Frustrated pretender

[brucenz]

I fell into my job 6 years ago and design a whole range of printed materials from posters, newsletters and the like. I suck when it comes to designing. When it comes to thinking out stuff to use in a design I have to look at magazines for ideas. However I am still working here and just got new work previously done but an outsider.

Could some real graphic designers please tell me whether they look at other material for inspiration or just come up with designs out of their heads.

I appreciate your honesty, in advance.
Bruce

[Red Kittie Kat]

Both for me ... sometimes something just jumps out of my head other times I get inspiration from my surroundings.

[Danger_Mouse]

I do both. I start out of my head sketching ideas, then trying them out,then when stuck I look at other works for inspiration.
Sometimes I may look at other works first as part of some research and to make sure I can stand out a little from the norm. I don't copy another design, but may copy a style.

[jimking]

You are a designer but not really? You've been pretending for 6 years? Do you get paid? Are you denied a raise because your boss says you're not really a designer? If you are being paid to design and have been for six years then you are a professional graphic designer. If it is as bad as you make it sound, then post a few of your works so we can all get a laugh.---Just kidding. :)

[brucenz]

I get paid quite a bit to design stuff and very few people have even made bad comments about it. My organisation is a worldwide one and my work has been used in overseas countries. Compared to the designs I have seen on this site mine is no better than anyone off the street who can use Indesign. I get a yearly salary increase and have lots of perks in the job.

Thanks for your reply.

Bruce


You are a designer but not really? You've been pretending for 6 years? Do you get paid? Are you denied a raise because your boss says you're not really a designer? If you are being paid to design and have been for six years then you are a professional graphic designer. If it is as bad as you make it sound, then post a few of your works so we can all get a laugh.---Just kidding. :)

[jimking]

Then you are a professional graphic designer.

[patkennedy78]

Damn, sounds like you got a pretty sweet gig! One most of us 'designers' would love to have.

Yes, we all look at different media for inspiration. The key is for inspiration, if you just copying ads from magazines, well, it might be good design, but the concept won't be there. Do you know your creative process? Do you sketch, mindmap, google?

Post some of your work, as long as you can take constructive critisim you'll be fine.

[Kool]

Heh heh, sounds like your a graphic designer to me. Welcome to the forum. :)

[morea]

welcome aboard, Bruce.

Inspiration can come from anywhere... I wish there was a recipe for it. That's why I have to keep a note pad beside my bed, and one in my car. Inspiration just sort of seems to happen, so I try to be ready for it.

[Danger_Mouse]

yeah 6 years in you're definitely a GD, should have took better note of that.

[jsnyder]

Hey, give'm a break, I was married for seven years before I realized it. ;^)