Nature. Music. Nowhere. Inspiration can strike at any time for any — or no — reason. Sometimes, you find patterns in where you find inspiration. You find a muse or two; sources that free your imagination and fuel your creativity. Here’s what works for us.
Dennis Bonifer, Creative Director
I get most inspired from other’s work. Back in the day, Communication Arts, Print and How were great places to look. Now, sources have grown exponentially. A few of my favorites are dribbble, thedieline, and surprisingly, Pinterest has really grown on me.
Depending on the project, the daily emails I get from AdWeek and other industry sites can be an unexpected source of inspiration. When it comes to packaging projects, I love strolling down the aisles of big box liquor stores, regardless of the category.
Jim Deweese, Associate Creative Director
Recently, I’ve found myself more and more inspired by nature. Colors, patterns, textures. Especially macro-photos of common objects. My color palettes lately have included lots of greens, browns and blues.
Rob Womack, Motion Department Director
The act of creation is a compulsion for me. If I’m not doing something, I’m planning something. If I’m not planning something, I’m thinking about something. Regardless of whether it’s a video, music, art, interactive or home improvement project, there’s always something brewing in my mind. I approach all my projects by looking at the big picture, as well as the details, simultaneously.
Inspiration for me usually comes at the edge of sleep. I think that my subconscious mind is much better equipped to puzzle out problems and deliver new ideas, and I often get what I call “brainwaves” as I am waking up, or falling asleep. Some of my best ideas pop into my head fully formed as I wake up, so I’ve learned to trust that if I can’t figure out a problem, a solution will present itself to me some early morning.
Chaney Given, Art Director
I find inspiration to be very fluid. It can come in a wide variety of forms and has a habit of sneaking up on you. In my experience, a truly inspired idea will present itself on its own accord. Sometimes it’s when I’m on my motorcycle riding home, working out, laying down to sleep or seeing something new and artistic. When the inspiration does strike, it’s like a jolt of energy that creates a new perspective on the task at hand. And once that energy begins to pulse, I like to throw accelerant on it in the form of loud, fast music.
Garry Dennison, Art Director
I like to visit designspiration and look around for inspiration when I’m stuck in a creative hole. I find that I randomly get inspired by ads I see on TV or in print, as well. And music is a good place I draw inspiration from. I’m always looking for NEW music to listen to and get the creative juices flowing.
Jessy Blanchard, Copywriter
There’s nothing more intimidating for a writer than the emptiness of a blank page. When I look for inspiration, I use a lot of visual aids. Kind of like a mood board — I find colors and images and patterns that evoke the message or emotion I’m going for. I also find that instrumental music sets off my train of thought; it’s a little weird when you try to write words while someone else sings words.
If I need to kickstart that Big Idea, brisk walks, tactile puzzle games, showers and falling asleep always seem to do the trick. So I keep pen and paper by the bed and a waterproof notepad in the shower.
Get Inspired
No matter where inspiration comes from, the important thing is to seize it when it strikes. And if you’re looking for inspiration, well, here you go.
