Sometimes you need to jump-start those creative juices for a project or you stumble across something awesome and need a place to keep it for future reference. While Pinterest is a great digital tool to keep your inspiration organized, I find it is also helpful to keep a sketchbook filled with inspiration and ideas or sketches. So what exactly should you include in your inspiration book (or board)?

1. Color Palettes or Swatches

This is a great way to visualize color before committing and applying it to your work. You can look for pre-made color palettes or even try making your own (paint/pencils, photos, digital tools, whatever works for you). Maybe you’ll discover color combinations you never thought to use before.

2. Great Typefaces

There are times when I find myself relying on my same “go to” typefaces over and over again. Googling, browsing typography boards on Pinterest and receiving emails from type foundries about their latest and greatest font families are just some ways to discover new typefaces you might want to use for current or future projects.

3. Interesting Layouts

If I’m stuck, I find one of the best ways for me to push my own design to be better is to look at what others are doing. Find designs that interest you. What is it about the layout that is so compelling? What can I take away from this design and apply to my own work?

4. Patterns & Textures

Textures and patterns can create interest in a composition. As with color and type, textures and patterns can help set tone and portray a specific feeling or time period.

5. Anything Goes

Don’t limit your inspiration to just graphic or digital design. Look to fashion, architecture, product design, photography, cinema, nature. Draw inspiration from everywhere!

How to organize your inspiration is completely up to you. Maybe you organize your pages or board by specific project, or maybe you divide each by category. It all depends on how you plan to use your inspiration book.