BRAINSTORMING METHODS

There are so many ways to brainstorm and all of them work. Some work better for certain jobs. But brainstorming even the smallest projects leads to better results. Don't just jump into a project and start on the first idea. The first idea may turn out to be the best even after brainstorming. But you will probably improve it by a little brainstorming.

Some methods of brainstorming are the Descriptive, the Associative, The Smash Up, The Random, Mind Mapping. The list is endless and all are interconnected. All work if you use them and all lead to better concepts. By the way, they're FUN.

Often when you are dealing with clients you will come across the classic person who knows what they want but can't articulate it. Maybe you have an idea but can't quite get a handle on it. Here is a form of Descriptive and Associative Brainstorming to help define projects. Clearly define the end goal whether its a character design, logo, product etc. and what will it be used for and how. Now for the fun part. You play a game with yourself or the client. Begin to ask and write down the answers to a series of questions. What color is is? How big is it? Obvious questions but take it so much further. What kind of mineral is it? What kind of animal is it? Who would it be if it was a current movie star? Who would it be if it was an old time movie star? What book or character in a book would it be?

Seems silly to ask what kind of animal or movie star a logo would be but people already have a mental picture of these things. By having them associate and describe there choices you define the object. If they describe their logo as a crane then you can assume they are looking for a graceful, flowing look. If they describe the logo as a bear or elephant then you can push your designs toward the solid and powerful look. If they describe their logo as Jim Carrey then you know that they want an energetic and fun look. The questions are silly and appear to have no relation to your project but will actually tell you a great deal about their expectations.

Keep going and asking questions until you really have a mental picture of what your client is looking for. What kind of tree would it be?What kind of food? What kind of car? A fast sports car or a solid work truck.

As you do this you will see the clients light up because it defines the concept for them. They will feel as if they were part of the process and it will define the job for you. The more focused you are when you start, the better to do the job. This will also save time and time is money. I assume you are in this for the love and fun of being creative but you also need to make money.

More later, Have Fun! The Director of Nonsense