Inspiration Outside Design

Creative inspiration doesn’t just have to come from other artists. It comes easier from other artistic expressions, for instance, we can easily look at a painting and feel the desire to design something off of it, but there are other options. Science can be a good source of inspiration, be it from astronomy, biology, psychology, etc. Knowledge of physics and engineering, communications or Medieval Latin, for that matter, can greatly change your ideas. In fact looking to different disciplines usually not associated with design can produce something more interesting than what artistic perspectives can. Mathematically determined perspectives ushered in a new era of Renaissance painting. The study of optics influenced modern painting movements like Pointillism and Futurist works. Concepts of psychology push modern comic book artists to play with their brushwork.

Good designers understand that inspiration can come from outside traditional artistic resources. Design is a part of society and so must draw from society in order to be universally interesting, to expand its boundaries. College is a good time for design students to experience disciplines outside the design major, because so many choices are offered to them. They should take science, literature, history, or language classes; whatever interests them. Joining clubs or Greek houses, getting a job, or volunteering would be other options, anything to talk to non-design people. Not only would it give them a unique perspective to add to their design, but it would help them better in touch with the rest of the world. That way, they get to know their clients better; after all, they’re designing for all of society, not just other designers.