As a designer, it’s smart to stay current with what the design community is up to. I’d like to share a few of my favorite news and inspiration sources with you. Enjoy!
1. Communication Arts’ Webpicks
In addition to publishing annual design collections, Communication Arts has an extensive website. My favorite part of the site is the Webpicks page. Every day, Webpicks posts a beautiful, innovative website. Its library includes more than 1,000 sites. If you’re looking for something specific, you can browse all the archived sites by industry. I’m in the habit of taking screenshots of sites that I like and filing them in an “Inspiration” folder on my computer.
If you’re looking for insightful interviews with creative directors, photographers and illustrators, I would also suggest checking out Communication Arts’ Perspectives page.
2. TED
Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas. TED’s website houses riveting talks by remarkable people, and they’re free to watch. You can find lectures on topics from technology to design to global issues. Current titles include “Five ways to listen better,” “The great penguin rescue,” and “Fighting viruses, defending the Net.” If you’re looking for ingenious, inspiring and informative talks, TED is your site.
The FearLess Cottage defines itself as an informal clubhouse for insurgents in a new consumer revolution. The group is made up of teachers, marketers, engineers, ecologists, designers and others. One reason I love their blog is because it covers diverse topics and perspectives. You can find anything from current design competitions to vegetarian recipes there.
Print magazine is a wonderful resource for designers. As far as inspiration goes, there is an entire section devoted to inspiring image galleries, profiles, interviews and tips. The Resources page also has informative articles and how-tos for print and interactive design. Be sure to check out The Daily Heller blog as well, which is written by renowned graphic designer and author Steven Heller. Heller posts thoughtful design articles almost every day.
Bruce Mau is one of my favorite designers. His studio, BMD, is centered on purpose, optimism, and the belief that design can effect change and influence the way its clients appear in the world. The BMD Love blog is a product of the design studio. There, you will find BMD’s current projects posts of the studio’s own sources of inspiration.
As a side note, you can check out Bruce Mau’s Incomplete Manifesto for Growth here. I love how quirky it is.