We have learned that keeping a fresh variety of creative influences helps create a final product that is also fresh. To ensure each project will be creative and new, we have found that finding the right inspiration is key. Recently we were asked by a fellow designer for some tips and advice on creating vector graphics, here is a breakdown of what we had to say (plus a little extra), with a focus on how inspiration and outside influence plays an important role:

 Research:

Generally, before we start a project, we will do some research. This can be done in a variety of ways (and it’s important to find what will work best for you), but we like to start with the client. It can be easy to get a project such as a mail-out flyer and think “I’ve done this before, I know what to do, and I know what the client wants”, however our efforts to become mind-readers have so far failed. Asking the client what they want, and what their vision is (plus examples) is one of the most simple, and direct ways to get started.

Beyond that, we will search the web up and down, left and right, for similar projects to see what others have done. There is no way to know how seeing another designers finished project will spark some creativity. So you have to get out there and seeing those projects. Checking out similar projects on the web or in print helps us establish two things before we’ve even started designing, and that is what others have done, and what others haven’t done. For each project we keep a notes file, and anything that jumps out at us or that is relevant to the project is written down here. This is our Project Inspiration.

Influence:

Cool, now we have a general idea of what we will be crafting. Next we check out more designs, but for a different goal. Now we are looking for any sort of design project that we like. Something that can influence our design in a positive way. This can come in any shape or size, But we tend to gravitate to a few sources. Taking to the streets of Instagram, we check out what some of our favorite designers are putting together. This stage of the process is really meant to get creative juices flowing in our brains, and to keep us fresh. This is our Creative Inspiration.

Style:

Pow! Look at that. By this point (before even opening Illustrator) we have established what similar projects look like. And we’ve amped up our creativity by checking out inspiring images from our favorite sources. Now we start to buckle down and establish a style or two. This is more directly related to the specific project at hand than the previous two steps. Style can include the overall feel of the project, as well as specifically how the graphics look.

So lets pretend that our project is for a Summer Sale for out door gear. One style we can choose to explore more later could be Hand lettering, building off the hand made style and creating a feel of local & personal. Another style can be Exploration, focusing on the thrill of an adventure with maps, and fantastic PNW photography. It’s very important for us to pick specific design directs so we can start creating with purpose. There are few things more disappointing that thinking “I have no idea where I’m going with this”. Even if we don’t know how to get there, we at least like to have a plan of where we are headed.

Creation:

Finally! Now we are at the creation step. With any luck, if the last few steps were fruitful, this will be easy as pie, a piece of cake, an apple fritter, applepie milkshake, a lemon bar….. oh wait, sorry, those are just our favorite desserts. Either way, This step should be easy after establishing a foundation to build from. We create in a variety of ways to reach our final design. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to be creative. Pulling elements from designs we love, styles we enjoy, and artists we admire, we can create a final product that the client is happy with and we are proud of.

By the end of the project, its easy to look back and see how much inspiration from other work helped fuel our our unique design. Being creative can’t exist in a box. The idea of creativity exists, at least for Salt Foundry, as more of an organic concept, like a cell. Starting out small, and growing over time into a full on idea, design, website, or apparel design. Moral of the story: Stay Inspired & Be Salty.