Inspiration comes from everywhere, usually from the places you last expect it from, usually when you’re not looking for. I think the key here is listening and learning from feedback and input (a client for example might approach you with an idea he/she has that can fuel the design). “Usually on any given project I’m the lead creative, so most collaboration comes in the form of a “show and tell” where I’ll discuss my work with my colleagues and clients – and the dialogue that follows informs the design process. While some designers have little faith in their client’s conceptual abilities, Tom believes that ideas can - and should - come from anywhere. “ou don’t always have to present a client with a barrage of ideas – sometimes just one (good) idea can be enough. And I usually start over, but not disregarding my original intent – just approach it from a different angle, or start doing random experiments which might seem totally inappropriate but doing that triggers new ideas that can open up the problem.”When dealing with clients, he takes a less-is-more approach. “When I reach that point I can either fall back on tried and tested solutions or abandon the idea and start over. Muller manages to find a fair balance between the two.

“The greatest frustration for me is getting stuck in a project – you have this ‘perfect idea’ and you’re absolutely sure it’ll work and its appropriate, but somehow when you put all the pieces together the puzzle won’t fit and you spend days fretting about it (losing valuable time in the process because the deadline won’t flex just because you’re hell-bent on your ‘perfect idea’).” Much like it is for many other designers, half his battle is deciding whether to completely desert your hard work and start fresh, or try to breathe life back into something that may seem all but lost. Understanding how to effectively deal with artistic discontent is key for Muller when completing projects. Behance sat down with Tom to hear his thoughts on organization, his creative process and positive client interactions. After receiving his MA in Graphic and Advertising Design from Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts, he’s held positions at Vir2L Studios Europe and Mam Tor™ Publishing, regularly conspires on web- and print-based projects with artist Ashley Wood and currently serves as Creative Director at Kleber Design Ltd. Tom Muller is a Belgian-born, London-based graphic designer who is no stranger to multitasking or collaborative projects.

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