How to you keep your design fresh

[TR1]

Hi

Having been a designer for many years I was wondering what you all do to keep your design fresh and modern - books, websites etc etc?

Thanks

[captain spanky]

alchohol.
seriously.

[TR1]

Yes tried that one, any other suggestions

[captain spanky]

mostly design magazines and websites tbh.
I like sitting in Borders and reading through all the mags. ;) they're so expensive i can only usually afford one, maybe two a month so i buy ComputerArts and ComputerArtsProjects and then just sit on the floor like a european student and read all the others. :D

[Samakimoto Graphics]

Pot?!

Working vacations; doing something other than design - organizing a kids soccer game, baking, rasing donation items for the needy...

Hiking; amaizing what high altitude air can do for creativity.

[budafist]

mostly design magazines and websites tbh.
I like sitting in Borders and reading through all the mags. ;) they're so expensive i can only usually afford one, maybe two a month so i buy ComputerArts and ComputerArtsProjects and then just sit on the floor like a european student and read all the others. :D

I got gifted a sub for ComputerArts for Xmas and man I am loving it.

Staying fresh means that you need to view your own design differently. See as much design done by others as possible. This helps to tune your eyes to seeing things more critically.

[morea]

I keep my designs in a ziploc bag for freshness.

Actually, when I start a new freelance project, the first thing I do to start brainstorming is to go jump up and down on the bed. Then I spin in my chair like a centrifuge to drive all the good ideas out to the edges of my brain where I can see them.

[TR1]

Actually, when I start a new freelance project, the first thing I do to start brainstorming is to go jump up and down on the bed. Then I spin in my chair like a centrifuge to drive all the good ideas out to the edges of my brain where I can see them.[/quote]

Wow....
that really works!

[morea]

I've never had an unsatisfied client. Try it! :D

[thealmightytiger]

I collect all sorts of things that I think have good design elements. Flyers, ads, magazines, cards, menus, etc etc... I also keep a digital camera with me most of the time to take photos of things that give me ideas or have the potential to give me ideas.

[morea]

oh, I forgot to post a link to my "how to be creative" blog, lol. Here you go, this should help:

http://morealyera.blogspot.com/2005/01/how-to-be-creative.html