Unit Verse

Hey Unitards! What about TV?

• by Nathan Ford 4 years ago
• 0 Comments

Andy Says: I think everything is a valid inspiration for designers (said another way, validity’s got nothing to do with it). I’ve drawn design inspiration from everything from a fishing magazine to a park bench. I certainly think that television is ripe source for inspiration. And while the artsy shows you’re talking about often create a direct relationship to creativity and design-y elements and issues, I think that when it comes to inspiration, it can come from any moment you might observe. I don’t think it matters what sort of show creates the trigger, since inspiration is something that often springs forth from some secret and invisible place. Inspiration also seems to strike most often (for me at least) when one is filled with positive emotion. So if you’re watching a show you really like or if you witness something especially interesting or pleasing, you’re often very close to the inspiration “vent.”

Angela Says: Short answer ? yes, TV inspires me. As a self-proclaimed TV addict, I could probably write a book about the shows I love to watch and that inspire me as a designer, but I’ll stick to some of my favorites. I love being able to see each contestant’s creative process in “Project Runway” and “Design Star”. With reality shows like this, it is interesting to see how they approach the design challenge and what questions they ask their clients when they are given the opportunity to do so. Another of my favorites is “Get Color” on HGTV which takes color theory and applies it to interior design. I’ve actually used some of the color palettes I’ve seen on that show in my own design. Finally, I have to mention “Pushing Daisies”, which is obviously not a reality show, but it is whimsical, imaginative and fantastical which simply puts me in a creative mood.

Nathan Says: I try my best not to watch TV. Not that I have a particular bias against TV, I just have found that it is a major time suck with very little return for my investment. Nonetheless, I find myself planted in front of it most evenings, and I have found some bright shiny spots in the mire of current programming. I enjoy the “artistic” reality shows, both for the creative processes, and the parts where contestants must defend their work, work with others, or just communicate their ideas in general. Watching both the good and the bad of creative interaction can be enlightening. In addition, well written, psuedo-non-formulaic dramas such as “Heroes” and “Mad Men” charge my brain up for future ideas and just make me excited to be a creative professional. Oh yeah, and pro-wrestling. You can learn a lot from pro-wrestling.