Graphic Design Theory (WK4): Creativity Exercise: "Metaphor Hunt"

Hey everyone! Welcome to my last Graphic Design Theory blog post! It's time for another creativity exercise. I heard about this one from a friend and thought it sounded really fun and interesting. It's called the Metaphor Hunt. Its purpose is to stretch your thinking by connecting unrelated ideas.

Steps:

  1. Pick an everyday activity, object, or process. (ex: cooking pasta).
  2. Choose something unrelated to compare it to (ex: building a playlist).
  3. List similarities — even if you're reaching.
  4. Cooking pasta: boiling, straining, and seasoning.
  5. Playlist: selecting, trimming, and arranging mood.
  6. Write a short statement or sketch based on the metaphor.

Example:

“Cooking pasta is like building a playlist: you start with too much, cut it down to what works, and add flavor until it feels complete.”

I found this really entertaining, and it helped me look at things differently. I would've never thought that making pasta was anything like building a playlist, but when you break it down into steps and associate them, they're actually pretty similar (on a base level). I hope this is helpful to you, and I'd love to hear what unrelated things you can connect! 

Until next time!

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