Ten from the Top: Spots for New Inspiration
Ten from the Top is the weekly column of the very honest and often snarky thoughts of District’s editor-in-chief.
As artists we’re tired and annoyed of coming up with new ideas. Is this concept new, exciting or even mildly interesting enough to get me a passing grade? So many fantastic things are out there and yet we sit at our desks or screens for hours racking our brains for inspiration. So if you’re exhausted from looking at the same old mood boards, here are some places to find your next masterpiece.
1.SCAD Buildings
I am sick and tired of staring at the same few walls in the buildings I go to what feels like everyday. Take an hour and wander into a new building to see what other people stare at on a regular basis. What could be more inspiring? Sometimes the movie posters in Hamilton or the life-size products in Gulfstream are just what your design project needs.
2. Classmates
You know that kid in your class that has all their shit together and an endless stream of ideas? Yeah. Steal from them.
3. Pinterest
Warning: This site is highly addictive for everything from fine art to finger foods and the artwork and photography is hands down some of the best out there for inspiration. Just be careful. Getting sucked into its beautiful and creative web might not be exactly what you need for that other procrastination problem you have.
4. Old Artwork
There was once a time when art was thrilling and everything was new and… you had absolutely no idea what you were doing! Dig back through those old portfolios and see what you came up with years ago and stop trying to reinvent the wheel.
5. Port City Review
SCAD’s Literary and Artistic Magazine. Port City Review just finished up an exhibition from some of the best SCAD student artwork has to offer. Clearly, if we liked it, you might too. A good portion can be seen on our site and physical copies will be distributed throughout the year.
6. Coffee Break
You are tired and work is hard. Giving yourself a break might just be the reboot your own system needs to make the kind of work that will impress you.
7. Savannah
For at least a little while longer Savannah will be pretty and relatively manageable weather. Go out and start wandering down side streets and see what graffiti or shops you happen to stumble upon.
8. People Watching
Savannah is weird. Like really weird. Not just artists but all of Savannah seems to be a bit off-putting and people-watching might turn into a project based on characters. Like that guy with the cat on his shoulder.
9. Museums
We are already a host to great art at SCAD MOA but that is certainly not all Savannah has to offer. Places like the Telfair or even local galleries have hundreds if not thousands of pieces to look at, and any major art museum in the world now has a website to browse some of their collections from anywhere.
10. Another Art Form
If you are a painter, go read a book. If you write books, go see a movie. And if you shoot movies, go look at architecture. We have access to an unlimited stream of art forms so get some advice from other majors and see what is new to you.
