I have been a member of LinkedIn for nearly a year and have never really delved into what it can do or what is available. I have spent the past couple of days investigating and joining new groups and can say I think it maybe a very handy network site to be a part of. For all those interested in connecting, the link here to send an invite to us. It would be good to meet liked-mind design oddities and other creatives.

Now to get on wih some work!

I got asked by client the other day how I come up with the ideas I do for my work and what keeps the ideas flowing and it got me thinking.

At some point in a designers life their design mind goes blank. It has happened to me and other designers I know. How do we combat it?  By pulling inspiration from various sources. Me personally I visit sites such as FFFOUND!, Grain Edit and underoneroof. I also like to get out and about with my camera, get some ideas captured of things I see and like on my wanderings. I always like to keep up-to-date with current trends and like to learn new skills, this is a good way of keeping the creative spark lit.

Remember when you were in college (or are in college) and you had the hard-back ideas books for doodling and sticking stuff in, keep that going long after college and you will have a source of good information and ideas for a long time.

So, instead of staring at that blank Illustrator document, grab a magazine, fire up one of the sites linked above or get outside and take a look around. Stop the brain from having time to go into neutral gear and make sure it runs in fifth.

Happy designing folks.