Brainstorming and Inspiration. What do you do?

[Dajo]

Hi everyone,
I wanted to know what everyone else does when brainstorming and trying to gain inspiration for a project or for your art. Im having trouble gaining Ideas for my own Graphic Design website and possibly changing my logo and everything, Im just not happy with it. Im having creative block on my own ****! I need some help maybe good websites for brainstorming, some kind of plans. I dont know. Im really frustrated. If anyone has any good ideas please post em.

-Dajo

[Toon]

One little bit of advice I'd give you is look where you wouldn't usually sometimes things become stale. I get a little dispondant browsing other sites and seeing repeated trends so I love say picking up the missus's fashion mag and seeing what kind of trends are being created for that audience.

(Welcome aboard)

have a snooze! i always find my mind is far more creative about 10 mins before and after i sleep

[SatanicPenguins]

I just cut on music and get to it, it'll eventually come to you.

Night Train and "Pantera - Symphony of Destruction (With Nine Inch Nails and Megadeath).mp3" has gotten me through plenty of mindblocks lol

Other than that, I guess just browse other sites, See what their doing then throw your own twist on it

Looking at my played out website is a good way to start ;) its in the sig.

[Dajo]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. I have read this book wich is an awesome book called "graphic design as a second language" by Bob Gill and I am trying to detach myself from corporate influence and look at things in a new light. This is so freakin hard but it is getting easier every day. Usually I get a flood of Ideas when I get a new project from a client. But when it comes down to my own brand and Image I go blank. We shall see what the future brings me. thank you again!

[Cwilk]

Toon.....that's exactly what I do. The magazine thing works for revving up my creative juices every time. Nice to see that others have the same ideas.

if youre having trouble with your own identity/logo try writing yourself a brief and include all the things you want the ident to stand for and contain. then work from that breif like it was for another designer.

[dannynosleeves]

I like to check out Deviant Art.

You get a lot of cool inspiration that isnt just the same old web design trends.

[SugarSpunSister]

I have a shower, a cup of tea, play some tunes and sit down with my sketchbook.

Failing that I go for a walk with my camera, always helps. Country air clears my mind and sends me off on tangents.

[Mack]

i try and zing kelly to get her fired up, then she will go on a rampage and tear some people new ones for no reason, usually her rants give me some fun ideas./