. There's too much beauty in the surrounding nature to not become curious and ask questions that cause you to create art. Otherwise, I go for walks and pick up stickers, ideas from graffiti and watch human interactions. I look at books of other designers' work. Books of paintings. Listen to music and look at music magazines. I also scour the internet for how individuals are modifying or making their own sneakers or dunny/munny dolls. I also look at student and professional work coming out of other countries. Colors are always inspirational, though you might have to rely more on your imagination. Additionally, I can always count on stories from friends' and their life experiences to get me inspired. Oh, and old books. They are so juicy and perfect. Books are great if you want to look at perfectly set type, or the way they are bound.*
How does inspiration as a more general topic relate to your industry?
Designers are constantly "stealing" or "borrowing" ideas from each other and other industries. It's a push and pull that can help push you forward in your work. Design has to be visually intriguing (enough) to gain the interest of the audience and then the piece has to have a payoff for the viewer's time. When something works, others copy it.
With regard to inspiration, what do you envision for the future of your industry and creativity in general?
I worry about over-saturation of the marketplace; though I am intrigued by the notion that soon enough designers are going to be pulling from other industries and countries more so than they are now. Also with the development of technology and everyone thinking that they are a graphic designer, I worry that design will loose a lot of its credibility and will be less and less valuable/influential. Then again, the exact opposite could happen. As Joe Strummer once said, "The future is unwritten." A lot of the progression of design depends upon the younger generations and what they see as inspiring/cool. To see how they will translate these influences will be the best part.
8. JC
What's your industry/profession?
Branding/Packaging Designer
How would you define inspiration?
The idea that leads to your idea.
Where do you encounter it?
Usually when I’m sitting on the toilet.
How does it hit you and what do you do about it?
Usually on the head. I hit it right back.
Can you cultivate inspiration? If so, how?
- Yes. Experience tells you where to look.*
How does inspiration as a more general topic relate to your industry?
- Inspiration is about knowing what has been done, what you would like to do, and how to do it like it has never been done before. We all have to start somewhere. Chances are, somebody has already started there before. But it’s not about starting at a different place; it’s about finishing at a different place. Higher, one would hope.*
With regard to inspiration, what do you envision for the future of your industry and creativity in general?
It will be what it has been in the past. For any industry, especially the mass market, there will always be the few who are willing to take risks, if they succeed, they will inspire. Unfortunately, the economy of scale tends to punish those who take risks, so the majority will always be the ones who wait to be inspired. They will copy other’s winning formula, and add their own flavor. We are all just standing on the shoulders of giants. Success is about finding the right giant to stand on.
9. Valeria
What's your industry/profession?
Product Designer
How would you define inspiration?
The random thought that sticks out from the clutter of your mind.
Where do you encounter it?
It can strike anywhere but especially in the middle of woods.
How does it hit you and what do you do about it?
When I don’t look for it and I don’t do enough about it.
Can you cultivate inspiration? I so, how?
One would hope, but sadly I don’t think it is really possible.
Is there any one person, place, or thing that always inspires? Can you share? Or does it change? Is what inspired you last month replaced by something new or different this month?
Ponds, stagnant water in general and cemeteries. Generally it doesn’t, visiting and discovering new places helps though.
With regard to inspiration, what do you envision for the future of your industry and creativity in general?
It is difficult to predict as more and more people are putting their visions out; a truly inspiring solution might be overlooked because it is shared by too many.
comments
I love that NC's inspiration happens "away from chaos of the city" and Vicki's inspiration is "city life." Just goes to show...
Pretty nice site, wants to see much more on it! :)