Lacking inspiration? Looking for fresh ideas and ways to get creative? While working or studying in the creative field might be your dream job, it’s inevitable that at some point you’ll suffer from a creative block.

To help you re-engage, we’ve compiled a list of ways you can enhance your creativity including some of the latest trends you’d be taught on graphic design courses.

  1. Focus on typography 

Having a bold and noticeable typography is an essential part of design you’ll be taught on graphic design courses. Thicker, bolder and more aesthetic patterns are currently on trend. Try experimenting with different typography and thinking about how certain typefaces will look on websites, advertisements, posters, logos and more. However, be sure to keep things simple so as not to overwhelm the viewer!

  1. Pinterest 

Giving shape to new things is not an easy task and a lot of designers turn to online mediums to find relevant ideas. Pinterest can be a great space to get a much needed boost. It is used by many artists for putting together new projects, relevant trends and other designs. You can simply follow your contemporaries to get inspiration or create your Pinterest page using illustrations and other useful tools. 

  1. Abstract illustrations 

Graphic design courses will teach you that the use of illustrations are an important part of a brand’s identity. Nowadays, the focus is on creating lucid and dream-like illustrations that are highly unique – such illustrations have been adopted by many companies in recent times. The use of this technique can be seen in some of TfL’s recent safety posters; the imagery is instantly recognisable, even from a far distance. Why not test out creating abstract designs and see if this boosts your creativity?

  1. Add humour 

This one is a bit tricky but if done right, it can have a lasting impression with the client or employer. You can experiment with visual representation and add something humorous to it for a personal touch. This adds uniqueness to your work and brings it to life, making it stand out among other pieces. However, you should make sure that the comical aspect of the design should be witty and not demeaning. 

  1. Animation 

Animation is also an important element of design. Graphic design courses aim to teach students how to make their work more interactive, which is possible through the use of animation. Motion graphics are highly appealing and easily engage the audience making them a personal favourite of clients as well. They serve as a great marketing tool in influencing consumers effectively. You could spend some time investigating how to create animations or watch clips of other graphic designers’ work to help you come up with new content.

  1. Shutterstock 

Finding good quality and interesting pictures is a necessity for every graphic designer. If you are looking for inspiration or are in dire need of a great image, then Shutterstock can be very useful. You can use this app on your phone to easily download royalty-free pictures and can even share them with your friends. Shutterstock has a host of designs and ideas which can be put to excellent use with the help of relevant skills.  

  1. Content 

The BA (Hons) Graphic Design certainly goes a long way in helping to build your expertise in design but you are also taught to pay attention to the content part of it. Having some copywriting knowledge and using it in your visual art can add another layer of distinctness to it. A catchy tagline on a design not only captures the attention of the audience but provides it with a novel personality as well. 

Using the above ideas can certainly add a new spark of life to your creative designs. Students who are keen to step into this field can look into relevant courses at London College of Contemporary Arts. Start pursuing your passion today and learn the skills and knowledge necessary for success as a graphic designer.

 

This article was written by Nandita Kaushal and edited by Emma Chadwick.