Where to Get Design Inspiration on the Web?
When it comes to finding your inspiration as a designer, one day you’re inspired and the next day you’re not. What do you do when you’re stuck in a creative rut? An hour of staring into a blank canvas turned into two, three and more. Deadlines seem to add up to that dreaded feeling and you can only wish to get your creative fix soon. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So, the question now is: Where do you find your design inspiration?
Ten Awesome Places to Get Your Design Inspiration
If taking a break from work or changing your work environment hasn’t helped you get back your creative mojo, perhaps, it’s time to see what others are doing and get some inspiration. Turn on your PC and surf these websites ( in no particular order ):
1. Deviant Art ( www.deviantart.com )
From traditional to digital art, dive in and have a look at the geniuses of your creative fellows as they showcase their unique talents, techniques and styles. This site is created ‘to entertain, inspire, and empower the artist in all of us’ and is considered the largest online social network for artists. So, go ahead and get social with like-minds.
2. Smashing Magazine ( www.smashingmagazine.com )
If you love reading what’s upbeat in the world of design and get some hot advices as well, try giving this site your time. You may never know what bag of tips and tricks you’ll get which will help you finish that pending design project you have for a client. I’d say, this site is simply… Smashing!
3. Creattica ( www.creattica.com )
Whether you’re just browsing for inspiring designs or wanting to vote on people’s work, this site shows you a random collection of brilliant designs that can help you create your own. You may have to open an account for the voting process though.
4. Note & Point ( www.noteandpoint.com )
“Filling the gaping void of inspiration for those of us who use projectors…” are the words this site has to live on and it never failed to deliver just that. If you’re looking for design inspiration for your presentation, this may be the site that can give you that spark.
5. Flickr ( www.flickr.com )
This popular, mega database of photos will be more than enough to kick your sanity back into the drawing boards. Not only will you be able to view photos, but you can also share yours to the rest of the world.
6. Ads of the World ( www.adsoftheworld.com )
If you’re into advertising and PR, this site is a treasure cove of ideas to start with. As the name implies, you’ll have access to advertising campaigns from all over the world – raw and fresh.
7. The Book Cover Archive ( www.bookcoverarchive.com )
For those of you who are into designing book covers, whether it’s for your traditional print publication or an E-book, this site offers a rich archive of book cover designs that can inspire you to craft your own. The site is still in beta ( as of this date ) and constant improvements are taking place, but it doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking.
8. Logo Lounge ( www.logolounge.com )
Where do logo designers hang out when they’re stuck in a rut? Logo Lounge is a nice place to look for design inspiration. Don’t forget to check out their helpful tips on current logo trends and news in the logo industry.
9. Minimal Sites ( www.minimalsites.com )
Less… is simply more these days and when the trend right now is gearing up to less clutter, it’s only savvy to go minimalist. How do you get design inspiration while keeping things simple? Minimal Sites gives you a look and feel of other sites who have taken the minimalist route and you may just find your zen in here.
10. Information is Beautiful ( www.informationisbeautiful.net )
In this age where info overload is as common as your daily commute, infographics simply rules! If you need inspiration to help you merge data into beautiful, visual forms – this site is worth a click.
Wherever you find your design inspiration, always keep in mind to respect your fellow designer’s intellectual property rights and don’t forget to give credit where it is due. I’m pretty sure there are hundreds more of these sites out there and at the end of the day, you alone will be the one to find the cure to bring your ideas come to life.
Do you know other websites that can inspire freelance designers? Share your thoughts on the comment below.
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