Seeking Great Ideas (page 2)
Direct Mail
If you don't mind the possibility of getting on multiple mailing lists, direct mail can be yet another source of seeing concepts you would never have seen otherwise. Often, you can sign up to receive a free brochure and DVD. How about that - inspiration delivered to your own mailbox!
In a way, e-mails can be of inspirational help as well. Next time you get a great spot e-mailed to you, don't just laugh and then delete it. Study it. Why did it make you smile? How did they utilize their pacing, music, camera angles, etc.? Good ideas can come from anywhere; you just need to learn to recognize them.
In the Shower or with Others
We've covered some great sources for inspiration, but what about those gems that randomly pop into your head? Where and when does that usually occur? Does it happen while you're taking a shower, enjoying the outdoors or right before you go to bed? Once you have figured out the things that trigger your creative spark, it will be easier for you to home in on a great idea.
Sometimes relying on yourself for a great idea is not enough. Ad agencies will get a group of employees together to discuss ideas for a project. It's amazing to see what ideas trigger others. All of the sudden, you can find yourself in a virtual flurry of great ideas. Unfortunately, many in this field find themselves working on projects on their own. Luckily, Videomaker has created the Videomaker Lounge. It's a great place to network with your peers and develop relationships that can help you on multiple projects. Find a source you can trust, and don't be afraid to ask for advice when you're stuck. Relying on others can be a quick way to get the creative ball rolling. With Videomaker's ever-growing community, be sure to spend some time in the forums asking questions and posting your latest work. Feedback from industry insiders can never hurt.
Whether your inspiration comes to you while watching TV spots, surfing the web or right before you go to bed, be sure to have a notebook handy to jot down your ideas. If you don't, they may fade from your memory, leaving you looking like Le Penseur. I personally keep a notebook next to my bed, because a lot of my ideas come to me as I fall asleep.
Conclusion
In the end, regardless of where your inspiration comes from, keep in mind that there is a big difference between plagiarism and inspiration. So the next time you find yourself looking at a graphic medium, be sure to look deeper into what you're seeing and find your muse.
Stephen Smith is an award-winning producer and editor for Lone Peak Productions.
Side Bar: DVR (Digital Video Recorder)
If there is not enough time in your day, then the DVR is the device for you. A DVR allows you to do far more than just record your favorite TV shows. It's never been easier to record a bunch of prime-time television and then fast-forward through the show to watch only the ads. As much as that sounds like the TV advertisers paid me to write that, it's a great way to quickly find some useful ideas. If you're only looking for inspiration for your graphics, be sure to check out show opens; they can be crammed full of amazing images. Thanks to the DVR, getting to them has never been easier.
Also, when you're watching a show in real time, you now have the option to rewind back to whatever caught your eye and record it for later inspection. Instead of straining your brain to remember what you liked, you can now have it close at hand.
If you don't have a DVR already, this article should be your excuse to get one. Besides, depending on your situation, you may even be able to write it off on your taxes as a business expense. In the meantime, stop skipping those pesky ads and start benefiting from them.
