In my in the Design methodology series from 2020, I had written a post on Inspiration based design, detailing the various stages and processes that are involved in using creating a design from an inspiration in a professional manner. To briefly summarise, Inspiration based design as a method involves three stages.
- Pre-conceptualisation, where we gather research, our inspirations and our references, analyse and represent them visually.
- Conceptualisation, where we interpret our analysis using colour, material, form, shape, value as products – sketches and prototypes.
- Post conceptualisation, which is based on testing and feedback – be it internal or external. Read more about how designers use a iterative loop to design, evolve or reject jewellery designs in this post.
Jewellery making using inspiration board
While the process from inspiration to realisation is simple enough to be fully thought out in one’s mind, it requires experience and a firm grasp of the method’s potential. Further, it can be intimidating for beginners, those with cognitive issues, learning difficulties and even those who are getting back to design after a hiatus.
Boards such as mood boards, inspiration boards, colour and material boards ease this process. By combining colours, textures, and imagery, such boards act as a compass guiding the design process from abstract idea to tangible creation. They help us get “unstuck” and move forward towards outcomes without getting lost in multiple possibilities or the worse “not knowing where to start.” Though boards are often made only while creating a large number of pieces, it is also helpful in case of designing 1-2 pieces, especially if you are dealing with severe brain fog such as myself.
If you can make only one board – Make an Inspiration board!
How to make an inspiration board
Unlike a moodboard, which details only the mood of the collection, an inspiration can be a poem, a book, a photo or a series of images on a theme. You can even add a colour and material palette to the same board. That is why I always say, if you can make only one board – Make an Inspiration board.
You can use any design software or online apps such as Canva to make an inspiration board. Alternatively, you can use Powerpoint, a collage maker on your or Instagram stories to make your inspiration board. To create an inspiration board on stories, keep adding images using “add a photo” feature and add text. you can even add music or GIFs and make a multi-media board. Download and save it for future use.
Here is an inspiration board that I made recently to create a single necklace and a pair of earrings. I chose calming rhythmic waves of the sea and beachfront as my inspiration and titled it as Isla.
Isla – Of turquoise waters and sandy beaches
The term Isla means island and I chose it to signify bliss and serenity that comes to mind when I think of an island surrounded by cool blue waters. In the pre-conceptualisation stage, I asked myself – what feelings do the images evoke? What textures stand out? Which colours dominate?
Isla jewellery
From the board, the idea of layered horizons emerged as a structural concept. I used the idea to create a two-strand necklace, with Czech beads placed at intervals like shells washed ashore. The textured Czech beads that I received in a beads swap seemed to best embody the textures seen on the board. The reddish-gold chain brought warmth, while the circular beads mirrored both sea foam bubbles and the sun glinting on water. Further, I added dark blue Thai crystals, Murano glass beads and Indian glass beads to connect the strands and finished the necklace with a clasp.
I used dangling strands to represent cascading waves in the matching earrings. The gold studs with rhinestones add the does of glamour this set required. The glass beads were balanced with finer chains to keep the piece lightweight.
The set is so pretty and dainty in person and photographs do not do it justice. So I used ChatGPT to generate an image of a model wearing the set and edited it using Adobe Photoshop for accuracy of design.
Boards to streamline your efforts
Typically, I do not make dainty pieces and never use thread like chains. I think these chains came with bezels I ordered almost a decade ago and they were still in their packing. However, I used them in this piece as a part of my art therapy exercise. Daintier chains and fragile beads require more concentration, steady hands and you have no choice but to calm your anxious nerves down. I am so glad that I succeeded in my attempt.
An inspiration board can help you extend your boundaries and help you experiment in a focused manner. Try making boards before you create your pieces. Who knows, your next board might lead to your most meaningful creation yet.
I hope you find it interesting
Cheers
What do you think?