![]() I also have folders for objects like maps, signs and space travel. Here, I collect things like textures, colours, and patterns. When I start a new project, I create a folder on my computer where I collect all my references, and split into sub-folders where necessary.įor more general inspiration, I use a Mac app called Pixave. While I like adding a certain level of detail into my pieces, I’m not striving for 100% accuracy. I had to do the proper research to produce the best possible product. A lot of this comes from my days as a Graphic Designer. There are times when I can’t make stuff up, and that’s when I do my research. What does a Hand-Held Maneuvering Unit look like?.What colours are in the Brazilian flag?.What did Ray and Irwin’s tow truck look like in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World?.I’ll have more thoughts on this in an upcoming post. Didn’t I just say that it’s used for inspiration? That’s true, but it can also be intimidating to look at others work. The second is that it may actually discourage you. Copying is a natural part of the process when we’re attempting something new, but we don’t want to get derivative. There’s a risk that it may influence your style a little too much. ![]() However, you need to be mindful when you’re looking at references for inspiration. There’s nothing like looking at the amazing work others have done to get you into the right frame of mind. I group references into two categories: Inspiration and accuracy. Plus, we have apps that can catalogue it all so it’s easy to find. Nowadays, Google makes it super easy to find visual references. ![]() In the days before the Interweb, we had “swipe files”-basically filing cabinets with images we had ripped out of magazines (much to my mom’s frustration). It’s healthy to see what else is going on in the world. Granted, you absolutely could do a lettering piece without using references. Personally, I like to arm myself with as much information as possible when starting a project. By Randy Preising in Basics / Inspiration
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