What's On My Creative Shelf

by Patsy Carvalho

I walked into somebody’s house and looked up upon their bookshelves, where the shelves mounted to walls were holding their knickknacks and collectibles. Have you looked at your own shelves and wondered what does this show about who I am as a creator? Are you aesthetic to the eye? Or are you chaotic?

Jennifer Peterson lives in the middle of both aesthetics. What's on her creative shelf? Some of her books are neatly stacked while others are opened or marked to pages that she frequently revisits. Upon her bookshelves are various knickknacks; things that bring her joy and spark her own creative mind such as anime characters and flowers. These items don’t just signify something that she possesses, rather these things are what she looks at to spark the creativity and encourage the creative flow.

There are certain books that she returns to consistently, the ones that offer the best advice at the perfect time. One such book is “Creating a Brand Identity” by Catharine Slade-Brooking. This one is the most referenced for brand design as it walks through the process of designing for a brand. Initially, it was a course required text but tuned into the best guide to have on hand.

Aside from books Jennifer has a collection of magazines. One of which is Eye Magazine. This magazine is focused on graphic design.  She keeps this one to references elements such as typography.

The shelf is ever changing. Right now, it is home to bold typography and grainy textures. Next, it may hold an array of bright colors and minimalistic designs. Every change indicates a move forward like a wave and not a surrender of what had outlived its purpose. Trends come back and what is on the shelf may find its way back to it again someday.