I save many things each month that I find inspiring for some reason, and I like organized lists, so I figured I’d share those lists and maybe help someone out of a creative block.
Why Designarchy?
Because Inspiration and creativity do not have true governance, we creatives have time and feedback constraints that keep us from being true artists. Still, the process inside our minds, that split second when we decide which direction to go and what to create, based on god-knows-what, is the black box no company culture will ever own and control. And since this is the base of all other capabilities of a designer, I decided to always remind myself of that by changing the list’s name.
Your deliverables are the product of your inner mind, which feeds your taste and craft. Elevate those, and you elevate your abilities. All the software in the world won’t improve your taste.
Pro tip: use the cmd + f to find the inspiration you need faster. For example: “Portfolio inspiration”
1. Design Newsletter — Design Monthly
I don’t compete with other resources, I connect them. Here’s one that I got recommendations on. Sign up to get the latest design/tech news.
Today in Design | Where Designers Get Their news
2. Watch Pro 2 — By Nothing
From their YouTube videos to their landing pages, Nothing company is consistent in branching out as the new design standard. Social media is packed with fan-made designs, and I can’t wait for more people to implement this minimal, back-to-basics, honest design.
This watch is a manifestation of these principles.
3. Artist of the month — Ellen Porteus
Ellen’s unmistakable artworks are an expression of her world: combining eye-vibrating color, cartoonish maximalist compositions, and play-on-words. She is deeply inspired by the complexities and contradictions of our inner worlds, and nature at large.
A distinguished artist, Ellen has worked with Meta, Nike, Disney, Apple, and many more. She is always up for a challenge and down for a collaboration.
It is such a vibrant portfolio. “This is my style, like it or not”
4. Design Spotlight — Jay Sprogell
Jay is a known creative who shoots, edits, and creates animation, photographs, and collages. He uses all types of visual assets to create pieces that are rich in texture, mixed media elements, dynamic camera work, and editorial techniques.
Take a look at his portfolio which establishes him as a multi-talented designer and artist. He even made the cover art for one of my favorite artists, Bryce Vine.
MOTION GRAPHICS – Jay Sprogell
5. Photography — Platon
Platon is one of the world’s most renowned portrait photographers, having photographed more world leaders than anyone else, including six American presidents. He has photographed over 30 covers for TIME Magazine, including their 2008 Vladimir Putin Person of The Year cover, which was awarded 1st prize at the World Press Photo Contest.
6. Design dynamic Live Activities — Apple Design
I like these videos not only to sharpen my knowledge of iOs design principles and guidelines but also to get some inspiration. I highly recommend them.
Design dynamic Live Activities – WWDC23 – Videos – Apple Developer
7. Graphic design resource — The Everything Bundle
I came across this huge package online for Photoshop graphic design. Remember that I am not associated with any resource here, nor do I know the seller.
Looks like a cool styled package for your next creative project.
8. Product inspiration — Brick
I appreciate products that take a saturated industry and offer a truly unique approach, not just a different experience and visual design.
Brick changes your core experience with screen time, adding another layer of action to get distracted again, making it just a bit harder to doom scroll again.
This is an awesome inspiration for thinking outside of the box when it comes to experience design. even out of the digital.
Brick – Do More of What Matters
9. Photography and prints store — Magnum Photos
If you are into iconic photography and prints, Magnum is the place to get inspired and purchase prints and editions. Home to pretty much all of the iconic photographers in the world, this is a great spot for gifts and inspiration.
*reminder — I am not associated with any of the sites here.
10. Nike Aerogami, a New Apparel Technology With Adaptable Ventilation
Speaking of the box thinking, this new breathable apparel innovation features moisture-reactive vents that autonomously open and close upon sensing sweat.
For optimal ventilation, a series of tiny winged vents powered by moisture-reactive film opens as sweat builds against the skin, creating increased airflow and space for sweat to escape.
This is just insane. Check out the video inside.
Nike Unveils Aerogami, a New Apparel Technology With Adaptable Ventilation
Summing up
If you just scrolled past this list and said “There’s nothing here that helps and ignites creativity”, you need to adjust your curiosity. These links offer hundreds of sub-links, more references, additional work, inspiration, and resource banks. Scroll back and now really look.
I hope you found this useful, Let me know in the comments.
-SH
Bonus
Designarchy Vol. 16 was originally published in UX Planet on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.