Inspirations for designing tutorial

I am pretty much a "loner" or a very quiet "observer" as I like to call it myself :)

I don't like to call myself a "designer", I will leave that decision up to you... 

Love to be by myself, mostly, especially when I feel creative inspiration that day...

On top of that, I have an amazing, loving husband that supports me and encourages me daily.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

I first like to say that I dislike people that think that sharing "information" on how to design in our "trade" is like giving away a TOP SECRET document.

Well, I believe in sharing and these days the internet makes it possible for everyone to just "google" about everything you would like to know so why not share?

So I don't mind sharing my "top secrets" it's a free world so if you still have questions just ask me!

 

Some times I just like to sit somewhere and observe...soon enough my head starts working and the first thing that happens is that I picture the sketch of my new design in my head.

Second I draw out my little sketch book and sketch it out roughly. I might use or I might not. If I forgot my sketch book...well, I write down some notes in my phone.

 

Some times I just start thinking about all the places/countries I visited throughout the years and try to picture what first pops up as a memory. Than I try to write that down, just words no sketch. At home I will sit down and read through my notes and start translating them into colors or sketch some designs. Some will be executed...some won't...some will sit for a while and some sit for years...

 

Some times it's one of my friends/customers that tells me something they need/want and ask me to translate it into a design.

 

Some times I just take pictures from wherever I am or whatever I like.

 

In the end, there are a lot of ways to get inspired, in my opinion.

Just a package of a product or color combo's used in advertising, magazines, books...anything, you just have to "train" yourself to look different at things. It works for me...

I use these "inspiration" techniques for my knitting, crochet designs, my paintings and sewing.

 

Today, I have no idea what happened or inspired me but I drew up 22 sketches of designs up...

The only thing I can think of is that I "lost" the stress from the last few months since in the past, I worked way too much, had to orchestrated our move over 150 miles and unpack/settle in our new place. Or as I like to call it "life happened" :)

 

The sketches I drew up today are probably going to be a combo of crochet, knitting and/or sewing. I just have to work on each one and tackle all the details.

I start with determine the size, material choices, base colors/background colors, subject and finally detailing/accents. It's a process that takes a while, some times days/weeks/months/years. I have a bunch of sketches that just need detailing or a sample that I need to finish but I am married too LOL. There are only so many hours in a day :)

 

One important thing I learned while starting to design is:

"I can't "force" myself in being creative...I need to let "it" just happen"

"open yourself up to new ideas"

"think outside the box"

"relax"

 

Maybe this little "tutorial" on how I get to my final designs helps you...good luck!!!

Need help/second opinion or....? Just ask...

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Remember for those who don't know...

I wasn't born here so...

I will make grammar mistakes or misspell words or..., I don't think I need to apologize for them, since English isn't my first/native language. Just picture yourself living in a foreign country...you will never be a native speaker :)

thank you for understanding and just know: I do my very best to keep them to a minimum!!! :)