After presenting to a local community college class, I felt inspired. The students were fresh, eager, authentic and ready to learn.  Spending time with students made me think about how important it is to NOT lose those fantastic qualities that can so easily be left behind.

This brings me to my blog post… my personal reminders on how to stay fresh, inspired and relevant. These tips are certainly not ground breaking but reminders like this may give you the boost to take your creativity to the next level.

(Quick note: In my opinion every blog post needs at least one photo, the below photo includes snippets from my personal sketch book. As you read this blog post, these photos will become more relevant.)

1. Twitter! (@ignertia)

Twitter is great when it comes to creativity. The key is following the right people. There is no reason for me to recreate a list when there are so many great ones out there. Below are just two of the many blog posts about active twitter designers.

Web Designers on Twitter (via Naldz Graphics | @naldzgraphics)

Genuine Authentic Designers on Twitter (via Vandelay Design)

2. Honest Feedback
Have a peer that can give you an honest critique, feed back and tips. This can be a co-worker or someone you’ve connection with via twitter. Sometimes asking a person totally not connected to your project or even the design world can give you the most honest feedback of all.

3. Non-Relevant hobbies
Have hobbies not relevant, at least not directing relevant, to what you do. Its keeps you sane and rejuvenated. Things like biking, cooking… (the list that never ends).

4. Relevant Hobbies
Have hobbies relevant and be active in those activities. Things like photography, multimedia art, journaling, blogging… (blah blah blah).

5. Your Surroundings
Take advantage of your surroundings and pay attention to them. The inspiring colors of fall and there is nothing as rejuvenating as fresh air (in my opinion). Get out and interrupt your work flow. Even if it’s just for a quick walk around the block. Visit antique stores, foreign food stores, and record stores… do hands on research. Don’t just rely on google for your research and development.

6. Be part of something
Did you know flickr has TONS of design related groups? Check this link out to 99 flickr group for design… and 30 typography! Be active in these groups and participate in the conversation. There are so many networking & social media groups out there. Here’s the tip of the ice berg from Flickr…

Typography and Lettering
Experimental Graphic Design
Vector Art

7. Get back to basics
Use your sketchbook and do some thumbnails sketches or collages! Don’t sit at your computer all day.

8. Inspiring space
Surround yourself with stuff you find stimulating. Like the lovely colors of a paint swatch, inventive clothing tags, vintage pictures, house plants, dogs, people, food, movies, posters…

9. Carry a point and shoot camera/phone
Take photos of inspirational things you find. Stay in this mind set when you are out and about. Always take notice of those great old signs, the graffiti and capture that for later inspiration. The composition of your photo can be inspiration within itself!

10. Read Blogs + books and stay educated
It is important to stay up to date on trends, your competition, and even design related programs. Don’t limit yourself to graphic design but photography, interior design, geeky stuff… whatever.