THE SPARK REDUX

STANLEY HAINSWORTH

ALONG THE DESIGN JOURNEY THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO HELP IGNITE INSPIRATION. THE WORLD AROUND US IS WAITING TO BE SAMPLED, CROPPED, AND FOCUSED. DON’T SQUANDER A MINUTE. INSPIRATION IS WAITING FOR YOU IF YOU’LL JUST LOOK FOR IT.

LEAVE YOURSELF OPEN TO NEW IDEAS. The only way that designers such as Marian Bantjes can be so über-inspiring is by letting inspiration come into their lives. I get so busy trying to be creative to come up with the next genius idea that, many times, I don’t take the time to let my mind connect with all the things that are already crammed into my gray matter.

TAKE FEWER PHOTOS. Staring into the eyes of Stefan Bucher is like staring into creative space. He is an intense creator. Being able to see the world around me as an open source stock idea house is a liberating thought. From anything I see, from any two items I want to juxtapose, I can create inspiring thoughts and ideas.

TAKE MORE PHOTOS. As Greg Hoffman’s amazing journey through the Olympics and Nike ID shows, having an unlimited source of photos to look at and draw from to create fortuitous mashups can take your mind to unexpected places. The past is available to everyone. To be able to mine that for new inspiration for future projects is exciting.

MAKE MORE OF YOUR OWN STUFF. Joel Templin and Katie Jain are designers, friends, and business partners. They created a business around their passion for wine. And they’ve done it without compromise. There are many opportunities to turn your passions into part of your professional life. Explore the options to take that step.

EXPRESS YOUR PASSION MORE OPENLY. If you’ve ever had the chance to see or speak with Michael Jager you will feel his passion for design. He lives it. Having the courage to try something new and accepting the outcome shows a willingness to keep growing and learning.

ADD HUMOR AND PERSPECTIVE. The wry humor that underlies the creative passion of Christopher Simmons is evident in his work and his person. Being able to keep your work life in perspective will benefit all facets of your life. If you depend only on your creative output at work to fill all your creative needs, you’ll be disappointed. Always have a project where you are your own client for perspective and to feed yourself creatively.

DO WORK THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO DANCE. When I look at the work of someone such as Fernanda Cohen, it makes me want to stand up and dance or break out in song. When a designed piece is really good, it triggers an emotional connection with the viewer. This is never coincidence; this comes from careful observation of the human condition and a disciplined hand.

HAVE INTERESTING FRIENDS. I displayed Jorge Alderete’s work in the Tether Design Gallery and I couldn’t wait to go into work everyday so that I could be surrounded by the workings of his mind. Being inspired by the work of others is very rewarding. Every person we meet has years of experiences encapsulated within his or her body. How can their story become part of ours?