“Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people.”
Leo Burnett
Inspiration is a peculiar and powerful concept. It’s something almost all of us need in our daily lives to survive and thrive. Here at Alive, things are no different. Inspiration is the lifeblood of our creativity.
Inspiration can come from many different places, things, people and scenarios. It has many forms and there is no one size fits all answer. In fact, in recent years even experts have been trying to understand the science behind inspiration and creativity.
Our talented team draws from a diverse array of sources, each contributing to the unique array of ideas that fuels our projects. Let’s take a closer look at where our design studio team find their spark!
Rob Leech: The power of connection
Rob believes that inspiration often strikes from connections between ideas. He likes to get a head start on projects, allowing thoughts to marinate and build awareness around a subject. His explorations in the world whether it’s through the latest design blogs like Brand New and Creative Review, or the unexpected encounters of everyday life (think shop displays or public transport ads) keep his creative batteries fully charged. He steers clear of trend-focused content, valuing originality and authenticity in his work.
Mason Latter: Nature’s classroom
For Mason, nature is a rich source of inspiration. His walks with his dog, Stanley, remind him of the wonders of the natural world and its inherent beauty. Photography has also shaped his perspective, teaching him to seek balance and tranquillity. It’s this calmness that fuels his creativity, allowing him to think freely away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Rebecca Simmonette: A digital wonderland
Rebecca’s go-to sources are a treasure trove of design inspiration. With a penchant for Pinterest and Behance, she explores various visual styles and typography. Her Muzli Chrome extension keeps her updated with fresh ideas, while design books and the works of established designers like Jessica Walsh and Paula Scher further ignite her creativity.
Laura Saitch: Exhibitions and visual treats
Laura dives into the art world, frequently attending exhibitions that showcase the brilliance of established artists. From the Helmut Newton exhibition in Berlin to installations at Le Bon Marché, she draws inspiration from the physical and visual experiences that art provides. Platforms like Behance and Creative Boom also feed her creative appetite.
Kat Hassell: Everyday wonders
Kat’s inspiration is a delightful mix of the ordinary and the extraordinary. She finds beauty in the simple things, music, quirky conversations with her kids, and even the colour of her socks! When seeking inspiration online, she turns to her usual favourites but prefers the organic feel of DIY art markets, illustration fairs, and graduate shows, where creativity thrives in its rawest form.
Amy Betts: A design magpie
Amy loves collecting random scraps of paper that she’s picked up when she’s out and about, anything from magazines to drinks bottles and packaging. Rather than finding inspiration on the web or in curated design books, she finds it extremely rewarding to find inspiration in the things around her. Over the years she’s come to appreciate the typography, colours, patterns and illustrations of the mundane things she used to collect, and this adds fuel to her creative fire.
Stan Stanley: An eclectic mix
Stan finds inspiration in the unlikeliest of places, but his background in design means he still visits favourite sites like Behance for visual stimulation. Now more client-facing, he draws insight from various podcasts that cover a spectrum of topics – from innovative thinking to sports performance and examines how this could be applied to business. This blend of information helps him stay versatile and informed in his approach.
Andy Davies: Collaboration and environment
Andy’s creativity is ignited by the talented individuals he works alongside. The energy of the team inspires him to push his boundaries. He values the atmosphere of the workplace, often finding that fresh air and interaction spark new ideas. His Instagram inspiration folder is filled with design gems, tips, and tricks, keeping him attuned to the latest in design software and trends.
Valentina Zagaglia: The balance of research and intuition
For Valentina, inspiration is a nuanced journey. Depending on her mood and the project at hand, she indulges in deep research or steps back to clear her mind. She enjoys exploring books and social channels but knows when to switch gears, seeking out unrelated content to spark fresh ideas. Her methodical approach to branding projects involves extensive research and brainstorming, allowing her creativity to flow in unexpected directions.
So, there you have it! The Alive design studio team embodies a vibrant mix of inspiration sources, each member bringing their own unique perspective to the table. Whether it’s through nature walks, art exhibitions, or everyday encounters, we believe that inspiration is everywhere, it just takes a keen eye and an open and creative mind to recognise it. As we continue to create, we’ll always appreciate these diverse inspirations that fuel our passion for design.
If you want to hear more from our studio team and others at Alive, you should definitely check out Spark Off – a new and exciting podcast talking about the world of design, animation, inspiration and creativity.
What inspires you? Need a hand igniting your creativity?
