Designer's Challenge

From time to time, I'll type in keywords, like "graphic design", or "abstract background" in Google's Image search. I look at the coolest picture I can find, then give myself the challenge of trying to recreate it from scratch. It's really fun trying to dissect the photo, and seeing where it takes me. It's pretty rare to perfectly duplicate the image (unless you have a step-by-step tutorial) but that's not the goal anyways. What we're looking for is inspiration. So make sure you do change up those colors and brush strokes. By the end, you wind up designing something you may never have imaged you could have.

I find this a lot better than simply taking an image and passing it off as your own. Not only could that get you in serious trouble, but it's much more fulfilling to have your own creations representing you. Anyone can copy and paste, but you'll have a unique design that's all your own. Not to forget that by racking your brain on how to get the perfect stroke, or the right color balance, you've improved your skills without even realizing it.

I encourage anyone reading to take this challenge. Just follow these simple steps.

Step 1

• Go to Google Image search

Step 2

• Type in "graphic design", "graphic art", "abstract background" "graphic background" or something of the like so you can find pictures that inspire you.

Step 3

• Pick one of these pictures to "recreate". One you know which one you want, right-click it to "Save Image As..." save it to somewhere you'll be able to find it later on.

Step 4

• With your reference picture in view, get to work at making your interpretation of it. Use any medium you're familiar with. Whether that means making a grayscale version with pencils, painting, using color pencils or markers, Photoshop CS5, GIMP, Paint tool Sai, Corel Painter or Paintshop Pro Photo- it's all good!

Step 5

• Remember, you CAN'T go wrong. As a designer, don't EVER let someone make you think you "didn't do it right". No matter what the product, you should be proud because it is something that you made with your own hands. To the person who says it might be 'funny looking', ask them what people may have originally thought of Picasso's work.

Step 6

• Send me a link to the finished product, along with your name and the inspirational picture (if you want), and I'll post it on the blog with credit to you. If you need a list of free places to host your pictures, let me know. Or if you prefer emailing it to me, then just comment and I'll send you an email address.

Ps. I'll be doing this as well so keep your eyes peeled for mine to show up!