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What are references and why do we talk so much about them? References are links and footnotes, which are used for the inspiration at the project creation.
Isn’t it a copy paste? Not at all. Sometimes creative people had no inspiration or they have a vague idea. This is time to address the references, which means works created before you. That could be pictures, movie stills, studies and even sketches. It is important not to copy what you see, but to get inspiration and new ideas.
Types of references:
1. Style references. You choose some works you like by design, background, fonts, clothing etc. Based on these works you can come up with something of your own, for example, you can mix several styles, invent new techniques, or take a picture from another view;
2. Structural references. Using such references, it is possible to learn new characteristic features of certain objects, art techniques, and so on;
3. Competitor analysis. Yes, precisely, your competitor could become the reference. Sometimes the leaders in your area have enough knowledge and they structure their work in a way to attract more customers. It’s a great idea to learn from them and be inspired by them.
Where to search for references?
Anywhere, from movies to stock image websites. Here is a list of some sources of references:
Here you can find almost everything. Search a picture on the topics of your interest, so you will find pictures, concepts and even lessons. There is a perfect system of recommendations, which can help you to find more on the topic of your interest.
Stock image websites
Those are services quality pictures for free and for a fee. It is good to search for some reference there, as the photos are of quality and you can use them even for commercial purposes. Take, for example, the Pixabay. There are thousands of pictures on different topics.
Platforms for designers
Designers, by the way, adore references and they often share their works with each other. Try to use the Deviantart or the Dribbble – painters often use them for portfolio, so there are many different pictures.
The Instagram and other social networks
Nowadays almost all famous painters share their work in the Internet. There are many interesting projects in their accounts, that could inspire you to create something of your own.
Movies, TV shows, music videos
There are many references, from quality shots to the various actor types, scenery, etc. It is worth to watch only qualitative works of that kind, pause and make a screenshot
The reference is a cool tool for the work, inspiration and creation of your projects. It is important not to copy because then it would be considered plagiarism.
The Ninetales will help you to manage social networks accounts, where you can share something, you have created. So then probably you become the reference for someone else!
