Where do you find inspiration?

Part 2 in series “Ask a Web Developer”.

This question comes from Nykc on DreamInCode: “Where do you find inspiration?”

This is a fantastic question because it allows me to dive into the different aspects of web development and web design. I generally separate the two disciplines because design is more creative while development is more mathematical. However, these fields are very similar and I often have to wear both hats on any given project.

Inspiration for Web Design

When my clients ask me to build or redesign their website, my goal is to deliver something visually interesting – but also something that effectively markets their brand.

More often than not, my inspiration for the creative designs on any given project come from other websites. Seeing other peoples’ work challenges me to think differently about my own layouts or designs.

At the same time, I often have to create designs that match existing logos or artwork. This presents me with another set of challenges, and I have found that the best inspiration in this case comes from asking my clients to explain the story behind their branding or the significance of their logo. Their responses usually open a huge world of creative possibilities.

Inspiration for Web Development

My inspiration for web development projects usually comes from an entirely different place.

As a small business owner, I’m always looking for ways to improve my own processes. As a consumer, I’m keenly aware of how I’m treated by the software I use. As a software developer, I know how time or technical limitations affect my projects.

My goal as a web developer is to always present a polished User Experience, and to do that I have to balance each of these POVs. In short, I use my own personal experiences as inspiration to build a better tool.

Ask a Web Developer!

Have a question you want answered? Contact me through my website or send me a message on Twitter (@arthurakay). Then stay tuned to my YouTube channel for the answers!