7 Must-Know Inspiration Ideas For Graphic Designers
Published on: Sep 01, 2023
"Are you a beginner Graphic Designer, stepping into the world of design and art but unsure of how to find your muse?"
Well, if you are the one then you've landed in the perfect place. Creativity knows no bounds, but it needs to be discovered by every designer.
It doesn't matter if you're an experienced designer or a newbie, we all need sources of inspiration from time to time.
So get ready to explore some of the amazing design inspirations with us that can enlighten every graphic designer's world.
1. Storytelling Through Symbolism:
When working on a design concept, instead of writing all your ideas and thoughts, try to draw or sketch them. If hand sketches are not your thing, then use clip art and symbols to explain your concept for your design.
For instance, for a business name that is sturdy and bold, use symbolism such as a mountain, a hammer, a rock, or a lion. Similarly, you can use Symbolism to explain the story behind your concept. It is not only a fun way to work on your project but will also help you gain inspiration for your design.
2. Typographic Theatre
If symbols and drawings are not working for you, then try to experiment with typography. You can play around with the words by mixing and matching fonts, jazzing up the spacing, and creating unique symphonies to add personality and depth to your designs. Use graph paper as your stage and treat the alphabet as a musical instrument.
You can experiment with writing techniques such as palindrome, anagram, calligram, etc. to get your creativity flowing.
3. Learn From The Masters:
All masters were learners once, so if you are wondering how they did it, try studying their work. Draw inspiration from history’s greatest artists such as Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Leonardo Di Caprio, etc., and delve deep into their works. Engulf yourself with art and visit museums, virtual or physical, and try to enhance your artistic taste buds.
You can see all the artwork displayed in the world’s famous museums such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Van Gogh Museum, Vatican Museums, the State Hermitage Museum, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and so on. The list is endless! The best part is that you don’t have to even leave the comfort of your cozy seats. Use the online websites of the museums and experience the virtual tours. Who knows someday you might end up exclaiming ‘Eureka’ too!
4. Tour Different Eras:
The past and history are timeless teachers, not just for the history buffs but for the designers too. You can switch to the 90s, 80s, and 70s, and even go all the way back to the Middle Ages to find inspiration for your next piece. Discover different art forms and how one type of art influenced an entire nation and its architecture.
Browse through the art movements such as Rococo, Baroque, Neoclassicism, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Victorian, Minimalism, Pop Art, etc., and immerse yourself into the metaverse of art and design.
5. Color Palette:
You can also experiment with colors if all else fails. Color palettes and color theory are great ways to start your conceptual designs. This way you can focus only on the colors of your project without stressing yourself about the rest of the designs. Colors are a great way to explore your creativity and open up your brain's creative corners. Revisit the color theories you have studied in the past or if you haven’t studied them before, start from the basics today. You never know you might end up seeing sparkling colors at the end of the tunnel!
Pro-tip: A great tool that can help you get inspired with color palettes is Color Mind. With the help of this tool, you can choose a starting color and generate varying color pallets based on it.
6. Design Communities & Social Media Platforms:
As a dedicated member of the graphic design world, you should consistently follow all the popular design communities and social media platforms. This way, you can study the latest trends in design and keep yourself updated with the world of art. If you are a graphic designer, don’t limit yourself to graphic design only. Follow different design forms such as architecture, interior design, products, sculptures, etc.
Platforms such as Behance, Dribbble, Instagram, and Pinterest are a great way to bombard yourself with the art and design community. These will not only help you get inspiration for your projects, but you can also share your work, study other’s work, and get reviews from your fellow designers. Graphic design brands such as Pentagram, Landor, Mucho, M/M Paris, Ueno, MetaDesign, etc. are only a handful of names from the long, never-ending list of graphic design brands that can help inspire your next project. Follow the most successful designers on social media and see what they are up to.
7. Make AI Your Assistant:
If all else fails and you are desperate for some quick source of inspiration, you can turn to AI tools. There is no doubt the biggest news of 2023 has been the advent of AI tools. While some are busy fearing that AI might take over their jobs, the smartest people on earth are embracing these tools and utilizing them to maximize their potential. AI tools if used as a helping hand, can help you inspire your designs and break the art block you are stuck in. Tools such as Artbreeder, Deep Dream Generator, & DALL-E can prove fruitful if used cleverly. Some tools offer limited free features so be mindful of this fact and use them cautiously.
Important note: Never copy anything entirely, as it might discourage your creative skills in the long run and damage your artistic reputation!
Use these tools as an inspiration and don’t cheat!
P.S. Google's Quick, Draw! is a fun tool that you can use to sharpen your artistic senses. It provides small art prompts and gives you 20 seconds to draw an object which is a great exercise for all artistic brains.
Final Words
If you follow any of these practical design ideas and make them a part of your daily routine, you will be able to unlock your full design potential. These tips can also help you free yourself from the chains of your art block and think creatively. By tapping into the sea of the sources mentioned above, you can boost your creativity, push the boundaries of your designs, and make them stand out. Always keep in mind that creativity is a journey unique to every individual, it can neither be stolen nor be copied from others. But it can be polished and harnessed from within yourself. So try some of the tips that have been shared with you today and share your ideas and thoughts with us.
Author: Sara Musawar | Reviewed by: Zonaira Ali