Like everyone else, I get inspired by the work of other designers. And as a Graphics student I’m told searching and researching other artists are a good way of branching out and trying different styles and ways of doing my work.

So with a focus on typography and Photoshop work I chose Nik Ainley as my first inspiration artist post.

I only recently came across Nik Ainley, in fact as you can probably tell from my del​.icio​.us bookmarks I only found him on Monday. But already he’s had a big impression on me.

As a style his is probably my favourite, that candy coloured, bright, 3D text with complex backgrounds and intricate line work style gives my eyes lots to look at whilst still punching the message across.

You can see the amount that must go into each design just from a few previews here.

Created for Computer Arts.

Created for Computer Arts.

Created for Computer Arts Projects. Using my favourite type as well; Alba by Fontalicious with a 3D take on it, liking the bright snazzy blend of colours too. If you like this style you can download some free EPS character from here.

Sweet wallpaper.

Created for The Official Xbox 360 Magazine. Liking the notepad feel to it.

Originally I just wanted two or three but I just kept finding ones I really liked and had to include. This guy is insanely talented. Course it’s just a matter of layering everything up.

Judging from his Info page he sounds a bit like what I was like, studying very ‘clever’ subjects whilst learning Photoshop and other software.

Nik Ainley is a UK based designer who has a passion for producing personal art and illustrations. After teaching himself Photoshop in his spare time while gaining a degree in physics at Imperial College London, he has since moved full time into the design world.

This sort of style of work reminds of something I came across on dA the other day.

Summer Cocktail by iuneWind of deviantART. After numerous requests he later made a tutorial on how he made it, looks like a fun little project to have a go at sometime.

Well that’s my first inspiration post wrapped up.