5 Places Where I Find Design Inspiration
We've all been there – staring at a blank screen, waiting for that creative spark to ignite. As a graphic designer, I've learned that inspiration doesn't always strike while scrolling through Pinterest or browsing design websites. Sometimes, the most compelling ideas come from the most unexpected sources. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain to share some of my favorite unconventional places to find design inspiration. I hope that this will give you some ideas to inspire yourself as well!
1. Getting Lost in Vintage Treasures
There's something magical about diving into historical documents, advertisements, and product packaging. Beyond their nostalgic charm, these documents can tell fascinating stories through their typography, color choices, and compositional techniques. I often find myself marveling at the way vintage advertisements balanced bold messaging with artistic flair, or how old product packaging achieved striking effects with limited color palettes and techniques! To see the hand drawn illustrations and design always fascinates me. These pieces remind us that great design isn't about having the latest tools – it's about creative problem-solving and clear communication.
2. Finding Magic in Video Game Worlds
As someone who loves to unwind with video games, I've discovered they're an incredible source of design inspiration as well. From the minimalist interface design of Journey to the bold, neo-noir aesthetics of Persona 5, games are pushing creative boundaries in exciting ways. What fascinates me most is how they combine visual elements, motion, and interactivity to create immersive experiences. These virtual worlds often inspire me to think differently about color harmony, visual hierarchy, and how design can guide user experience. Often the way that these games can tell a visual story is amazing but also even subtle audio can impact the feeling of the story or scene.
3. Exploring Nature from a Worm's-Eye View
One of my favorite creative exercises is getting down to ground level with my camera. This unusual perspective transforms ordinary scenes into extraordinary compositions. Mushrooms become towering architecture, grass becomes a forest, and fallen leaves create natural mandalas. This shift in perspective not only yields unique photographs but also inspires fresh approaches to layout design and color schemes. Nature's attention to detail at this micro level never fails to surprise and inspire. It is also such a humbling reminder at how big our world is and can feel and that sometimes just a shift in perspective helps open up new ideas!
Photo of a frosty morning from a ground level perspective - January 11, 2025 taken by Emily @ Celestial Bear Design
4. Embracing the Freedom of Abstract Doodling
Sometimes the best inspiration comes when we stop trying so hard to find it. During calls or quiet moments, I let my pen wander across the page, creating abstract shapes and patterns without judgment. These unconscious doodles often evolve into unexpected design elements or spark ideas for larger projects. There's something liberating about creating without purpose – it helps break through creative blocks and leads to genuine innovation. These purposeless doodles also help retain creativity during times where I may need to be more analytical or technical rather than creative. My mom was the original inspiration for abstract doodling. She would cover entire surfaces like a wooden table with beautiful swirls, leaves, little characters, words, anything that came to mind and they were lovely and drew your attention because you would spend time looking at all of the various images mixed together. Now it helps me feel close to her even though she is no longer here by still embracing that free spirited feeling she had. Even if you aren’t the most experienced artist, just doodling little shapes and lines can be its own inspiration! Give it a try and let me know what you think!
5. Finding Inspiration in the Unexpected
The most valuable lesson I've learned is that inspiration doesn't have a schedule or a specific location. It's about staying curious and keeping your creative sensors on, even in the most unlikely places. Whether it's the way light creates shadows on your morning coffee cup or the geometric patterns in a parking garage, design inspiration surrounds us.
Remember, the key isn't just finding inspiration – it's about training yourself to see the world through a designer's lens. Keep your phone handy for quick photos, maintain a sketchbook for random ideas, and most importantly, stay open to finding beauty and inspiration in unexpected places.
What unconventional places inspire your creativity? I'd love to hear about your unique sources of inspiration in the comments below!
