I have been on a creative roll. I can't even sleep at night. I think of new designs nonstop. I can't shut it off. As a product designer I am often asked how I find inspiration. I thought I would share a little about the process for me.
I am really inspired by my surroundings. I am very visual so I love to go shopping, look at clothing catalogs, and watch for upcoming trends. Traveling for me is almost always instant inspiration. I always have a notebook and pen in my purse. I sketch, draw and write down inspiration as soon as it come. I like to walk around and just absorb. My background in Interior Design influences my designs. I always think when designing papers- Could it be wallpaper? Could it be fabric? Could it be framed and put in a home? I find myself at stores like Z Galleria, Pottery Barn, Gatehouse No.1, Home Goods etc. I then think about "the story." What is the story or message of a particular line? I love typography. I love the beauty of fonts and definitely am particular with which ones I like and will use while designing.
Example- Far & Away collection-
I was in Portugal teaching and I fell in LOVE with the country. I loved the tile work. I loved the buildings and artwork. It inspired the blues and grays with the pop of red for this line.
For me the color for a collection is usually my starting point. I grativitate toward traditional, classic and timeless designs. However, I know in order to grow as a designer, owner and artist you must evolve. Sometimes you have to take risks. I always follow my heart in my designs and what I bring to the crafting industry. After thousands of papers designed and many years, I still love what I do. I am passionate about the process. It's weird but you just KNOW when you've done a line that "makes you tingle" and will do well. If I did a line and did not feel this way then I would not manufacture it. Again, if I don't love it and want to create with it- how can I expect my customers to?
It is a different process when I design a project or layout. I would LOVE to know what inspires YOU? Is it the product first or the photos? I would love your thoughts...
Today I am sharing my design team projects from their blog.
SHE SAID collection by Julie Jacob. Okay, this is so fresh! That is my new word for what I am loving right now. It's crisp, clean and shows the beautiful colors in the line. I simply love Julie's stitching!!!
She said: papers, decorative tape, die cuts, chipboard, file folder, enamel dots, stickers and borders.
This cute banner is with the MEMORIES collection mixed with SHE SAID. Rachel McAffee does stunning home decor. I really love how she mixed two different collections.
Here is SHE SAID collection tag designed by Sesil Cratin. She is the Education Director for my company. Honestly, she does so much more. We talk almost every day on all the day to day operations and she allows me to focus on designing. I love her cards and tags- she has mad skills.
This project is by Dedra Hall. She is using SHE SAID for her book. We had this book at CHA in the booth. Dedra does books like no one else. She is clever and innovative with what she does with the products. She loved being different and I find her so inspiring. I love how she used the SHE SAID buttons (put a gem inside), enamel dots (so random), and the file folders (added stitching) to her page. Okay... she designs outside of the box!
This is the new MEMORIES collection. This stunning layout is from Suzanne Sergi. I love how she used the stitched garland in two places. Yes, even inside the doily. I think she is pro at layering and balance.
So if you are wanting to find more inspiration- make sure you subscribe to my design team's blog- www.teresacollinsdesignteam.blogspot.com
Hope you have a GREAT day! I am home designing today, having another conference call (I have these almost daily) from my home- it's crazy snowing today and I will not be driving today. Each week, I have most days where I work from home and then maybe two each week that I spend at my office. I love the office, but I get distracted by all the commotion and talk too much there. Just like I was in Jr. High School- go figure....
