Cardinal Connections

1. Cardinal Connections Creativity NOW! Ten tricks to motivate your muse

2. Designs should be engaging, informative, and memorable. slide shows • posters • newsletters • brochures • ads • handouts • lessons websites • documentation • logos • banners • flyers • interactive exercises games • certificates • table signs • business cards • t-shirts • videos • forms announcements • invitations • programs • signs • novelties • booths • seminars CD and DVD covers • tickets • product labels • packaging labels • grant proposals animations • point-of-purchase displays • resumes • articles for submission Involve Inform Inspire

3. Organize project files for inspiration • Preserve original files; copy to the project file and work on the copy • Store original images and drawings in one place • Look for ideas from images and drawings you already have, to use as is, to modify, or to inspire • Look for ideas from projects you’ve completed • Use a Media Manager such as Adobe Bridge or Picasa, or the thumbnail view in My Computer to view multiple images all at once

4. Organize project files for inspiration

5. Create and maintain a library • Copy project pieces into individual files and store them in one place • Search your hard drive for .JPG’s in the Programs directory • Look for ideas by viewing your library

7. Create and maintain a list of resource URLs • Use Bookmarks or Favorites; set up folders for categories • Use Word or Notepad to add photo credits and other info such as the terms of use Creative Commons Google search for images: gov http://www.graphics.com/modules.php?name=Web_Links http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/ http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/ http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Graphics.shtml http://www.loc.gov/index.html http://www.sxc.hu/category/1256 http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos/ http://photobucket.com http://www.freegreatpicture.com/wallpaper-gallery

8. Search for stimulus • Create a system to keep track of inspirations as you find them – colors, layouts, concepts • Search for images in Google -- vintage signs in a Google image search will display a style, for example • Search for images in Google by using descriptive words -- vintage, modern, contemporary, state-of-the-art, upbeat, dramatic, art deco • http://www.designparagon.com/ • http://www.ictlic.eq.edu.au/veryflashchristmas/veryflashchristmascs55.html • http://www.wildbillssoda.com/index.aspx • http://dribbble.com/ • http://colorschemedesigner.com/ • http://designspiration.net/ • http://kuler.adobe.com/#themes/rating?time=30 • http://mashable.com/2009/03/16/design-inspiration/ • http://www.smashingmagazine.com/ • http://www.deviantart.com/

9. Use typography as art

10. Enhance a photo

11. Enhance a photo

12. Look at the Big Picture

13. Involve Inform Inspire

14. Make it personal

15. Make it personal

16. Ask a question

17. Look at the Big Picture

18. Make a comparison to a familiar concept • Growth: a seedling becomes a flower, a tree becomes a forest, a person becomes a crowd • Progress: architecture, blueprints, frame; measuring cup, rain gauge, yardstick, ruler; building, bricks, doors, windows, floors • Transition: movie transitions, seasons, clock – passage of time, temperature – barometer • Results: sunrise – sunset, rainy day – sunny day, falling leaves • Journey: road signs, construction zone, transportation – air, auto, rail • Explanation: tell a story - book, turning pages, chapter beginning – ending, Once Upon a Time

19. Make a comparison to a familiar concept

20. Make a comparison to a familiar concept

21. Follow a theme

22. Follow a theme

23. Use familiar objects

24. Use familiar objects

25. Ten tricks to motivate your muse • Organize and maintain image and illustration files • Create and maintain your own library • Create and maintain a list of URLs • Create and maintain inspirational resources • Use typography as art • Make it personal • Ask a question • Compare to a familiar concept / use a theme • Use a familiar object • Enhance a photo Involve • Inform • Inspire