How do great designers continuously come up with fresh creative ideas time after time?
Good designers will find their creative spark in all sorts of different places. As for me, I get inspired by art, architecture, the countryside, product design, my loft, fashion, writing, DIY shops, cinema, my kids and music.
At Westgate, we have an ideas wall in the design studio. Every time one of the team sees something they like, whether it's a book, a piece of graphic design, a great idea, even an experience, they put it on the wall for everyone to see. It is amazing how all of these personal influences can form stepping stones to creating the next idea. But, it goes without saying that this process is not about copying an existing idea but about seeking stimuli from a wide range of sources to spark the next wave of creativity.
In my mind, developing new ideas is all about the ability to connect experiences and influences and remix them into something new. There is no denying great creatives have taken old ideas, twisted and shaped them into something new – no one starts with a blank canvas. Quentin Tarantino is a brilliant example of someone who uses cinematic influences and remasters them into his own particular dramatic vision. He could never be accused of copying, he is too creative.
If you have a large pool of experiences and influences to draw upon, your ideas will always be far richer and more original – don't forget 'if you stop feeding the engine it is going to run out of gas'.
So, if you are looking for a design team who can develop original creative design ideas, all inspired from a wide range of sources but ones that will add real commercial value to your business, please do not hesitate to get in touch for an initial discussion. shaun@westgatecomms.com