Merry Tuesday all!
I delved deep into research yesterday to finalise my concepts for a new branding project I am running for a client, and I wanted to write about my process.
Especially for those that feel they don't have the creativity they need for their business. The surprising thing is, inspiration comes from the wildest of places.
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Research is a crucial part of any creative process.
Sure, Google and Tiktok might be your first reference point. But if you want to delve deep into inspiration and creativity, opt for traditional methods of research, such as exploring historical events and using libraries to source books.
By delving into the past, you can gain insight into the present and future. History can provide a wealth of information on the way people lived, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them.
1️⃣ First I took my notes from my client chats, visited the area and experienced its culture first hand.
2️⃣ Then I went to Mr Google. Expanded my search to understand the brand history in more detail.
I wasn't really getting any inspiration. I was stumped.
I had a few ideas, but nothing that got me excited.
3️⃣ In came my book-worm husband, Jamie Fox. Genius: we have hundreds of historical literature from classics to fiction.
So I had a mooch.
I pulled 3 books. 'The Folklore of the Cotswolds', 'The Glory of the Garden' and 'Wonderful Britain, Its Highways Byways and Historic Places'.
4️⃣ ...and within 1 hour I had clarified my thoughts, built the brand identity and even took inspiration from the illustrations and layout.
TOP TIP: when you start to read reference books pre 1940s, you also start to see the development of the english language, and it is beautiful.
With careful research, you can bring depth and authenticity to your work.
When Google doesn't give you the inspiration you need, where do you go?
Thought of the day, eh?
Happy reading! Sarah