forums : Designer Genes

what do you use to make/think up stuff?

other than the power of your awesome brain, is there anything else thats a constant "go to" (that you can share.. haha) ?


i have my POS laptop i want to replace with a macbook, but theres just something about stuffing my laptop, my s**t scanner, and randomly setting up shop somewhere (public library, park, randomly park somewhere) that really helps me work .

kinda weird eh?

i know a few people who have like, a collections folder, where theyll just rip stuff out of magazines or books, or anything interesting theyll keep in there. also i know of a few guys who have a notebook with them ALL THE TIME and just write stuff in it to remind them of ideas later.

anything work for you, other than just trying?

Re: what do you use to make/think up stuff?

For me at least, its all about brainstorming and sketching before you jump on the computer. I keep a sketch/note pad in my car cuz thats usually where i come up with most of my ideas.

Re: what do you use to make/think up stuff?

weed.

Re: what do you use to make/think up stuff?

nature and the world around me... nature is the most perfect example of design (not a creationist!!!!), all peices functioning in unison. So I wholeheartedly agree with finding a nice spot in the park and just working for hours. Also you can never beat good art. And i dont mean being a biter, but looking at art and being reminded of how far you have to push something to make true original quality. essentially, keep all 3 eyes open. damn i sound like a f**kin hippy.

Re: what do you use to make/think up stuff?

i make thumbnail sketches all the time at work especially when we meet for brainstorming sessions. my desk at the studio is littered w/ post-its every where. also, try creating what is called a "mind-map". start by writing down 1 word in the center of a big piece of paper. then add branches of words off of it that relate. let's say u start w/ the word "tree". one branch could be "leaf". off of "leaf" could be "green" and so on and so on...

i use mind-maps when i'm looking to comp up branding / logo solutions.

Re: what do you use to make/think up stuff?

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According to teekay ...

weed.
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everytime i try that i get nothing done : ( and i get all weird paranoid hahahaha

Re: what do you use to make/think up stuff?

That is a bad ass idea Joey..

[snag]


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According to jos ...

i make thumbnail sketches all the time at work especially when we meet for brainstorming sessions. my desk at the studio is littered w/ post-its every where. also, try creating what is called a "mind-map". start by writing down 1 word in the center of a big piece of paper. then add branches of words off of it that relate. let's say u start w/ the word "tree". one branch could be "leaf". off of "leaf" could be "green" and so on and so on...

i use mind-maps when i'm looking to comp up branding / logo solutions.
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Re: what do you use to make/think up stuff?

i fill my sketchbooks with visual free associations.

i got a 10 page handout / pdf on creativity and inspiration. look under 'kick in the pants.'

http://web.mac.com/hellvetica/iWeb/Site/presentation.html

also a youtube video of one of my sketchbooks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7w7wFC8GVs