Introducing our (not so new anymore) Digital Designer, Martin! Martin joined the boat a couple of months ago, and we think it’s time you got to know him too.
At Blueboat, something we share a passion for is imagination; in ideas, in the work we do, and in the personalities of each and every one of the people in the studio.
This time, it’s Martin turn to tell us about what’s sparking his imagination.
So Martin, where do you seek inspiration?
To be honest I rarely seek out inspiration, I tend to see it all around me almost all of the time. My friends are musicians and artists and sports people, all of them do amazing things in their fields so I feel constantly inspired to push myself and produce good work.
That said when I’m struggling, I just go for a walk, or do some yoga. Even though I primarily work on a computer, I can easily say I get way more inspiration when I step away from it. To me, inspiration is not so much about having eureka moments or fantastic new ideas; it’s more putting my mind in a place where it’s open to explore and discover – getting some fresh air and taking my mind somewhere else helps me get to that place. I find inspiration in the environment – both natural and constructed – I mean when you enter a well designed building, there is a sort of balance between getting to where you want to be, and a desire to look around and find out what else is around each corner- that’s basically a good website.
What’s inspiring you at the moment?
Design-wise I’m looking a lot at single ideas done well. There is so much noise out there on the web with sites trying to be all things. It’s a sort of Japanese way of thinking I guess, but it doesn’t have to be arty and museum-like, you can apply the same thinking to a pop concept like this – This is My Jam
Recently I’ve really found myself inspired by people who are using their skills – whatever they may be – to do good and help people. It seems to be everywhere I look at the moment which is making me think a lot about ensuring I believe in the motivations behind a project and not just the superficial outcomes.
How is this influencing the work you do at Blueboat?
Well coincidentally, since joining the Blueboat team I have been lucky enough to work on projects that are challenging and creative pieces of work, but primarily function to help people. This year we’ve launched projects that tackle depression in men as well as one that assists remote health care. It inspires me to know that all of the hours of research and coding are done with the intent of helping people, and I’m excited that there are more projects like this in the pipeline too.
For those out there in search of inspiration, where would you point them?
Site Inspire is always great for showcasing creative websites
Colossal is probably my favorite blog for inspiration, it is choc full of epic images and videos from all sorts of creative fields, art and sciencey stuff.
Chrome Experiments shows code experiments that exhibit what’s possible with browser technology evolving everyday
GitHub – The best place to collaborate with other coders to build projects, share and learn.
Smashing Magazine can be handy for tech articles and codeisms.