Design Process - How To Be Inspired By Global Cultures

1. Design Process: How To Be Inspired By Global Cultures gurukulschoolofdesign.com/blog/design-process-how-to-be-inspired-by-global-cultures One of the most frequently asked questions in the design industry is "how do you come out of a creative rut?" Or "how do you think outside the box to stand out?" As cliché as it may be, the answer to that is: look to society and culture. Whenever you feel unchallenged and uninspired, relish in the mundane everyday activities and find strength in the idea of a globalised we. We, as part of a large community all across the globe, are interconnected in so many different ways. The simple act of learning about a new culture can help you find the inspiration you seek. According to artist Olafur Eliaason, art and culture can be channelled to "help us identify with one another and expands our notion of we -- from the local to global." In simpler words, Eliaason explains that inspiration can, in fact, come from one individual to another, transcending distance, time and even language. Here's how you too can learn to see the beauty and be inspired by the world around you without bordering on appropriation. The first towards that is to adopt an open mindset and step outside your norm to see, understand and embrace the differences from around the world. For whenever you're in a dire need to break out of a creative rut, it's always a good idea to take a step back away from 1/2

2. your work. Learn to bring a fresh new perspective by challenging your own preconceived notions to alleviate your creativity. And you can do so by listening to new genres of music or by visiting new places you do not frequent. What we're saying, really, is to do anything to challenge yourself and stimulate your brain to cultivate creativity. Observe, explore and learn from the cultures around you. For an even globalised perspective, immerse yourself in a new culture by learning their language or by relishing in the beauty in their arts and culture. How? Well, thanks to the advancement of technology, the world is literally on our fingertips. So why not use technology to its full advantage? Explore the world of traditional arts and crafts through your mobile or computer. Watch a foreign film or take the time to understand the rich histories of art throughout time and be influenced by that. Learn to utilise the information made possible by technology as a creativity-stoking session. With that, by any luck, you'll be seeing beauty from all corners of the world in no time. Times are changing 16-Mar-2017 2/2