What Inspires Me?
April 2nd, 2008
A while ago I was actually reading a section in one of my Architectural Digest magazines. Usually, I don’t read them. I just look through the pictures then wonder what I’m going to do with it, and why I bought it. So what caught my interest? Designer interviews. The last segment of each one started with, “For Inspiration, I Go To…” Each one had a different answer. Some answers they gave were: their libraries, friends, history, and their travels. After several interviews my thoughts turned inward. I started asking myself where I go for inspiration. I’ve been thinking over this question for several weeks now.
I know what doesn’t inspire me: magazines (at least not initially), books, and what appears to me as the endless amount of photographs on the Internet. After looking back at my process of working through projects, I learned that I only found magazines helpful after I had idea of what I was looking for. I’d have a picture in my head of what I wanted, and then I set out to find it.
I get inspired when I see a blank space. My mind goes crazy with all the different ways it could be lived in. Sometimes that leaves me wishing I could supernaturally “create” what is in my head at the the time to see if I really like it. When a space is empty there seems to be no limits as to what it can be.
I get inspiration from beautifully designed spaces. When it first opened, I was enamored with the design of Forever 21’s accessory store For Love 21. I still walk in there just to look at the design - I’m not even interested in their products! Another place that sparks my imagination is Romy’s. It’s so unique and sophisticated. Interestingly, I gain inspiration from commercial spaces more than residential.
Inspiration also comes late at night when I should be sleeping. It crops up when I’m trying to solve a spacing problem. Possibilities and solutions race through my mind. More than once I’ve wished I could just take a snap shot of what my mind sees, and save it for later.
Lastly, I gain inspiration when I’m encouraged. It may sound strange, but it’s true. If I feel that someone thinks my design or idea is good, then I’m inspired to keep going.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Maybe you should do what my father in law does and keep a sketch book handy so you can jot down your idea in a rough sketch and that way when you wake up you can elaborate on it.
April 3rd, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I’m with Beckie - I think having something like a sketchpad handy would be a great way for you to capture those random ideas that pop into your head!