The Seven Creative Strategies
Learning about and familiarizing myself with the seven different creative strategies has given me an increased excitement for graphic design and the potential it allows for individuals to express themselves and portray concepts in a visual way.
Putting my newfound knowledge to the test, I chose to create a collection of visual designs that implement each of the strategies in a clever and thoughtful way. The challenge was choosing a household object to base this project on. I couldn't decide.
What did I choose? Well, I'm sure the images above spoiled that.
SCISSORS. Yes, two handles, two blades, a whole lot of potential.
After three weeks of brainstorming ideas, implementing concepts and visuals, and taking advice from outside sources, with a whole lot of revision and editing through handy old Photoshop in between, I now present my final images. I hope you enjoy.
The Seven Strategies in Action
STRATEGY #1: COMBINATIONS
When two objects that have little to nothing in common are combined in a way that the viewer can understand visually, yet it still comes as a surprise.
Pair of scissors. Paris-scissors. Two and the same. Take the architectural magnificence of the Eiffel Tower combined with the craftiness that scissors can create, and you have a perfect mix of elegant and artsy, each unique object having great expressive potential.
STRATEGY #2: JUXTAPOSITION
Similar to combination, the merge tends to be shocking or unexpected to the viewer, focusing on the oppositeness of the two objects combined.
A businessman with scissors for legs. What a great way to show sharpness in action, a man on a mission, looking slick along the way. Men don't have to stay confined to the box of t-shirts and joggers, boxers and socks. Men can look sharp too, you know.
STRATEGY #3: ISOLATION
When the main object that that the designer is trying to highlight is set apart from the rest of the elements on the design in an obvious way.
Blades amongst butterflies. To some, that may seem like an odd combination, but people do it every day. They try to make themselves into something they're not, something crafted and inauthentic. Don't rush the process of transformation. You are meant to be a butterfly.
STRATEGY #4: METAPHOR OR SIMILE
When the object being highlighted has an underlying meaning or message that it can portray within the context of the given image or design.
Rock, paper, scissors. Which will you choose? This game has a deeper meaning than fists and peace signs. Choose to become who you are meant to be! And who are you meant to be? Yourself. These scissors are scissors for a reason. He wasn't designed to be a rock.
STRATEGY #5: CHANGE OF CONTEXT OR ENVIRONMENT
Taking something not normal either in context or environment combined with another object to tell a story or portray some concept in a visual way.
A visual of a pair of scissors cutting the dotted line in the road. Let's get to it! Let's not stop ourselves from beginning now on a journey or transformation. Just like scissors can alter paper, so too can you choose to change and walk down the road that will lead to good.
STRATEGY #6: PHYSICAL SHAPE OR SIMILARITY
Taking two objects that normally wouldn’t be associated with each other and bridging a gap by highlighting any similarities that are present.
An alligator that has razor-like teeth combined with a pair of sharp scissors. Such a good visual, with two similar shaped objects, that has a deeper meaning, more relevant. Being mean really bites. Don't use something meant to uplift others to tear someone down.
STRATEGY #7: MATERIAL CHANGE, SWAP, OR FOCUS
Taking an object that we are used to seeing in a very specific and certain way and changing something about it to combine it with a different object.
A clock that symbolizes timeliness and a pair of scissors that symbolize precision. What better way to show the world in a quick and visual way the need for being prompt. There is power in being on time, or even early, and not allowing procrastination to get in the way.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The seven creative strategies can be wonderful tools for aspiring or beginning graphic designers to present an idea or concept in a visual way. Utilizing these strategies has greatly expanded my knowledge as a designer just starting up, and it has really changed how I think about and see the world in a lot of ways.
Especially scissors. I'll never see them the same way again.
