As a creative what inspires, motivates and intrigues you?
When ever I see something, anything, that is done well. Usually most of these things will inspire motivate and intrigue simultaneously but with varying intensities. I have the most interest in things that are current, whither it is news, technology, events or social occasions. To keep up with these things I use a group of online tools: Google news, Abduzeedo (Best of the week), Linked in, Twitter, Facebook and some Youtube channels. Abduzeedo also does a variety of different regular posts on inspirational topics: 'Daily Inspiration', 'Friday Fresh Free Fonts', 'Sites of the Week, 'Architect Day', 'Beautiful Houses', 'World Wide Photography, 'Video Inspiration', 'Logo Design', 'Typography Mania' and a whole host of tutorials.
Another online tool I use is 'Stumble', this can lead to much procrastination but with the settings geared for the correct subjects that procrastination can easily turn productive.
In the physical world my flat-mate, Keagan, and I have wrapped a column in paper with pens close by. The idea is for every visitor to leave a mark, drawing or phrase. Once full we will replace the paper and most likely hang the old ones. This generates yet more inspirational material.
My main motivation is the desire for success, although most likely influence from society it is one I accept gladly.
How do you research / explore ideas?
How do you communicate, interpret, define, story & experience ideas?
I have brought the last two questions together as I feel they are related quite strongly. The first paragraph deals with the source of ideas and this second will deal with what happens to them after their initial spark.
When an idea is formed my first act is either to write it down or draw it out depending on what materials are handy. If it is relevant to an upcoming project or to one I am currently working on I will dive further into the thoughts surrounding it. To explore these thoughts I use a combination of trial, error, contemplation and planning. The exact mixture depends on the type of project being driven by the idea. Three years ago, for example, I was concluding my degree in architecture. This required the development of a large design. The design needed a strong concept to underpin every single aspect involved. In order to explore concepts that would satisfy such complex demands I doodled. For hours and hours, filling sketchbooks exploring every possible way of working spaces together in a manner that would reflect the concept, fit the context and satisfy building regulations. Once a design began to slowly emerge from these rough sketches I moved into creating small models that would further explore and describe to my tutors the ideas. This would allow me to focus on a particular form and move into 3D modeling with programs like Google Sketchup, Autocad and 3DS max. Through the process of fine tuning designs these programs allowed me to play with the specifics at greater speed than would have been possible using traditional media.
These were purely the physical processes. Alongside their development I would discuss thoughts with tutors regularly and with peers every day. Working in a permanent space in a studio full of other architects allowed me to wander around and glean inspiration from the activities going on around and to discuss both my thoughts and those of others. Surrounding our studios was the rest of the art college with a huge range of bizarre and unexpected inspiration and creativity.
In contrast having moved into a digital domain without permanent studio spaces has led me to the online world as described in response to the first question. My development process for CG projects still begins with the rough doodling but advances into creation of the final product far quicker. In creating VFX I tend to happen on an idea of what the effect should look like almost instantaneously, the development is focused more on how to achieve that specific look. Using a rough knowledge of the tools available I can normally imagine a way through the processes that would result in an imagined effect. At my current stage in learning the route is rarely exact. Tweaking and playing form a huge part in the process but also lend to small discoveries that aid any future efforts.
If I were to lead a team in creating VFX I would have to discover an effective way of communicating my ideas on effects. This is a skill I have not yet been required to test rigorously. On the collaborative projects I have worked in so far all I have been required to do is describe a rough look or idea then produce it. There will be, I am sure, a huge difference in describing an effect to a client and directing someone to create part of an effect I am looking for.
