Behind The Scenes: Creative Process
As a designer my job is to turn complex ideas into designs that are simple and clear. Designers are able to simplify and give clarity to a lot of information through color and other design principles. In order to communicate a message clearly, a lot of behind the scenes goes into making a design.
1) Study The Client: My first step when starting a new project is studying the client. I learn what they like, hobbies, motivations, etc. Each person is unique and that is what I enjoy about creating personalized work. Capturing the client’s essence is the foundation that will make them love and feel connected to the design. Based on this information I am able to start looking for inspiration.
Color inspiration found in dry Shampoo package design
2) Finding Inspiration: This step can be as simple as a Google search or going into Pinterest and creating a mood board. When I am about to start a project, I get in “the zone” and anything can turn into inspiration. Inspiration can come from nature or from objects in my surroundings. An example of how simple objects can become inspiration is a dry shampoo bottle that I found while I was trying to figure out and visualize a color palette. Going to the grocery store can also be a great place to get inspiration. Package design integrates color, shapes and patterns into three dimensional objects.
3) Sketching: Once I have collected enough inspiration, I am able to create a mood board, which gets me ready for the next step, sketching. It is really amazing how inspiration gets the mind going, ideas come and go quickly, so its important to have a pen and paper for quick sketches.
Quick sketches/ Creative process
Sketching is important because it gets the ideas out of the head. Sometimes the first idea seems as the best option, but its amazing to see how it can evolve and become something much better. Sketches offer a visual image of the concept and an opportunity to edit ideas and discard the ones that do not work. It gives direction and allows clarity, helping keep an organized process. They help me visualize what colors suit the concept the best, and how different design elements (text, typography, white space, etc) interact.
Looking for inspiration and sketching is a great place to start when creativity is just not coming. One simple idea can lead to another and another and so on. For example, a simple sketch of a flower can lead to analyze the petals, the flower can begin to look like a sunflower which will give direction into selescting a color palette and integrating elements.
