Don’t trust a designer who doesn’t collect something.
I generally wonder about people who don’t collect something. I feel like people who don’t collect something must not have a passion for anything and have got to be uninspired and therefore, uninspiring. Just my humble opinion but I think collecting things is key to being a better designer.
You need to collect things. Collect quotes or portions of texts you find inspiring. Save textures and patterns you find while wandering around the mall or Target. Gather intriguing photography or shots you take of unique places.
If you collect these things regularly and keep them in “inspiration” folders (digitally or physically) you will have a never-ending well of ideas to draw from when you need some motivation.
My favorite way to collect things is to use my phone to take snapshots. Then I put them into a folder that I can look at later. These are the things I collect most:
- Quotes
- Statements
- Articles
- Textures or Patterns
- Packaging
- Book Covers
- Magazine layouts
- Photographs
- Colors
I also collect physical things that inspire me. I have a preference for vintage or antique things. I collect rare and vintage books (preferably the classics), I collect old cameras and magazines. I have bookshelves full of design books and fun trinkets from places I’ve been or of things I love. Everything from Sam & Dean (Supernatural) pop figures to a mini watercolor painting I bought from a street artist in Paris in the 90’s.
Inspiration is everywhere if you keep your eyes open, but collecting it is key.
How you collect inspiration is up to you, but make sure you do it! Your work will be better for it. Design is a wonderful world. I hope you’ll join me here, because design matters.