While friends and family might disagree, I have to say that all the “stuff” that I collect could be catalogued under the heading “Design Inspiration.” From the 1975 Sanrio Kitty Pencil Eraser to the torn out pages of the latest Surfer magazine, seeing something worth keeping, then keeping it within arm’s length is a work habit that I’ve polished to a professional sheen. My latest enabler is none other than Flickr, particularly the Webdesign Inspiration group.
I can’t imagine that I’ll stop collecting the tangibles that make their way across my desk and through my life, but the ability to grab and gather within this online space is such a relief. No more hunting for that old bookmark. No more searching through folders of JPGs and PNGs. No more clicking through only to find that the owner of that amazing site has either changed it completely or altogether disappeared. There’s simply no inspiration in a 404 error.
My plan is to be a good group member and post to this group. Then I think I’ll start scanning some of these bits and pieces — surf print tearouts and scraps first, as I’m on a surf kick these days — and start my own “cloud” catalog on Flickr. I can keep my “stuff,” clear my space and have access to it nearly anywhere I go. Now that’s inspiring!