opinion: to reflect or not to reflect?

[JonD25]

I'm wanting to redesign my portfolio site, and I was thinking of going with a minimal look with some of those reflections that Apple is so fond of using. (for an example, go to apple.com and look under the iPhones, or go to apple.com/mac and look under all the different products on the top)

But my questions is, do you think that it's starting to become an overused/cliche effect? I like the effect, but I can see where it could be getting a little overused lately. Or, if it isn't yet overused by everyone is, is it the kind of effect that is automatically identified with Apple, so much that if you saw a site that had nothing to do with Apple, you'd think they stole the design idea from Apple? So what are your opinions. To use reflections or not?

 

[TheAnswer]

Reflections...DO NOT WANT.




They are already way past the cliché stage, reflections like those in Coverflow are in the beating a dead design horse phase.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

Don't use reflections. Allow your work to stand all by itself.

 

[JonD25]

Hahaha, yeah I had a feeling so. I'm just beginning to seriously get in to the design world, and although I've been a student at it for a couple years, I haven't gotten that deep in to it yet.

This is somewhat off topic, but how do you guys find inspiration for design ideas? I'm kinda at a roadblock with how to design and organize my site. Coming up with that first initial spark of inspiration is always the hardest part for me.

 

[bluetooth]

I think the reflection can look good if it is subtle. It can enhance work that is presented as a standing brochure/newsletter/magazine ad etc. Just don't let it distract/take away from your work.

http://www.elance.com/p/?q=eolproviderprofile&view_person=CarnivalDesign&catid=10184##1

 

[Abraxsis]

Here is the biggest tip I can give. Good design takes time. Dont be afraid of the Delete Layer button ... hell dont be afraid to hit it several times. I developed a new logo for a game my company is releasing in our Monty python line. I worked 2 hours this morning and when I was done .. hated it. I hit the Delete Layer button about 8 times, and then worked with the elements that I did like for another 3 hours and there I have it.

People all too often look for inspiration outside of themselves, but sometimes the greatest inspiration is what you produce while your trying to find some inspiration.

Might be a tad "metaphysical" for most. So here is a small list of things I usually try and get inspiration from.

-Ringing School of Art and Design college catalogs ... something to behold truly.
-The gorgeous women walking down the street outside my window
- Various design mags
- My own and other's Photography
- Art in general
- Deviant Art
- Design websites
etc etc etc.

Hahaha, yeah I had a feeling so. I'm just beginning to seriously get in to the design world, and although I've been a student at it for a couple years, I haven't gotten that deep in to it yet.

This is somewhat off topic, but how do you guys find inspiration for design ideas? I'm kinda at a roadblock with how to design and organize my site. Coming up with that first initial spark of inspiration is always the hardest part for me.