Keep Your Design On Away From The Computer

Like it or not, our lives often take us away from the computer. Out of our homes, and into the great outdoors. But just because the Eyedropper tool isn’t within reach, doesn’t mean that you need to turn your inner-designer off. Here are some ways you can keep your design on while you are away from the computer.

Bring a notepad and pencil.

Nothing is worse than having an amazing idea and then losing it to a flood of other thoughts before you can get it down. If you are at the computer, it’s easy to give your epiphany a more permanent home, but while you are away, the best tool is always your trusty pen and pad. Field Notes is a very cool, designer-friendly brand for your notepad needs.

Keep a keen eye out for typography

The outside world is full of great inspiring typography. It is even more full of awful and bad typography. Keep an eye out for both! Half of being a good typographer is understanding bad typography. You could even bring some stickers along to help you practice.

Inspiration is everywhere

Some of the best designs don’t come from graphic designers. They come from architects, painters, flower arrangers, graffiti artists or anybody out there who has something to say visually. You forget about this if all you ever look at is other graphic design.

Watch others interact with design

The unique part about graphic design is that it is meant to be used. It is often meant to convey an idea, sell something, or pass some information along. The streets are full of people consuming information this way, just stop and take a look. Does someone look confused looking at a bus schedule? Why? What did the designer do wrong? Did someone take a quick glance at a band poster and quickly nod? Perhaps they got what they needed from that poster quickly and were happily satisfied. Visual cues may not be this obvious, but they are out there.

Just relax

Computer work can be extremely mentally exhausting. Treating your time away from it as a mental break isn’t wasted time, it is a way to unwind and recharge your mental batteries. A well rested brain does better work.