The Three Be’s and The Path to Inspiration « Web design, web development, marketing and strategy blog by Foraker Design of Boulder, Colorado

The Three Be’s and The Path to Inspiration

tips on how to be inspired in the field of web design

Joshua Giblette |Jun 5th, 2009 Posted in Web Design

Lack of inspiration can be one of the most frustrating parts of being a web designer. If you have felt the depressing and deflating feeling of “designer’s block”, including a lack of true inspiration, don’t worry–you’re not alone. Every designer suffers through this from time to time, its just part of the process. Remember that true design inspiration never comes in the first few minutes or even hours of a project, but is brought forth through many “horrible” concepts, sketches and ideas. This process is what defines the actual inspiration. It’s working through those first irritating and frustrating attempts that helps you better understand what doesn’t work.

By studying what doesn’t work, you will find your mind flooded with ideas and solutions that will improve your previous concepts. By letting the process ride itself out, you will come to a solution that you are happy with and that you know has a solid foundation of purpose and meaning.

So, how do you get the ball of inspiration rolling? There are many avenues you can take to begin the process but I will touch on the prominent three that I use everyday.

Be inspired by others

One of the best things about being a web designer is having a vast amount of resources at our fingertips. A great way to start a project is to go out and just browse, really take some time and review as many websites as you can. Explore designs that are in the same style/category as your current project as well as some that are in a completely different genre. Even though the overall purpose of the website may be completely different than your current project, by studying what works or doesn’t work on those sites, you may find one single element that truly inspires you. So be sure to take time and review every detail.

A few places I go to be inspired:

Be inspired by life

We can start our journey for inspiration on the web, but shouldn’t forget how much there is to take in just from our natural surroundings. One thing I love to try and implement in many of my designs is the invaluable detail of texture. I have found myself being inspired by the simplest thing in my office, home or outdoors. I often stop to sketch a pattern of a tree trunk or the shapes of the wood grain in my desk. There are just so many details and wonderfully crafted elements of design in life to not be inspired.

Be inspired by yourself

Study your own work. There is more inspiration in your personal work than you may think. Remember those “horrible” ideas that just didn’t quite work that I mentioned earlier? Have another look. Maybe with a little finesse those old ideas may be perfect for your current project. So resurrect all of those old comps and study those forgotten ideas. Something may spark your next award-winning design.

Above all, remember not to get down on yourself when the inevitable “designer’s block” hits. We all go through rough patches where we wonder if inspiration will ever come! I promise it will. It’s all part of the journey. Take a deep breath and enjoy the ride!

Joshua Giblette - Art Director — Joshua has been excessively addicted to web design and development since 2002. He thoroughly enjoys creating new ways to push modern online interactions and trends to the next level, as well as motivating, teaching and sharing personal design philosophies with others any way he can.