Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Collective "design" consciousness


Skull by Damien Hirst, possible inspiration for a lamp? Sconce? Doorstop?

I have a somewhat irrational design fear. Maybe I am putting too much thought into this but the more I am courted by or brought into design studios I am confronted with the portfolio of ideas.

Mobile by Alexander Calder, possibly light pendent? Wallpaper pattern?

As a designer and often part of a design team having an "inspiration folder" is pretty standard practice. In fact, the images on this post are from my own folder.

The Talisman Collection from De Beers, Possible sconce? Pendent? Texture for a bowl?

At Donghia we all had our office walls covered in our own personal design inspiration. It was a wonderful experience to walk into someones office or studio especially Sherri Donghia's office and instantly be confronted with their inspiration. It was moving to have this openness and be able to see in a capsule what their gut design feeling expressed. Some of us changed what was displayed often and some just added layers but regardless it was telling.

Inspiration for ad campaign? Upholstery detail?

My fear is of a, "collective design consciousness." There is so much information at our finger tips now a days. The sensory overload and simulation of design inspiration both past and present is a gift of the modern age. My fear is seeing the contents of these design inspiration folders that I have been privy to recently with overlapping images. There is generally always something from www. 1stdibs.com or www.decoarti.com or the many design blogs that we all follow.

Inspiration for a lamp but in metal, stone, glass???

I want this posting to be a red flag to both the the well seasoned and the green designers out there, get outside and explore one step further. Go to the book store or library, museums, galleries, auction previews and find inspiration that is yours alone.

I wish you the best of luck.

Inspiration for a sconce? Mirror? Texture?

Pendent by Cartier, Inspiration for a sconce? Glass color combinations?