Where I Find Web Design Inspiration
If you're like me, finding inspiration for web design or any creative project can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in the internet haystack. Before the age of Pinterest and other inspiration sites it was much more of a treasure hunt but not always in a fun way.
I've got some exciting places to dive into that will help you discover new ideas and ignite that spark of creativity within you for all sorts of projects. Believe me, inspiration is everywhere! Check out where I find web design inspiration.
Let's start with the old faithful source that we all know and love: Pinterest. Ah, Pinterest, the ultimate treasure trove of visual wonders. With its endless collection of stunning images and design boards, it's hard not to get lost in the infinite sea of creativity.
I remember creating my first board for my wedding over a decade ago. Hours later I emerged from my clicking and pinning rabbit hole totally taken over by wedding inspiration. Thankfully you can find much more on the website beyond weddings.
From color schemes and typography to layouts and graphic elements, Pinterest has it all. It's that one online space where you can curate your own personal mood boards and discover hidden gems shared by fellow designers.
Trust me, once you start exploring, your inspiration cup will overflow! When you find a few users who share your aesthetic or style you can keep going down the design rabbit hole in a good way.
Here's a little secret weapon of mine that’s not so secret: print. Yes, you read that right! I like to go back to the traditional method of leafing through magazines.
There's something magical about flipping through glossy pages and stumbling upon captivating layouts, striking color combinations, creative photos and typography that sings. I used to make my own mood boards out of these pages and hang them like posters on my bedroom wall.
I have a stack of magazines that I comb through whenever I need a breath of fresh design air. So, go ahead, grab your favorite beverage of choice, cozy up with some magazines, and get ready to be inspired by the printed world. This is one of the few collections I can’t dare to part with until I’ve used them all up.
If you don’t want to shell out big bucks subscribing to magazines you can always rummage through bookstores like Half Price Books for some pre-loved magazine goodness or go through other peoples collections like friends and family.
Websites
Now, let's venture beyond the usual suspects and dive into some unexpected sources of web design inspiration.
Designspiration
First, have you heard of Designspiration? It's like a rabbit hole that takes you on a whirlwind tour of awe-inspiring design work. From minimalistic websites to intricate illustrations, Designspiration has it all. Get ready to have your mind blown by the limitless creativity showcased on this platform. It’s a great place to get inspired for a brand refresh.
I love the endless scroll on the home page and the search bar. Another feature which might be unique to them is the ability to search by hex code color. Hex codes are 6 digit number codes that are used in web and graphic design for colors. This is a more elevated and fine tuned version of Pinterest. It’s all in the name so it’s kind of the perfect place to find design inspiration.
Same Energy
Next up, we have Same Energy, a website that takes one stunning image and then shows similar ones in your results. It’s so much fun to play around with. This one is my personal favorite when I want to deep dive into highly specific visuals and color themes.
You can use the search bar or paste in your own images to find some with the same energy. Get it? My favorite way to use it is finding an image I like on the home page. Then using that as a starting off point to see where it takes me. Prepare for a truly immersive creative journey.
Design Seeds
Looking for a burst of color in your web design? Say hello to Design Seeds. This magical place is all about color palettes that will make your heart skip a beat. This is a great way to create mood boards and color inspiration from photos to create unique branding.
Whether you're in the mood for bold and vibrant hues or calming and serene tones, Design Seeds has got your back. Get ready to infuse your designs with that perfect pop of color that speaks to your soul. Another design site by this same creator is Hi Hues which offers more unique photos to pull color inspiration from like candy, yum.
Inspiration is everywhere
Whether you're scrolling through Pinterest, losing yourself in the beauty of print, or delving into unexpected corners of the internet like Designspiration, Same Energy and Design Seeds, remember that inspiration is truly everywhere. Make sure to seek out those places and objects that spark your creative impulse whether it’s an art museum or a park.
Embrace the journey, let your imagination run wild, and infuse your designs with the essence of your unique creative spirit. Happy designing! When you’re ready for a total website redesign check out my Squarespace web design services.
