Finding your Design Inspiration
As I have been searching for what to create for the Vision Awards,(Yes I know last minute) , it got me thinking about design inspiration....
In order to train eyes and hands to the paper, we must first train our eye to the world around us, where everyday objects can inspire extraordinary things. I often find myself looking for underlying shapes & observing the textures and colors within them. I learn to appreciate the movement of line.... in, around, and through space. Becoming a visual data collector, this sense of observation harnesses creative inspiration and develops design skills.
Our environment can serve as a constant source of creative and visual inspiration. From the organic line work of a flower to the architectural detailing of a building , we are surrounded by an inspiring array of shape, texture, & color.
In jewelry design, we must also look to the human figure for inspiration. Jewelry by definition is meant to interact with the body. It is a wearable art. The figure is the backdrop on which our designs come to life.
Training our skills in drawing the contours of the body, teaches what lines our jewelry designs must follow. Utilizing the natural flow of line to enhance jewelry’s interaction with the wearer is always an underlyin
g goal.
Finally, look to create balance through the visual play of what is and is not there. A balanced composition is of key importance in design. Keep in mind, balance is not to be confused with symmetry. Some of the most successful designs incorporate what I like to refer to as "Balanced Asymmetry". Just as a scale can balance through the use of different objects, a design can become balanced through the offsetting of elements, as seen in the pendant to the left.
In order to train eyes and hands to the paper, we must first train our eye to the world around us, where everyday objects can inspire extraordinary things. I often find myself looking for underlying shapes & observing the textures and colors within them. I learn to appreciate the movement of line.... in, around, and through space. Becoming a visual data collector, this sense of observation harnesses creative inspiration and develops design skills.
Our environment can serve as a constant source of creative and visual inspiration. From the organic line work of a flower to the architectural detailing of a building , we are surrounded by an inspiring array of shape, texture, & color.
In jewelry design, we must also look to the human figure for inspiration. Jewelry by definition is meant to interact with the body. It is a wearable art. The figure is the backdrop on which our designs come to life.Training our skills in drawing the contours of the body, teaches what lines our jewelry designs must follow. Utilizing the natural flow of line to enhance jewelry’s interaction with the wearer is always an underlyin
g goal.Finally, look to create balance through the visual play of what is and is not there. A balanced composition is of key importance in design. Keep in mind, balance is not to be confused with symmetry. Some of the most successful designs incorporate what I like to refer to as "Balanced Asymmetry". Just as a scale can balance through the use of different objects, a design can become balanced through the offsetting of elements, as seen in the pendant to the left.
So next time you find your self designing, hopefully these words will become a part of your inspirational bucket. In return, whatever your medium of choice, I would love to hear a favorite place, time, or otherwise you find your greatest inspiration.
Enjoy & Be Inspired!
Jewelry and illustrations by Kathryn Holton Stewart
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