Last week I was feeling stunted due to a designer’s block. Not good considering that I have two logo projects that need finishing. Thanks to the push of one momma bird, I got out of the house to go look for new inspiration. What I ended up doing was hopping on the train and going downtown to wander all around Michigan Avenue. I started near Millennium Park and walked all the way up to the Water Tower.

Along the way, I stopped into an art gallery, multiple stores, and viewed some of the most beautiful architecture that Chicago has to offer. I looked at paintings, Christmas decorations, home furnishings, kids toys, books, store fronts, walkways, plants, sculptures, tiles, and design elements on the outside of buildings. I looked up, I looked down, I got real close to things, and I glanced out across the city. And everywhere I looked, I found something that could be turned into a potential logo. It was fun! Before I knew it my head was swimming with ideas and loving every minute of it. I couldn’t wait to get back to my computer to test things out.

Now, I understand that not everyone has the luxury of living in a big city like I do. But the point I am trying to make is that design is everywhere. It can be in a footprint on the street, a smile on a kids face, a napkin ring, a Christmas ornament, the shape of an unusual plant… just take the time to see it. Look around and soon you might find yourself saying “Hey! There’s something in that and I could use it!”

So get out, go on your own walk. Take a camera, take a sketchbook, and take a look at the design that surrounds you.