Yes, blogging has been around for years, but having just discovered the incredible potential of the blog medium, I am excited because it represents a forum through which I can share some "how to's", techniques, and design samples which I employ in my creative enterprise, Taylor Graphics, LLC.
For example: How do I come up with ideas for any given project?
Usually the best ideas begin to germinate when I am away from my office, when my brain is not in crunch mode. I always have a pen and some post-it notes handy to write down my inspirations which I further develop at the office. The fresh air of nature photography and regular exercise assist me in clearing my brain so that new ideas can take root. If the body is weak and atrophied, the brain usually is, too.
I subscribe to what Charles Schulz, the late cartoonist, said about creativity, and I paraphrase: "Every bit of knowledge and education you acquire in life will aid you in your quest for ideas in the work you do."
Putting myself in my client's shoes, I do a lot of free association, combining seemingly unrelated subjects or motifs to weave a design or a piece of art which is totally unique. The trick is to keep the development of ideas simple, because when they start to transform themselves into logos, websites, brochures or illustrations it is very tempting to add elements rather than to say more with less.
Years of summoning ideas for editorial cartoons - with accompanying brain cramps - has helped to hone the process of idea construction.
