So your small business has an empty shop window to fill, a trade show exhibit to build, or a product launch party to plan...how do you create a physical environment that gets your customers attention? With solid set design skills, of course.
Set Design: How to Get Inspired
Over
the years, I have been designing sets for theater productions and events. Each project starts with an inspiration session that can last weeks before the actual set is drawn and construction begins. My personal process for getting inspired has
evolved over the years, but a few specific sources have remained. Many of the techniques I use can be applied
to making a business space stand out. I would
like to share these to inspire you, whether you
are designing a storefront window, planning an over the top party or event, creating a trade show must-see booth, or simply
creating a unique space for your customers to enjoy your products.
 |
| Grab a sketch book & pencils, and get started! |
Step 1: Go see a movie.
Hollywood
has provided us with a lifetime of visual inspiration. Watch a period piece to see how fabric and knickknacks
have changed over the years. Use the
brilliance of CGI to imagine color and size combinations that will make your
design memorable. Immerse yourself in
the story to understand what elements are expected. For example, I reluctantly forced myself to sit through a
horror movie in preparation for a haunted house design and was shocked at how
much it helped me with details like lighting, staging and props.
Step 2: Break out the crayons and coloring books.
The simplicity
of coloring books focuses on lines, angles and curves and are a great jumping off
point for big picture design. Besides,
spending a few minutes coloring has been shown to relax adults, allowing their minds
to open and think tangentially about a situation, problem or design. Comic books and cartoons also offer clean,
efficient images.
Step 3: Take a hike. Look for Art and Architecture.
Take a walk around a city. Look at the statues including their bases.
Examine fences, bridges, walls and buildings.
Look at details like trim and windows to see layers of pattern. Walk in nature. Note the way water changes color. Compare the texture of different bark, leaves
and stones.
Step 4: Grab your passport.
Ok, not literally. Go to Netflix, Amazon Prime, a library, thrift store or bookstore
and find travel films, books and DVDs. Seeing
somewhere far away can open your eyes to create a mind blowing space. I especially love House Hunters International, Better Late than Never, the Rick Steves videos, and anything in the Visions travel series. These companies take a lot of time to get lighting and composition just right.
After I have compiled a stack of drawings and notes, I sit down with the director, event planner or building team and discuss the limitations of the stage, set pieces and whatever other parameters will control the design.
Taking the time to fill my mind and sketch book with ideas allows me to design with depth and an attention to detail.
After all, the goal is to surprise and delight with a scene that not only enhances the performance, but transports the audience to a whole, new world.
Bring this level of excitement to your
Small Business to create a Big Brand.
Heather
is the creative brand coach, a marketing
consultant helping businesses & professionals build strong brands to
connect with their target market. Her prior experience includes Research &
Development and Brand Management Marketing for global consumer products goods
companies. For over a decade, she has
helped small business owners focus on their passion and their products, while
creating strong brands and solid business plans.
Find Heather
via Twitter @creativebrandch or the blog SmallBusiness, Big Brand.
The mission of Small Business, Big Brand is to give
small business owners easy to use brand & marketing techniques
to strengthen & grow their business.
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