Recently, I’ve been looking more and more at others’ work for inspiration. The level of talent among our readers and available generally seems never to have been better.

I recall watching Star Trek: The Motion Picture with the voiceover on, and listening to the special effects guys discuss how they’d made those effects in the days before computers. He said that after a while, it becomes like alchemy: a little of this, a little of that — and poof! A transporter effect.

When I look at the excellent work from the talented folks around here, I see those ingredients. Oh, cool, they did that there — something like that, combined with a little of this, might be just what I’m looking for…!

So: thank you!

Giles , November 12, 2004 12:13 PM (#)

I’ve found that the most reliable catalyst for creativity is a looming deadline!

J. , November 12, 2004 3:58 PM (#)

I go outside (hehe). I also try to sketch out ideas on paper with pen. It helps to open your mind. I all else fails, pull out all of the books that I’ve designed and place them side by side, looking for similarities and differences. This helps me to find a new direction for designing the next book cover.

Chuck Spidell , November 14, 2004 4:53 AM (#)