Staying inspired can be pretty tricky for designers these days. Too often you see the same styles popping up from completely different artists and creative types. I get it, I really do. Trends in the design world are more permeable than you might think, and ya know... sometimes you just hit a wall and realize that there is really nothing new under the sun. And So how do you stay inspired? I immerse myself in life, experiences, nature, and stay involved with other creative people. But when I need some visual inspiration? I head back to a hundred years ago.
It's really interesting to think about how designers back then had to actually cut and paste designs together, making engraving plates, letterpress blocks and the like.... it makes moderns feel awfully lazy! I stumbled upon these 1920s sheet music covers and was completely struck by the graphic colors, pattern, and design elements used. Definitely inspirational.
all images found at Valentino Vamp
I totally know what you mean. I'm not a designer, but I definitely draw inspiration at times from what other bloggers are posting about (which I think can be good and bad). I love the idea of going back to vintage stuff or old magazines to see something "new."
Posted by: Jennifer | January 12, 2012 at 07:30 AM
Wow those are so cool and definitely inspiring. I love how you can gain inspiration from so many places- including old sheet music.
Posted by: Michal | January 12, 2012 at 08:20 AM
it's so hard now to fint up something new cuz brobably someone had done it before you
Posted by: Alex York | January 12, 2012 at 08:48 AM
oh these are so lovely and certainly inspiring! x
Posted by: Laura | January 12, 2012 at 12:46 PM
I want that last girl's hair. NOW.
Posted by: Delightfully Tacky | January 12, 2012 at 01:42 PM
Nice post! As per usual :)
I've found myself becoming a little disenchanted recently by seeing design a little redundant in certain places. But your post has encouraged me!
Posted by: Claudia | January 12, 2012 at 04:00 PM
These are so beautiful! I'm so glad you did a post like this... It's definitely inspiring to look back in time and see what others have thought of previously (especially because of the amount of work they actually had to do to achieve the outcome!)
Posted by: Devin | January 12, 2012 at 04:45 PM
Ohh, I love the art deco designs. So so so gorgeous!
x
Lost in the Haze: Fashion Blog
Posted by: Jo - Lost in the Haze: Fashion Blog | January 12, 2012 at 04:54 PM
I have a 2012 calendar of vintage sheet music and I'm inspired daily!
Posted by: Megan | January 14, 2012 at 05:15 PM