Published
20 Novemeber, 2024
by
Param Pratap Walia
Finding Beauty in the Unexpected: The Story Behind "Found Shapes"
Inspiration often comes from the most unexpected places. For me, it began as a university assignment but evolved into an ongoing creative journey that reshaped my approach to design. Here's the story of how "Found Shapes" came to life, transforming everyday imperfections into captivating works of art.
The University Assignment That Sparked It All
During my time at university, we were given a unique assignment: roam the campus, capture images of anything we found intriguing, and create collages from those images. At first, it seemed like a simple exercise. But as I explored, I started noticing beauty in overlooked details—cracks in walls, broken plaster, and random textures.
This assignment wasn’t just about creating collages; it was a lesson in perspective. It taught me that graphic design isn’t limited to polished visuals—it’s about discovering inspiration in the world around us. The project opened my eyes to the idea that creativity could emerge from the seemingly mundane.
Reviving "Found Shapes" During My Internship
After university, the project sat quietly on the back burner, until an internship at FutureBrand Australia reignited it. One of my tasks was to design a promotional banner for FutureBrand and Deakin's Internship program. The brief? Create a visual that embodied art and creativity, while maintaining a professional and friendly tone.
As I brainstormed, I found myself reflecting on those university collages. The spontaneous, grungy results of my earlier work wouldn’t suit this project, but the underlying idea held potential. I began to see how the random shapes I’d once captured—cracks, blemishes, and textures—could communicate both spontaneity and expression in a refined way.
Merging Inspiration with Professionalism
To elevate the concept, I drew inspiration from the works of designers and artists like Bráulio Amado and Antonio Carrau. Their ability to transform abstract shapes into vibrant, meaningful compositions guided my approach. By combining these influences with my own vision, I developed visual compositions using the "found shapes" that had once intrigued me.
The result was a striking banner that captured the essence of creativity. It celebrated the unexpected, turning imperfections into something beautiful and inspiring.
From Assignment to Ritual: A Creative Practice
What started as a one-off assignment has now become a ritual. I’ve made it a habit to venture out and collect pictures of things most people would overlook—cracks, broken textures, and other "imperfections." These seemingly insignificant details are transformed into designs that people want to engage with and appreciate.
Final Thoughts: Finding Inspiration Everywhere
"Found Shapes" is a reminder that inspiration is all around us, waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a designer, an artist, or someone seeking a fresh perspective, take a moment to notice the overlooked details in your environment. You never know—what you find might just spark your next creative breakthrough.
Published
20 Novemeber, 2024
by
Param Pratap Walia
Finding Beauty in the Unexpected: The Story Behind "Found Shapes"
Inspiration often comes from the most unexpected places. For me, it began as a university assignment but evolved into an ongoing creative journey that reshaped my approach to design. Here's the story of how "Found Shapes" came to life, transforming everyday imperfections into captivating works of art.
The University Assignment That Sparked It All
During my time at university, we were given a unique assignment: roam the campus, capture images of anything we found intriguing, and create collages from those images. At first, it seemed like a simple exercise. But as I explored, I started noticing beauty in overlooked details—cracks in walls, broken plaster, and random textures.
This assignment wasn’t just about creating collages; it was a lesson in perspective. It taught me that graphic design isn’t limited to polished visuals—it’s about discovering inspiration in the world around us. The project opened my eyes to the idea that creativity could emerge from the seemingly mundane.
Reviving "Found Shapes" During My Internship
After university, the project sat quietly on the back burner, until an internship at FutureBrand Australia reignited it. One of my tasks was to design a promotional banner for FutureBrand and Deakin's Internship program. The brief? Create a visual that embodied art and creativity, while maintaining a professional and friendly tone.
As I brainstormed, I found myself reflecting on those university collages. The spontaneous, grungy results of my earlier work wouldn’t suit this project, but the underlying idea held potential. I began to see how the random shapes I’d once captured—cracks, blemishes, and textures—could communicate both spontaneity and expression in a refined way.
Merging Inspiration with Professionalism
To elevate the concept, I drew inspiration from the works of designers and artists like Bráulio Amado and Antonio Carrau. Their ability to transform abstract shapes into vibrant, meaningful compositions guided my approach. By combining these influences with my own vision, I developed visual compositions using the "found shapes" that had once intrigued me.
The result was a striking banner that captured the essence of creativity. It celebrated the unexpected, turning imperfections into something beautiful and inspiring.
From Assignment to Ritual: A Creative Practice
What started as a one-off assignment has now become a ritual. I’ve made it a habit to venture out and collect pictures of things most people would overlook—cracks, broken textures, and other "imperfections." These seemingly insignificant details are transformed into designs that people want to engage with and appreciate.
Final Thoughts: Finding Inspiration Everywhere
"Found Shapes" is a reminder that inspiration is all around us, waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a designer, an artist, or someone seeking a fresh perspective, take a moment to notice the overlooked details in your environment. You never know—what you find might just spark your next creative breakthrough.
