5 Synergies To Improve Your Creative Process

Another interesting example lies in the relationship between the varied framings of design elements and the different focal lengths of photographic lenses.

Principles such as symmetry (or its absence), balance, the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, and the golden spiral are equally relevant for both layouts and photographs.

Thus, the same horizontal banner mentioned earlier requires a vertical version to be shared on platforms like Instagram Stories, for instance.

Studying photography is not only a way to practice these processes but also to enhance aesthetic sensitivity and critical analysis, which are essential in the creative process.

By enhancing the skill of storytelling in photography, the designer incorporates a powerful tool to make their layouts more appealing and engaging, using images not just to communicate, but also to narrate stories and evoke emotions.

Through it, capturing moments gain a deeper meaning and purpose, resembling how a work of art evokes sensations and impressions in the observer.

Horizontal format pieces, like banners, resemble wider framings provided by wide-angle lenses.

Gaining knowledge about new framing techniques or learning about double exposure, for example, illustrates how photographic concepts can enrich layouts with an extra touch of originality.

Although photography is part of most (if not all) design curricula, it was only recently that I decided to deepen my knowledge beyond the basics.

That’s what I’m here to discuss today: how photography has enhanced my design process.

This heightened awareness and contemplative perspective of the world have revitalized my creativity in blending colors, typography, illustrations, and graphic elements.

In the case of photography, it’s no different.

This is a discipline shared by both design and photography.

Embarking on my photography journey has revived the beginner’s mindset within me, reigniting the desire to experiment and discover new processes.

2. When studying composition

However, on social media, the vertical format of smartphone cameras (usually 1080x1920px) is predominant.

The goal here isn’t to delve into the technical aspects (a vast subject that I’m still exploring as a photographer), but to highlight concepts I’ve been applying in my day-to-day work as a designer at Rock Content, making a difference in my daily work.

1. Rekindling the beginner’s mindset

On the other hand, an “expert” who has mastered the fundamentals and gained experience can fall into the trap of getting stuck in processes that they already know work efficiently, thus hindering creativity.

Storytelling is another discipline of utmost importance in photography.

Design and photography share stages of the creative process that range from conceiving a shoot or campaign to experimenting, creating versions, and final refinement.

In this way, with just a few steps, I find myself paying more attention to sunset lighting (the “golden hour”), people in motion (generating authentic everyday portraits), previously overlooked bird species, color and texture combinations in fabric stores, and most importantly, the beauty that encompasses it all.

When we start learning something we’re interested in, we become more open to practicing, experimenting, and learning from our own mistakes. This is an ideal moment to stimulate creativity and envision new possibilities.