Newbies & Seasoned designers...

After about 10 years of design experience, I am now looking to the past to help shape the design community and mold my style. I have been quite disappointed with my current style. I beleive it is due to the lack of knowlege of art history. I have run into many newbies who are in the same boat. I have been told countless times "You want to be good at something. Find a role model and mimic their style. Then take that style from there and reach to the skies". So at this point in my life, I am having to look at my inspirations, my role model(s), my style and design process and lastly, what do I hope to bring to the world of graphic design.

Publications (i.e. Comm. Arts, Step), movies, along with classic typography have been the latest inspiration in my life. As of today, Weiss, has become my favorite font. Its classic, thin appearance, top heavy downstrokes, and distinct serifs have found a place in my heart (wow, I've turned into a true font-geek).

I have found that the design process can not just hold one person, but works so much better as a team, especially in the brainstorming stage. Usually, I meet with the client and see what they would like to acheive (always keep in touch with the client - on a day to day basis). At this point, the most important step is needed. PRAYER. Why not ask the creator of creativity for inspiration? He is the great creator. Next, I research the subject at hand. Can't forget to raid the idea morgue (a folder that we keep ideas in - we usually come up with them at quirky times of the year) Then I bring my mind, any parafanalia (sorry if I am not a literary wiz) to the brainstorming session. Lately, it has been myself and 2 others. This is so fun. We usually spend time bouncing ideas off each other. BAM!!! After a while, we have something to go with. Then we conceptualize it on paper and then to the computer. Now it is presentation time to the client. Hopefully, the research, daily contact and paying attention has paid off. If approved, we begin. We sort out the work (what gets outsourced, what tasks get passed to the team. While working on my part, I am consistently calling my colleagues over for their input. Improving here and there. Then it's time to bring it together. Proof it, polish it, and presentation time again. Be prepared for the client's worst reaction. If all goes well (in a perfect world), run it to press if needed and finally give the glory to GOD.

I want to inspire, encourage and truly bring the best out of fellow designers through my work and teachings.

What are your inspirations?
Who is your design role model and why?
What is your design process?
What do you hope to bring to the design community?

Dave