My clients give me a lot of creative energy. But I find inspiration everywhere: my extended community, the places I go, and the things I do. An idea may come from an art exhibit…or it may be ignited by something as simple as a pattern on water, letterforms on a neon sign, or the curl of a shoot emerging from the garden.
Check out these events, resources, groups and other sparks of inspiration:
Sights
•Laurie Anderson’s Delusion – One of my creative heroes, Laurie Anderson is nothing short of amazing. She is at once a mesmerizing storyteller, visual artist, electronic-violin-wielding musician, poet and rabble-rouser (in the best sense). See her upcoming show in Boston with the added bonus of visiting the new digs at Emerson College’s newly restored Paramount Center theatre complex.
• Wretches and Jabberers documentary – Please see this moving film, starring two autistic men who travel the world, keyboards in hand, to advocate for people with autism and open minds about their intelligence. Producer Doug Biklen hails from my alma mater, Syracuse University. SU has one of the oldest research and advocacy programs for people with disabilities – The Institute on Communication and Inclusion – and recently formed The Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education, which offers higher education opportunities for students with developmental disabilities.
• Feltron: Data bliss – Check out these gorgeous info graphics from designer extraordinaire Nicholas Felton. What are info graphics, if not maps of ideas?
Sites / Subscriptions
• Good Reads – A list-making reader’s best friend. Track “to read, reading,” and “read.”
• Fluther – Crowd-sourcing Q+A and quite possibly my favorite new (real) word!
• Word of the Day – Merriam-Webster of Springfield, MA delivers a gem a day.
Resources
• “A Client’s Guide to Design” [PDF] – AIGA on getting the most out of the process
• “Why Design?” [PDF] – AIGA outlines the role of design in business strategy
• Spot or CMYK (process) or RGB color? – Overviews of these key color systems
Reads
•“Branding for Nonprofits” by DK Holland – A terrific resource for non-profits and all types of businesses. This very approachable book includes practical guidance on topics such as the branding process, using a design brief, collaboration, stakeholders, and the inevitable evolution of a brand; as well as a few case studies.
• “Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability” by Steve Krug – Here it is: Probably the most fun-to-read guide you’ll find on usability.
Great Groups
• The Trustees of Reservations – Preservation and conservation in MA
• ICA-Boston – The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
• AIGA – The professional association for design
• Women in Development – Advancing philanthropy professions
• MITX – Massachusetts Innovation & Technology Exchange
• Literacy Volunteers of MA–Quincy – An outstanding adult literacy program
• Caring Canines – My favorite visiting therapy dog program in the Boston area
• Dancing Deer Baking Co. – As if the Chocolate Tangerine and Molasses Clove cookies aren’t reason enough to support this big-hearted Boston bakery, they are also dedicated to helping end family homelessness through their Sweet Home Project.