Queen Bee Marketing’s Blog About Marketing, SEO, and Design.

How do you come up with creative ideas for projects? Every designer or artist has their own methods of finding inspiration. Below are some of the ways I come up with ideas.

1. Brainstorm. This one’s pretty common. I like to make a huge list of any words that relate to my topic. Even if they seem like a stretch. I write down any word that pops into my head. How do the words make you feel? Write down emotions, colors, objects, actions, any thing you can think of.

2. Sketch. Quickly drawing out anything that comes into your mind is a good way to get ideas down on paper. Abstract sketches can lead to great compositions. You might even be able to use your drawings in the final product.

3. Take or look at pictures. Some of the best compositions come from nature or just the random items on your desk. Looking at other people’s pictures that relate to your topic might give you a fresh perspective. Colors you didn’t consider might pop out and the cropped nature of a photograph could introduce a new composition.

4. Take a walk. Getting some fresh air and looking at the world around you might help you notice something you hadn’t seen before. The branches of a tree or a flock of birds can show you organic shapes you couldn’t come up with on your own.

5. Look at art. A certain composition or color combination could help with your own project.

6. Flip through your font library. A certain font may hit you the right way and inspire an entire layout. Focus on the shapes of the letters. Do they say something about your topic? Can they convey a certain feeling?

7. Look at things differently. Turn pictures upside down. Use random colors. Make the type huge/tiny. It doesn’t matter if it looks hideous, it might lead you to another creative idea.

So what inspires you? Do any of these methods work for you? Is there anything you do that’s a little off-the-wall?