One additional idea I’d throw into the mix. which is a creative scrapbook. I have a big “creative inspiration” book. Whenever I see something cool (and I base it very much off immediate gut reaction) in a magazine, or a flyer, or a newspaper, I tear it out and keep it. I stick everything in the book when I get the chance.

The idea is not to specifically *work* on the scrapbook, it’s something that grows organically. And it’s not organized in any way, it’s a jumble of interesting images, typography, designs etc. But it’s often invaluable, because I’ll flick through it at the start of every assignment and very often find some piece of inspiration that gives me a hook to hang the rest of my design ideas from.