Design Process: Inspiration and Research

Hi everyone!

This is the beginning to a series about the fashion design process, talking about fashion, but (hopefully) in a more casual and fun way.

Because, I don’t know about you, but if someone is just standing in front of the class talking about important stuff in formal academic language I just…

However, this might be because I have to wake up at 5:45 every morning or I never get to the bus on time, I am not a morning person at all!

I want to show that fashion design can be an enjoyable and fulfilling process, and isn’t as formal and scary as it appears. I want to keep it simple and a little bit silly, as I want this to be informative, but lighthearted too!

Some of this information has been briefly covered in my video on the first steps to becoming a fashion designer. So, check that out if you would like! But this post is a more in-depth version of it.

A lot of what i'm going to talk about in this series will be long, wordy and a bit messy, which is why I will put a summary at the end of this post, and will eventually turn into a clean-cut video when I have the time.

First things first, I'm only into my second year of formal study. So, I'm learning this stuff at the same time as you are. I’m not a teacher... Instead, think of me as that friend who gives you the answers to the homework due next class.

Gaining answers is one thing, whether it's the right answer is another.

Today we will brush over the basics of gaining inspiration. Because before we even start, it’s good to  build and idea about what you’re wanting to make and finding good references to go from. This probably sounds boring to start with, but you can’t get to the fun part of fashion design without it!

So, inspiration! It’s often regarded as this eureka moment, when everything makes sense. Unfortunately isn’t always that easy, and you need to compile research/build ideas in order to have that inspiration, then flow into design development afterwards.

One of the main ideas my art teacher in high school told me was that there is no such thing as an original idea. Which sounds bad when you think about it in the sense that what we make isn’t necessarily our own. 

But when you really think about it, the way we are comprised as humans are from countless different things, our memories, experiences or learning from other people. Even though we are made up of many, different things, I’m still me, and you’re still you... and so is what you create! So it’s perfectly okay to be inspired by the things around us, as long as what you create at the end of the day is a reflection of your design ideas.

Getting Started:

Start off by getting a few ideas down to build your concept, 

- is there a specific purpose to your design? 

- Is there a target audience?

- Is it for an event, would there be a dress code?

- What season is it? Does it need to be for warmer/cooler temperatures?

- If it is for someone in specific, what do they like?

Write them down in little notes, or any other method you prefer - like brainstorming.

Example~

If you can’t think of anything and you’re really stuck, it’s best to just get yourself outside and gain some distance from your work.

To become inspired comes from exploration in the world around you. You might be designing clothing, but there’s much more to learn that just fashion alone. Otherwise it doesn’t really challenge your way of thinking.

However, it still important to have fashion as a key part of your research. Look into your favourite designers, question why their work is successful at capturing your attention. What inspires them, and how can it help you as a designer? Have their work be a contributing factor to your design work, but don't let it drive the entire process.

So, instead, look to more places than just fashion alone. How about...

- movies/tv shows

- video games

- comics

- books

- shops

- buildings/architecture

- art galleries

- museums

- festivals/concerts

- libraries

- music/album covers

Then we have online resources, such as through Google, Pinterest, Instagram, Stardoll, blogs and more.

Pretty much anything can be used as research... as long as it's relevant to your concept.

In schools we tend to break down research into two categories, primary research, and secondary research.

Primary Research is when you've sourced and explored the information yourself. Whether it be photographing objects in real life, experiencing events, interviewing others, drawing etc.

You may have a more personal connection to this research as you have seen it in real life/touched/smelt it; something that makes it more understood to you.

Primary research photographed from Japan Day 2017

Secondary Research is gathering information created by others, whether it be their interpretation of an event, art, fashion, writings, photographs etc.

If I was to collect inspiration from a website or book, it would count as secondary research. (Stardoll, February 2017)

I recommend to collect both primary and secondary research, in academic environments especially it's often a requirement.

You also need to know what to look into when viewing these places. These are connected to the design elements and design principles, both of which are very important to create good design.

(information about each element/principle will be linked here once the subsequent post is made.)

Design Elements:

Line

Shape/Form/Silhouette

Texture

Point/Circle/Dot

Colour and Light

Design Principles:

Emphasis

Unity/Rhythm

Direction

Contrast

Movement/Radiation

Balance/Harmony

But in a simpler form; look at how it feels and looks. What was it about this image or object that caught your attention? Do you like it, or dislike it? Try not to look just at the obvious, but see it in a more abstract way. 

- Instead of looking at the object, does it make a cool shadow?

- What are the shapes it makes?

- What does it feel like? (smooth/rough)

- look into what often goes unnoticed or forgotten.

Then, document your findings into a folder, binder, workbook, or stick them on the wall!

I've been collecting up cutouts/photos and making 'inspiration books' since I was very young. It's pretty cool to see how trends change over time.

And back when I was in highschool, I would put ideas and designs on the wall.

Note down where your research came from, like the date, artist or location. This just makes it easier to give credit and find similar works if necessary. I know it sounds boring, but trust me, it helps.

Extra tip:

If you're stuck for primary research, have a little notebook and pen always handy. You don’t need to draw big detailed works if you suddenly have an idea, just scribble things down when necessary. Even if they don’t feel relevant or seem silly, they might make sense in the future. 

Summary:

Build your fashion concept by answering a few questions:

- is there a specific purpose to your design? 

- Is there a target audience?

- Is it for an event, would there be a dress code?

- What season is it? Does it need to be for warmer/cooler temperatures?

- If it is for someone in specific, what do they like?

Don't stick to just a few photos or clothes for research in order to gain inspiration for your designs. Instead, go out into the world and explore! Look at different places, such as..

- movies/tv shows

- video games

- comics

- books/magazines

- shops

- buildings/architecture

- art galleries

- museums

- festivals/concerts

- libraries

- music/album covers

- websites

- designers

- fashion shows/collections

- editorials/articles

Take photos, write down ideas, doodle things up. Analyse why you like/dislike these things in particular, is it the colour, print, feel, sound or something else entirely? Try to see things in a different perspective..

- Instead of looking at the object, does it make a cool shadow?

- What are the shapes it makes? (silhouette)

- What does it feel like? (smooth/rough)

- look into what often goes unnoticed or forgotten.

Find research from both in your personal life, and from other people, such as art or stories they have created.

Document your findings in a book, binder, folder, or on a wall. Also, make sure to write where the research came from, such as the date, location or creator.

Happy designing!!