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3 Rules of Seeking Inspiration

tagged Ideas by Jon

All designers and developers are fueled by inspiration. The way we transform that inspiration into our own masterpieces should be treated with care.

There is absolutely no problem with seeking out ideas to help us improve our work. The problem lies in becoming fixated on our inspiration and not being able to translate it into our own. I believe that even the most well-intentioned designer can cross the lines of copying without realizing it.

This is something I have been guilty of and was recently put in a very embarrassing spot when it was brought to my attention. I looked back to see where I went wrong and came up with three rules to go by when seeking inspiration.

Look for outside sources

There are dozens of website galleries that make perfect grounds for seeking out that next great idea. However, I believe that the true master will look to outside sources for ideas. Such as magazines, movie posters or a children’s toy. Think beyond the medium that you are designing in.

I have recently made a conscious effort to look around at the things around me and ask myself how I could apply that to my next design. I recently purchased a new car that has an incredibly user friendly interface in the dash and steering wheel. This has provided all sorts of ideas that can be translated into a website’s user interface.

So, before you start your next project, step away from your computer to start looking for fresh new ideas. Some of the most original ideas start with ink on a paper napkin.

Make it your own

When receiving feedback for your latest design, the last thing you want to hear is, “Hey this looks just like Bob’s design!” Or, find your self listed at Pirated Sites. There is the saying that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. I have learned that this isn’t always the case. Try telling that to your competition after you have ripped off their site.

If you find your design looking too similar to your inspiration, revise. Revise and then revise again. I think this is where many go wrong. Continue to transform your work until it is 100% your own. Inspiration should be your starting grounds, not the end result.

Anything that is not 100% your own, give credit to. Be sure to honor those who have inspired you.

Copy the Inspiration, Not the Outcome

In the article Good Designers Copy, Great Designers Steal, Cameron Moll was right on the dime when he brought up the idea to copy the inspiration, not the outcome.

What is it that you like about your inspiration? The specific colors? Or, the way those colors make you feel. Is it the cool use of gradients? Or the sense of depth that the gradients create? Think hard about why a certain piece catches your attention.

Take a deep look at your inspiration, figure out why it inspires you, write it down and never look at it again. Continually toggling back and forth between your own design and your inspiration will render your own creative juices useless.

Where do you get your inspiration?

We have all seen websites upon websites of inspirational galleries. You probably even have a collection of bookmarks to your places of inspiration.

Try rethinking where you seek out ideas. Make a list of inspirations that live outside the world of pixels and let me know what you come up with.