IDEA School of Design Students Share Their Number One Idea Generation Strategy
IDEA School of Design students become each other’s greatest resource when they graduate, with studio insights, job leads and portfolio tips. Here are some of the number one idea generation strategies from each of our 4 cohorts.
Shown above: “First Snow” by Vylan Tran (IDEA Grad 2024).
Caption: “It’s finally that time of the year again for puffy coats, earmuffs, hot chocolate, and, of course, lots and lots of snow!” — Vylan Tran (IDEA Grad 2024)
“I usually listen to Lofi music or look at the stuff that I own as inspiration and ideas; comic books, art books, and magazines.”
“My number one idea generation strategy is to first create a mind map. The mind map helps me brainstorm all of the different ways the concept/project could be interpreted. Once I have some directions to take the project I can start thinking of ideas, but if I get stuck, I use The Kickstart Catalogue to inspire me.”
“Sometimes I just sketch mindlessly, shut out the editor in me and let my hand shamelessly put down whatever idea comes to mind or I start off with browsing pinterest. Then everything just starts solidifying upon discussion with peers/prof.”
“I usually create a mood-board and a colour pallet, then sketch a bunch of ideas until I find one that I like and want to build off of.”
“Making lists/visual dictionaries for a subject, mixing and matching them to find interesting combinations!
Working with a partner or two always helps, setting timers or other restrictions can help jumpstart creativity and make us censor our ideas a little less!”
“Set the mood, finding images and listening to music related to a theme for any project is a viable approach!”
“My number one idea generation strategy is just relying on a notebook or my phone to take little notes whenever inspiration strikes! Sometimes, our best ideas come up when we least expect it or only after we’ve taken some time away from the problem.”
“To generate ideas, I usually love going for a walk or run in the forest. A lot of times I think of things when I’m out and about, so I always have my phone with me to jot down notes. Writing is another important idea generation strategy for me. From word lists to full paragraphs I almost always think in words first before anything else.”
“Exposing myself to new experiences and media! I usually get inspired after trying something completely out of my usual routine. Afterwards, jotting down every possible idea that comes across my head - whether they initially look dumb or don’t seem to have any relevancy. It takes a while until you get to the good stuff :)”
“My number one idea generation strategy is to doodle or brainstorm on a whiteboard or mirror so I can keep erasing and adding new ideas.”
“When I’m stuck during the ideation phase, it helps me listen to someone talk about the topic. Sometimes I explain my problem/project to an unrelated friend, then ask them to repeat it back to me in their own words. Hearing how they interpreted what I said gets me out of my head and thinking from another perspective. I can get a feel for what I’m missing in the bigger picture.”
“For me, it’s making an extensive word map and then checking out work (design work, illustrations, videos, etc) related to those words.”
“My number idea generation strategy is usually looking at my favourite artists work for inspiration and listening to “mood fitting” music! ”
“Two main ways I prefer to generate ideas is by drowning myself in music and drawing the images that come to mind. The other is taking one idea and just going back and forth with a friend about it until something I like forms.”
“When I’m getting stuck on ideas, one of my favourite ways to get them flowing is by doing the absolute opposite of producing art, whether that’s working out or taking a walk outside!”
