Great ideas are rarely ever 100% truly original. All ideas are an evolution of something existing from before. Everything is a remix. And to craft a quality remix, you need good material. In other words, tasteful inspiration. If you want to generate great ideas and create exceptional design, you must constantly gather and curate your inspiration.
These days, inspiration tends to start with Pinterest, Instagram, or Behance. But it shouldn’t stop there. Because everybody and their mother is looking in those same places. That’s how we end up with homogenous tech illustrations and “Eames” chairs in every coffee shop. Everyone remixing the same ideas. No, the best inspiration is your life. Ideas can be inspired by your favorite childhood toy, a walk in the park, or a conversation with a stranger. They can come from major milestones like having your first child. But they also show up in the little things you do every day like watching a movie or washing the dishes.
The key is to be aware and receptive to inspiration. Instead of being a passive consumer of life, be an active observer of the world. Be curious and ask questions. How did the creator achieve this look? Where did this style come from? What is the purpose of this piece of work? Channel your inner 5-year-old and say, “I wonder…” at least once every day. That’s how you harvest unique material.
