How Music Inspires Creativity

Even though I’m only 25, I can say that I’ve been a graphic designer for over 10 years now. Almost all of my creativity is derived from listening to different genres of music depending on the project. From Smooth Jazz to Hardcore, I can dig just about anything! As of writing this article, Avicii is my current Pandora station. Mornings are a little easier going, so I try to start off with something a little lighter like Foster the People. As the afternoon continues, I begin to grasp for any extra energy I can find to finish the day and electronic seems to be the driving factor to get through the final 4 hours.

The genre of music will always affect the outcome of each project. Some projects like Noonie’s Thai Café menu was narrated by Breakbot & Madeon. The design stayed simple in terms of layout yet the dirtiness of the background and supporting elements added a little complexity to the overall product.

Noonie's Thai Cafe Menu

Other projects, like Poppy’s Time-Out Sports Bar Menu required some heavier listening. Four Year Strong tricked me into following the menu down a dark alley by doing the grungy chalkboard layout. With some help on the illustrations, the overall menu concept only took a few hours to develop once the theme was set.

Poppy's Time Out Menu

A much older project, one not to be found in the Think portfolio, was a website design for a church back in 2008. I believe Spyro Gyra and The Rippingtons made the First Presbyterian Church of Destin website come alive. The design stayed clean and light – perfect for a church project.

Across the room, Steve Weid is designing a logo for a band and jamming out to The Refused. Although his style and mine differ greatly, music still affects the outcome of his projects as much as they do my own. If I had to pass any advice on to another designer it would be to choose your music wisely! If you don’t know where you’re going on a project, change up your genre and see where you continue. Good luck and happy designing!

 

Be sure to check out the following artists if you’re looking for something new!
Madeon
Breakbot
Avicii
Four Year Strong
The Refused
Spyro Gyra
The Rippingtons

Visual Communication, Party of 3

Standing awkwardly between art and design, there is illustration.

Art is the wiser, older brother of Illustration. He is often mimicked by his younger brother, but he is simply too unique to be duplicated. He is intense and engaging, interacting with viewers on a personal level. Each interaction happens only once, and from those interactions, countless discussions are to be had.

Illustration strives to be as visually brilliant as his older brother, but is decidedly clearer in his message. While Art can be interpreted in more ways than one, Illustration is simply understood. Art is felt; Illustration is read.

Design is the hip, younger brother of Illustration. He has learned a lot from his older brother, but is determined to carve his own path and be recognized as a separate entity. He is practical and pragmatic, calculated in approach and deliberate in communication. He is often critical of Illustration, but never hesitates to accept his aid.

Illustration is proud of his younger brother and happy to work alongside him, but favors fun and creativity over deliberation. They share many traits, but are exceedingly different in execution. Both have a strong desire to communicate a clear message and can do so in more than one way, but Illustration will be more dramatic in presentation. Design answers; Illustration riddles.

Illustration is the clichéd middle brother between art and design, but is an indispensable member of the family of communication.[signoff][/signoff]

Think Team: Gina

After owning my own business for many years, I’ve worn an array of ­­hats. I hold the new Development Director position, which is a perfect fit to the THINK puzzle of growth. I have been in the marketing and advertising business for 25 years and I’ve run the gamut. From graphic design, consulting, public relations and marketing to digital media, copy writing, video, audio and print production … you name it, I’ve done it. I’m extremely motivated, organized and disciplined.  No matter where I’ve been, I’ve produced topnotch work because I am dedicated to making sure each and every piece stands out from the crowd. Whether it’s promotional work for external clients or internal corporate leave behinds, I pride myself on my ability to recognize and articulate a distinct voice for every project. And that’s not always restricted to the written word. I’ve also designed and produced exceptional unique destination promotional videos for various clients. While creative is my passion, web design and development, project management and the gift of being social, is my bread and butter. Keeping on top of projects and making sure all parts get to the finish line at the same time is one thing I do best. The ability to juggle projects and never missing a deadline didn’t only develop through my professional experience; it also comes from having raised three children – all with very different personalities, activities, schedules and demands. It was adapt or die trying. I had to learn to budget my time and my assets, and most importantly, I learned to be flexible and to get things done.  I’m proud to be part of the THINK Team where we service clients with professionalism, and more importantly we develop marketing and advertising solutions that drive business.

I’ve lived in Washington, D.C., New Orleans, LA Birmingham, AL and most recently Atlanta, GA. I feel like Destin presents some unique challenges to the world of advertising, and all of us at Think can’t wait to jump on board and bring some fresh, innovative ideas to the table. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with advertising your business, let’s schedule a time to discuss the possibilities. Many people don’t realize that advertising comes in all shapes and sizes.

I would love to help develop your marketing and digital needs…So let’s talk soon!

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New Year. New Think.

Think BillboardHere at Think, we have a lot of changes happening that we are very excited about. First and foremost, we have a new website design at WeLoveToThink.com that we love! The homepage showcases our portfolio that will be constantly updated as we complete projects. You can read About Us, check out our sweet caricatures on Our Team page, and follow us on our advertising journey through this Blog. We hope the new website broadcasts that we are laid-back, friendly, and very passionate about our talents.

Our ultimate goal in 2013 is to build better relationships with our clients so we can progress together. From business cards to television advertisements, Think can handle any project big or small. Visit our Services page to learn more about how we can work together to accomplish your goals.

We want to stay in touch with our clients (and soon-to-be clients) through monthly newsletters that include valuable information, not spam. You can sign up for our Think Tank emails at the bottom of this page. The first week of each month, the Think Tank emails will contain: (1) our blog articles that we have been publishing, (2) exciting information about print, advertising, graphic design, and small-business ownership, (3) a fabulous coupon to be used within the next month on your next print or promotional order! We hope that you will find the information relevant and will look to Think as an educational source as well.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” –Dr. Seuss

Stevieby Stevie S.


Think, L.L.C. is an advertising agency, printer, graphic designer, and publisher in Destin, FL with an office located at 401 Mountain Drive. We specialize in logo design, editorial/advertisement design, custom illustrations, media & advertising placement, advertising budget management, social media management, video production & editing, radio production & editing, website design & hosting, Search Engine Optimization, EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) campaigns, business card design & print, restaurant menu design & print, photography, rack card design & print, flyer design & print, brochure design & print, sticker/vinyl decals design & print, complete publication design & print, banner design & print, design & print of various signs, and promotional products. Our prized publications include TheMenuMag: The Ultimate Guide to Dining and Nightlife, and Conquer: The Ultimate Guide to Adventure and Fun which are distributed to thousands of tourists and locals along the Emerald Coast. Visit WeLoveToThink.com, ThinkMenuMag.com, ConquerDestin.com, and ThinkLovesToPrint.com for more information about our wide selection of products and services.