How to Ensure Originality in Your Designs

Every designer will agree that the availability of information in the modern world is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you can get inspired by the brilliant ideas of others. But on the other hand, it may seem that every great design has already been invented. Many of us have, at some point in our careers, experienced the sinking feeling of discovering a design you poured your heart into already exists and belongs to someone else.

Is there a way to break through the noise and create work that truly resonates as unique? After all, cultivating a distinctive voice is one of the key goals in a world ruled by originality. That is someone you learn about while writing academic papers in college, where a thorough
plagiarism check is an essential part of the writing process. You need to make sure that your paper is a valuable contribution to the existing discussion. But how can you ensure the originality of your design projects? Let’s try answering this question.

Main Challenges to Originality

Before we get to the practical tips, let’s look at the key obstacles that stand in the way of your fresh perspectives.

The first point I want to mention is about repetitive design trends and how they create an echo chamber. We see the same approaches repeated over and over again across different platforms.

In addition, trends offer a sense of security, and designers may feel pressured to conform to current styles to ensure that others perceive their work as relevant. Needless to say, such pressure can lead to originality compromises.

The Paradox of Inspiration

Paradoxically enough, the more references you scroll through and the more designs you analyze, the more reliant on the existing work you can become. There is a thin line between inspiration and imitation that you don’t want to cross.

Even if you do it unintentionally, it’s crucial to understand the difference and avoid plagiarism. For instance, many graphic designers have already started to rely on AI detectors to avoid using someone else’s material in an unethical way.

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Deadlines and Client Expectations

Tight deadlines can force us to rely on familiar templates instead of exploring new concepts. Then, there are clients who request designs that closely resemble existing work. Can you create something truly original in this case? Highly doubtful.

Finally, we are all artists and can be sensitive to negative feedback. That is why we may hesitate to present innovative ideas that clients will not appreciate. Sometimes, staying on the safe side seems much more reasonable.

Talking about staying on the safe side…

The Comfort Zone

It’s natural that you rely on familiar techniques, especially when you don’t have much time for brainstorming. However, doing so can limit creative growth and prevent you from discovering your unique voice. Even though experimenting with new design approaches can lead to failures and be time-consuming, it’s essential for pushing boundaries and developing original work.

So, what can you do about all these obstacles?

Legal and Ethical Considerations

As I’ve already mentioned the plagiarism issues, it would be logical to discuss the legal and ethical parts of using the works of others for inspiration. It’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities, so here are key points to keep in mind.

• Copyright protection. Learn what types of designs are protected by copyright and how to register your work.
• Fair use. Understand the concept of fair use and how it applies to design.
• Licensing. If you use copyrighted material in your designs, make sure you have the necessary licenses.
• Seek legal advice. If you have any questions about copyright law, consult with an attorney.
• Cite sources. If you use any inspiration from other designers, make sure to give them credit.

Now, let’s move on to a more exciting part of how to generate non-trivial ideas for your projects.

Dig Deeper to Discover Pure Gold

Without a doubt, it is easier to rely solely on digital design platforms for inspiration when you are working on your projects. But awesome ideas do not lie on the surface.

Don’t Let the Screen Become Your Birdcage

The moment you agree that digital tools are only one of many possible sources of inspiration, you begin to notice that the real world is a treasure trove of countless creative ideas:

• Nature. Even though it might sound obvious, nature is a masterclass in composition, color theory, and form. The subtle gradations of a sunset and the chaotic beauty of a forest can all spark unique design concepts.
• Art galleries and museums. Study the techniques of master artists’ techniques, compositions, and use of color to broaden your visual vocabulary and inspire new approaches to your own work.
• Physical experiences. Engaging with different environments and cultures can expose you to new perspectives and visual stimuli. The textures of handmade crafts or the architectural details of a historical building can bring you much-needed inspiration.

Visit Unexpected Places

Let your inspiration treasure trove map include:

• flea markets and antique shops because vintage posters and postcards can offer a glimpse into past design trends and inspire unique typographic treatments and visual styles;
• industrial design, with its functional beauty, can be a great source of inspiration, especially when you are working on modern and minimalist design concepts;
• scientific imagery and diagrams, such as microscopic images, astronomical photos, and botanical illustrations, to discover unique patterns and color palettes.

Cultivate a Creative Culture

It’s all about your mindset. You can’t get any new results if you continue doing the same thing again and again. This principle works great in psychotherapy and can work for designers as well.

• Experiment without any specific project goals. Use this time to explore new techniques and tools without the pressure of deadlines or client expectations.
• Embrace the “What If” mentality. Ask questions like, “What if I used only geometric shapes?” or “What if I combined hand-drawn illustrations with digital typography?” Your creativity should have no limits!
• Don’t be afraid to make “mistakes.” Often, the most innovative ideas come from unexpected decisions, so you can view “mistakes” as opportunities for discovery and learning.

Craft Your Unique Voice

Naturally, you don’t want to be just another designer who does not make anything outstanding and blends in with the rest. Here are some approaches I find to be effective when it comes to the unique blend of your skills and creativity:

• Identify your strengths and interests. What are you passionate about? What skills do you excel at?
• Experiment with different techniques. Blending unexpected instruments can make your clients applaud your outstanding ideas.
• Look closer at your favorite designs. Find the elements that resonate with you and try to use them in your work.

Explore the Available Tools

Technology can be a powerful tool for developing new approaches and idea generation. You can use the algorithms of generative design tools to create interesting patterns and compositions. Similarly, custom typography will help you design your own fonts or modify the ones you regularly use.

To Sum Up

Using the works of others to show the world something unexpectedly beautiful is a wonderful thing. Don’t let your inner barriers keep you away from your goals. Hopefully, the tips I’ve mentioned in this article will make this path easier for you.