7 Non-Web Locations for Weekly for Design Inspiration

The Web isn’t the only place to find inspiration these days. Many designers use it as their daily source of inspiration. It’s hard to be creative and original when you’ve always got someone else’s work in front of you. The same relates to music nowadays. At my day job I usually listen to Alice, out of San Francisco. I bet half the songs on the radio today are covers or remakes of classic songs. It is disappointing to find that out sometimes. Some might say, “It’s all been done.” But, the trouble is that we are so dependent on the internet, we forget to look around at what’s always been there. How did designers do it without thousands of online resources at our fingertips? They got out and found inspiration in the world around them.

Try utilizing these common grounds for inspiration or just to clear your mind and get a new perspective on a project.

1- Bookstore/Cafe

We all have some type of coffee house, bookstore, or deli which offers a place to meet friends, read a book, people watch, or yes, even sit and design. Bring a sketch book and take a look around you. Are you designing for a certain age group or demographic? Pick out a patron at the café/bookstore and pretend they are a customer at the business you are designing for. Having a visual for a targeted audience always helps hone in on certain emotions you want others to feel when looking at your design.
Another exercise:  Pick-up a book you’d never read and page through it. Outlandish ideas can spark even the most blocked mind sometimes.

2- Take a walk

Sometimes all you need is a little fresh air. Getting away from the computer and getting back to reality is all I need some times for a little bit of inspiration. When I’m expected to design constant from 7 till 5 then come home and do it some more, my brain is fried and it is hard to be creative. I tend to be more productive when I make myself take a break and clear my head. No matter how much is on your plate, it is important, not only for you own sanity, but for design sake as well.
The last couple of days I’ve made a new friend outside my house. Peter, a rabbit of habit, comes by my patio door to say good morning! The little things in life can sometimes be the most inspiring.

3- Pet Store

I know, you’re probably thinking really? A pet store? Well, sometimes the best places to take a break at are places that make you happy and entertain you. Fish, birds, reptiles and even ferrets can inspire the most unsuspecting person. Think of all the colors , textures, and yes, unfortunately smells you’ll find!

4-Botanical Garden/Greenhouse

A great place to visit to find an interesting shape or orgranic texture. It is also the perfect place to brush up on your drawing skills. Plants can make an excellent line drawing exercise or even a new background addition to any graphic. The key is not to think too deeply and open your mind up to the world around you without focusing too hard. When you are constantly thinking about what your problem is, you’ll never solve it unless you take the effort to do so. Greenhouses are also another great place to learn new facts and talk to different people you wouldn’t normally chat with on a daily basis. Ask questions, you never know where it could take you.

5-Memory Lane

Are you a pack rat? Or maybe you’ve just got a few boxes of photos, childhood toys, and keepsakes you can’t seem to throw away. I was cleaning out my garage the other day and found some things I never knew I had, or rather wondered why I had kept it all this time. From The X-Files action figures, beanie babies, and Christmas cards from over 8 years ago, there was plenty to keep me inspired and entertained at the same time. So when you’re feeling uninspired, take a walk down memory lane. You never know where your “junk” might take your imagination to.

6- Liquor/Grocery Store

Yes, we have all resorted to having a few beers after a tough day or getting stuck on a project. But, this isn’t my focus for this location. Have you ever taken a good look at the labels and type on liquor bottles, wine and beer packaging? They can be very inspiring. I’ve even discovered wine bottles which have hidden graphics that only appear when the wine is a certain temperature. A very unique idea!
Grocery stores are also a great place to chalk up some conversations!  Get some shopping done while admiring all the great packaging around you!

7-Secondhand Stores & Garage Sales

This is something I wish I did more often. You never know what you can find looking through other people’s junk! I personally enjoy looking at antique plates/dishware. Sometimes I find some really interesting patterns and shapes. I usually end up buying one or two for painting palates. They add a little originality to my painting sessions. Another great resource for inspiration here is old fabrics. Being a pattern lover, I find the retro sheets and ugly blankets can be quite interesting.

Give some of these ideas a shot if you can’t seem to get that needed spark online. Don’t forget a sketchbook! Happy inspiration hunting!