In graphic design there are 6 Creative Strategies that you can use to enhance your designs. Using these strategies makes your designs have more meaning, appealing to the eye, and can increase your creativity. These strategies are:

After I studied these strategies I put them to work in my own designs. I picked an everyday object to incorporate into six different images that represented each one of the strategies. 

The object I picked was the whisk. I used free stock photos online, my own photos, Photoshop and Illustrator to create my six different images. 

This first image represents the strategy called Combination/Juxtaposition. This strategy combines two different things that you then turn into something new that works well together. I combined some barbed wire fence and the handle of my whisk to create a new and improved tool. 

The second image is representing the strategy called Isolation. This strategy means that there is one thing that is separated from the rest of the image or stands out so that it generates more focus. In this image I added a carton of eggs and my whisk. I moved my whisk from the eggs to make you focus on it more.  

This third image represents the strategy called Physical/Shape Similarity. This strategy means that you take an object that looks similar to another object because of their shapes. These objects would not usually be seen together but to works in the image because of their shapes. In this image I added my upside down whisk to join the hanging lights in this kitchen. The whisks shape looks very similar to the hanging lights which makes it perfect for this strategy. 

This fourth image represents the strategy called Change of Context/Environment. This strategy means you have an object that is paired with an unnatural environment that can be used to have another meaning. In this image I added my whisk to a huge wave. You don't usually find a giant whisk in the ocean but it gives the fun idea that the whisk is whipping up a big wave. 

This fifth image represents the strategy called Metaphor or Simile. This strategy means you create a composition with different things that together have an underling meaning. This strategy is more about a meaning that others would be able to understand. In this image I added my whisk and some frosting to the top of a mountain to imply that the mountain has frosted snow caps. 

This six and last image represents the strategy called Material/Swap/Focus. This strategy means that you switch or swap the material of an object with something else that isn't normal. In this image I swapped out some of the wire part of my whisk for some flames. 

Learning these strategies have taught me a lot about thinking outside the box. I see things differently and learned a lot more about how important it is to create meaningful designs. These strategies have increased my creativity and thinking when it comes to creating designs.