The Art of Design – Finding Inspiration
While flicking through Netflix I discovered the most wonderful new series, called Abstract The Art of Design. I’m sure you’ll love it! Eight design icons share a window to their world. They’re problem solvers. Storytellers. A privileged moment of being able to go inside the artist’s mind, hear them talk about their processes, their love of design and what inspires them.
Magic. We all need inspiration, where do you find yours?
The first episode featured the award-winning illustrator, artist and author Christoph Niemann: who has had his illustrations chosen for the New Yorker cover, 22 times. So far!
“I draw lots of pictures. I could not have just one idea” he said.
Sound familiar?
As he took pen to paper, sketching, reflecting on past drawings, getting excited about current drawings, asking “Is it strong enough or flexible enough to go to the next step?”
We need strength in our ideas, our decisions, to take them to the next step, and to be flexible in how we achieve our goals.
What idea of yours is strong enough or flexible enough to go the next step?
“You have to get out of your studio. Go see things. Go to the museum.
Take specific time off for creation” he suggests.
He expressed his love for the colour yellow in New York, how it perfectly sums up the city. New York Yellow, giving contrast with it’s yellow cabs, the side of the subway.
“The image is the trigger” he said.
What image have you seen recently that has made an impact? Maybe given you an idea for a new design, a new product to create, a blog on your website?
It’s been a brilliant eye opener for me doing the Instagram challenge, playing with filters and seeing an image from a different perspective. It’s a challenge that’s for sure, but I’m enjoying it and the best bit is seeing inspirations, insights and ideas in pictures.
How are you getting on with Instagram? If you need ideas to post, check out the #amberlifeinstachallenge, if you haven’t yet. Jump in when you want to, there’s inspiration everywhere, if you need some! Christoph’s feed is here.
“I need to be in control and know what’s working and where it’s going. I also need to be a free spirit, a ruthless editor, a careless artist” Christoph shared. Wow I love this.
As you know I have a need for a plan! Hearing this encouraged me to feel more free as I create my new course. My mindmap of content has now grown, hearing him say how he needs to be “Sitting in front of paper and being fearless. Not worrying so much about where the whole thing goes.”
Is this how you’re creative? I need to do this more! Be more fearless.
The second episode features graphic designer Paula Scher, paint with words. Fascinating seeing her develop the visual language of iconic brands around the world. I’ll leave you to go and watch the rest!
To your success and happiness, enjoy finding your inspiration today.