When looking at objects, we tend
not to get much past the surface— “that’s an interesting mask; there’s
an old book.” But the designer must look deeper. Put words on what you see. What, exactly, makes the mask interesting? What colors say artistic? What kind of shape says traditional? What textures? What lines? Pay attention to sensual qualities like sound, smell, touch, and the intangi- bles of history, culture and tradition.
The ideal image not only makes the right message (artistic and tradition- al) but has bold physical properties (line, silhouette, color) that can have an impact on the design.