For the most part, as graphic designers we spend our working lives satisfying the fine relationships and implications between typography, image, colour and layout; at the very least it can be an arduous task. Yet occasional something special happens at a time when we least expect it and the problem is instantly solved. This is a true moment of inspiration, everything becomes clear and you understand. This degree of inspiration is not conjured up by design inspiration blogs cataloging lists upon lists of the ‘Top 47 Vaguely Design Related Internet Trend’; but rather usually found in the most unlikely of places, by chance or after extensive exploration of ideas. Sometimes accidents result in answers, exactly the answers you are looking for.

A few months back I was trying to decide what Internet browser I should use. Both Safari and Mozilla Firefox were acting strange and crashed, I am not exactly sure what the problem was but during one their spats they created a fantastic image on my screen that described the moment perfectly. For whatever reason the two toolbars overlapped resulting in neither of them serving their original function but in the process they created something perfect. The only word left untouched was Help, it was perfect and this inspires me.

Sometime later I was taking a train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, it was going to take about an hour so I took out my laptop and resumed work on a website I was developing. I was exhausted and kept falling in and out of sleep, I gave in to my heavy eyes and nodded of; unknown to me my finger had pushed down on the z key as I sleeping. This could not have been more appropriate and this inspires me.

As we are continually flooded with carefully photographed portfolios showcased on picture blogs, it is increasingly important that as designers we realise the relevance of seeking inspiration outside of the design world. Inspiration Blogs provide many a pretty picture but very little knowledge of the process, thoughts, opinions or ideals of such work. It is easy to loose sight of the process and effort of the designer, the concept can easily be lost or forgotten along the way. A showcase of featured portfolios is a great resource, but it is important to know and ask why these designs exist.

It is important to be curious and to always question the answers; next time you are in need of inspiration, turn of the computer and do something new or wholly unrelated to design. Make it your mission to stay away from inspiration blogs and try something different, investigate something you know absolutely nothing about. The beauty of not knowing is the the potential to learn.