I believe our creativity can be cyclical; sometimes it soars (for reasons unknown to me), other times it’s in a sleeping mode. I definitely feel inspired and in a creative mood lately. Maybe it’s due to my recent travels, maybe it’s brought on by fall and the fact that everything is slowing down a little and that gives us a chance to look inward, to observe, and think a lot more. I’m not sure, but everywhere I look, I find some inspiration and an urge to learn, try, and experiment.
I thought I’d share my current inspiration list with you with the hope that you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do.
Rich Stapleton //
Rich Stapleton is one of the founders and the Art Director of Cereal and an amazingly talented photographer. Photography has always been one of my favorite art genres, but I’ve been only trying to practice it myself for a few months. I’m still experimenting with my own style, which is OK I think, it’s not something that can develop instantly, but something I do aspire to.
I love looking at other artists’ work and vision and let them inspire me – less in the concrete visuals, and more as a motivation to find my own path. Rich Stapleton’s photography style is instantly recognizable and very unique. His muted color palette, strategic use of space, and minimalist vibes are incredibly suggestive, and his approach to photography in general is very motivating. As he says, “Everybody views the world in a slightly different way.” We just have to realize what our own way is.
Definitely check out his ethereal photos here and here.
Calligraphy //
My interest in calligraphy started when I realized that my handwriting fell down to the level of my elementary school self. I had this vision of spiking my photos a little with cool lettering, thinking nothing could be easier. After 50 trials and with increasing frustration I had to conclude that, after all, maybe it wasn’t all that easy. That was the moment I decide to explore the visual art of calligraphy. I’m currently in the research phase as well as looking for some great workshops to learn the basics, but I’m getting more and more enthusiastic about dipping my toes a little into a completely new art.
Calligraphy is an incredibly visually inspiring activity for me. I love its rich history and incredible versatility, and that the style options are without limits. You can go for abstract, modern, romantic, elegant – it all depends on your own personality, style, and creativity.
I think it can greatly improve your overall understanding of and appreciation for art, space, forms, and design as well. No wonder that Steve Jobs was obsessed with calligraphy, it was one of the subjects he actually had an interest in at college and it greatly inspired his design thinking.
Print magazines //
It might not be very advanced or minimalistic of me, but I do love a beautiful print magazine. I know we can find everything online nowadays, but it’s not always the same as actually holding a magazine or a book. I love the fact that we have access to e-books and online magazines, I use them, buy them, read them, but there’s something about print publications that I cannot completely give up. Maybe the physicality makes the art more tangible a little. Maybe holding it in my hand, turning the pages strengthens my attention and engagement. Maybe seeing beautiful photos in print makes them come alive in a way – living in real forms and colors instead of just pixels. I don’t know, but I do pick up a couple of magazines once in a while for some creative inspiration.
Oversized knitwear //
Sometimes you can find inspiration from the most uncommon sources. Can you get inspired by a fabric, a pattern, or a texture? I for sure can. Let them take you on an imaginative journey. Play with free association. Let the color, the imagined feel, the story behind it, and the lifestyle it represents inspire you.
Lauren Manoogian’s oversized cashmere and wool knits are definitely on my current inspiration list (though given the price points, not necessarily on my current shopping list). Her style philosophy and winter essentials tips are also close to my heart. Check out other images and her interview in Kinfolk here.
Source: Lauren Manoogian
Abstract: The Art of Design //
Abstract is a Netflix documentary series created by Scott Dadich, the former editor in chief of Wired. It profiles 8 of the world’s most creative masterminds from different fields of art and design:
+ Christoph Niemann – Illustration
+ Tinker Hatfield – Footwear design
+ Es Devlin – Stage design
+ Bjarke Ingels – Architecture
+ Ralph Gilles – Automative design
+ Paula Scher – Graphic design
+ Platon – Photography
+ Ilse Crawford – Interior design
We get to know them on a more intimate level – their ideas of the world and art, what it means to create, how they got to where they are now. Their creativity and perspective are incredibly inspiring. The show itself is a true visual experience, beautifully photographed, creative, and vibrant. What I also liked was how the cinematography often mirrored the individual designers’ world and art, from Paula Scherr’s colorful, fast-paced New York episode, through Platon’s calmer, more reflective world to Ilse Crawford’s more elegant visuals. It’s really a must-see for creative minds and design lovers.
What’s inspiring you lately?
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The only episode of Abstract that I saw was the Platon one, and I loved it so much… it was so inspiring to see his journey, his ups and downs, and also his human side, especially when he is photographing the sexually abused women…
Magazines, both the indie ones as well as the newsstand ones, I find them full of inspiration… sometimes it’s the photography, sometimes the messaging… I almost find inspiration in magazines even when casually browsing.
The Platon episode was one of my favorites (along with Paula Scherr). It’s so incredible how he is able to capture so many emotions and tell so many life stories with one single shot. I also loved his saying that great design simplifies a very complicated world. He really is incredibly talented and inspiring.
Do you have some favorite magazines? I’m always on the lookout for new ones.