Brilliant graphic design work can be found almost everywhere you look. From the way information is presented on websites, to product and brand advertising materials, you just have to take the time to notice it. In order to record graphic design inspiration it is worth carrying a pen, pencil and a scrapbook so that you can keep a record of the inspirational things that you see. A camera will also help you to record these things more effectively. This article lists several of the places that you can find some graphic design inspiration.
Brochures, Leaflets, Websites, Advertising Materials
Whenever you see any advertising material take a deeper look at its design elements. What colour schemes are used? How are the words and images positioned? What logo is used? What grabs your eye? Graphic design inspiration can be found in a huge range of places. Experts say we are exposed to up to 5000 advertising messages a day! And each of these messages will almost always incorporate some element of graphic design. Keep your eyes peeled for them and record anything that inspires you.
Design Journals
There are several large books, journals and magazines that are entirely dedicated to the world of graphic design. You can find these by searching for them in large libraries or bookstores. You can also try looking and ordering them online. Some reading materials are available in a subscription format, so that you will be able to receive a regular dose of inspiration through your door. These types of materials are also useful for when you are taking a graphic design educational course, as you can build up a collection of them and refer to them as and when you need to.
Art Galleries
A lot of art, particularly modern art, incorporates graphic design elements. You can also get inspiration from the colour schemes, textures, layout and the subject matter of all artwork. If you are lucky enough to live in a big city then be sure to take regular trips to art galleries. The Tate Gallery in London is one of the largest modern art galleries in the world, and it is sure to provide you with a lot of inspiration. If you are unable to take a trip there then you can always take a look at their website to see what artwork they are displaying. You can also find images of famous artworks online.
Fonts
There are millions of fonts available to use. A font alone can inspire a new graphic design project, or help you to complete and existing one. One of the best places to look for new fonts is to check out some of the websites that are dedicated to displaying a range of fonts, such as DaFont or MyFonts. These websites allow you to browse through the list of fonts that they have available. Many of the fonts are also free to use for personal projects, and require a small donation for commercial use.
