Free and Accessible Inspiration!

When one gets off track in the creative process, one of the easiest and most accessible ways to get back in touch with inspiration and motivation is right outside one’s front door. As simple as it sounds, new insights to design are available everywhere one goes – from browsing record stores or even finding the beauty in street art. Record stores can offer aspiring creators inspiration not only through musical tunes and lyrics, but also through the eclectic mixture of design found in album covers. The blending of design from different cultures is apparent throughout album art, for example. Kanye West’s “Graduation” album cover contains an Asian-designed influence by artist, Takasu Murakami, and The Velvet Underground’s debut album contains Andy Warhol’s pop art design of a banana. Out on the streets, one can possibly find inspiration through the urban scene of graffiti. Although graffiti has historically been associated with the violence of street gangs, graffiti currently holds a more artistic role in today’s society - sometimes even displaying positive messages or inspirational quotes [see picture below].

(Personal photo)

This is obvious through the accepted urban influence found in current clothing designs or tattoo art. Many young artists have been finding ways to express themselves through their public surroundings, and one can gain inspiration from such artistic expressions.