Inspiration
Look around; what do you see? Have you ever pondered what may have inspired these things into existence? At some point a creator just like you got an idea, sparked by some source of inspiration, and now everything around you exists. That gadget that makes a task 10 times easier, the music coming through your headphones, that movie you can watch over and over again, your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant; tangible and intangible, all things have a beginning and were created to serve a purpose. Those people, places, things, etc. that inspire you give you confidence to create your own versions because the existence of said people, places, things, etc. prove it can be done. All people are inherently creative in some way or another, whether you work in the design industry or not. We all have something to give; it just requires the right inspiration, and no doubt motivation, to push forward in said creativity.
We live in a time in history where the sources of inspiration are seemingly endless. With great ease we can engage with the creations of a musician on the other side of the world or an artist right down the street. Social media has become a tool for creatives to share with the world and encourage others to create their own masterpieces. At any moment, day or night, you can pull up a video on YouTube to learn how to draw classic cartoons, turn a pickle jar into home decor, or learn the basics of designing the perfect logo for your emerging business. However, what inspires an individual is as unique to that individual as fingerprints; therefore, it is as important to understand where to find what inspires you as it is to hone the technical skills of your craft.
In short, seeking out and engaging with people, places and things that stir the imagination is a crucial step in the creative process. Inspiration fuels creativity, and creativity drives great design. Without continual exploration and discovery of inspiring influences, creativity is weakened, resulting in subpar design. Whether it be watching a video, examining a photo, or meeting up to chat, take time each day to engage with other creatives and their work. The work you create as a result will be all the better for it.
While it is certainly not an all-encompassing list I wanted to shout out a few of my favorite creators and sources of inspiration. Peter McKinnon, a talented photographer & filmmaker with over 5 million subscribers on YouTube, consistently puts out content that motivates me to think bigger and create cool things.Becki and Chris are also super creative YouTubers whose niche is, well, not really a niche; they make videos about the stuff they are into, which includes but is not limited to home design, travel, and visuals. Music is also a huge part of my creative inspiration; two of my top picks include SMLE, a duo whose mission it is to put a smile on your face, andTwenty One Pilots.
