i also try random association. also i find it useful to read the directors text and pick out key phrases (sometimes these are ambigous and lend themselves to being illustrated). try reading other literature the company produce as well. what you’ll find is that in general there will be themes such as: growth, our workforce, tailored products, delivering solutions…. most companies share the same themes but they all lend themselves to being illustrated in interesting ways. take growth for instance theres organic (flowers and plants), human (different size colourful wellies), animal (baby elephant with adult) hair (different sizes and styles)….

hope this helps.

I’m not sure where I read this, but someone suggested that when you get into a rut to take a day away from the computer and take some pictures. For me it works like a charm as I love photography, but even if you are not an avid photographer just go out for a day and shoot whatever looks interesting to you. When you get home and look through the pictures, you will always find something inspiring in one of the pictures that will ultimately carry over to your design.

Bryan Z

Are you going for a different style or a different layout? If it’s style, I always keep track of styles I see that I like and want to try some day. Make the graphics look like an illustrated manuscript, shipping container (with ink stamps), passport, very minimalist (concentrate on typography), watercolors… does any of this give you ideas? And there’s always Colour Lover for palette ideas.