Is it even possible to create something new? 🤔
In this time and age, it feels like most ideas have already been explored. Design is constantly streamed across the globe, new brands surface almost every day and designers are creating even more shiny work. So in this era of extreme creativity, expression, possibility and constant evolution, are we still able to create innovative work?
Our currency is original ideas. But original thinking is rare and very hard to find or generate. So how do we make sure our ideas are as unique as they can be?
No. 1
Turn it all off 📵
Don’t look at what’s out there. Don’t try to get inspired by blogs, artists or generally outside inputs. Creative minds absorb these inputs very easily. You might not realise it, but subconsciously, you are training your mind to conform to an existing aesthetic. So turn everything off and instead.
No. 2
Look within 🔍
Not at or by yourself but at the project you are facing. Dissect and understand your brief. Look at your client. Look at their world, their needs, the space in which they function. Immerse yourself in all that, and try to understand them. Then take that knowledge and translate it into design.
No. 3
Surprise yourself 🤯
We all have our own ways of thinking. In order to break out from yours, you need to think differently. It sounds strange, but often, going against what you’d normally do, can result in great ideas. So go on, surprise yourself. Do something different. Try something new. Make it weird. Make it marvellous!
No. 4
Be brave 💥
Often different ideas seem off at first. It takes bravery to pursue them. They won’t always work either. But ask yourself this: do you want to be the designer whose work passes unnoticed, or do you want to be the one who creates new–and usually weird–things?
No. 5
Keep iterating 🛠️
Once a great idea comes along, you shouldn’t just stop there. Keep evolving the idea further, pushing against your own mind’s limitations and breaking through. Don’t let it be just another good idea. Turn it into something great. Make it exceptional!
I’m curious to know…
What’s your way into original ideas? How do you usually help your mind to find those eureka moments? Does it come naturally or do you have to make it happen?
Let’s end on something inspiring
💖 The Girl vs Cancer brand and campaigns are one of my favourite out there lately. It feels like they don’t shy away from being bold, borderline uncomfortable–but so is cancer–and nailing it.
🦄 I’m in love with Spline, a free 3D design software with real-time collaboration to create web interactive experiences in the browser.
🤙 Heineken x Bodega launch the boring phone, an “antidote to the barriers smart tech pose to nights out”.
