The Quickest Path to Reality
A 5 minute read. Prefer to listen? Click below for the audio version.
Organizing Your Inspiration
Last week, we discovered where to find inspiration in the most unexpected places – whether it was in fascinating architectural lines or a quirky vase at the thrift store.
But finding inspiration…is only half the battle.
Today, I want to share ways to keep track of your discoveries and organize them for easy access. After all, a pile of inspiration isn’t much use if you can’t find the idea you’re looking for when it’s time to get to work.
Organizing Your Physical Inspiration Board
The first thing I do is pull the photos, tear sheets, or sketches that intrigued me the most. Whether it’s a photo snapped on a walk, a magazine tear sheet, or a quick doodle of an interesting shape, I pin the most compelling finds onto my physical inspiration board in my design room. (You can also use Pinterest if that’s more you’re style!)
Here’s how I keep it organized:
- Group by Themes: Arrange pinned items by themes like textures, patterns, shapes or color palettes. This helps you spot potential themes and ideas that could shape your next project. For instance, you might notice that certain color combinations or shapes keep popping up.
- Use Visual Layers: Keep it fresh by adding new finds on top of older ones. If an idea no longer excites you, replace it with something new. Watch for patterns that keep repeating—they might be telling you something!
- Rotate Regularly: Spend a few minutes each week reviewing your board. Ask yourself, “Does this idea still spark joy?” If not, swap it out.
- Highlight Favorites: Use colorful pins or sticky notes to mark ideas you’re excited about exploring next. It’s a handy visual cue for choosing your next project, fabric design, or art piece.
An organized physical board can act as a constant source of motivation as well – one that keeps your creativity flowing while also providing a clear direction.
Creating a Digital Inspiration Library
I save all my photos on my computer in a dedicated “Inspiration” folder, with subfolders for different themes—architecture, nature, colors, and more. It makes it easy to find exactly what I need when I’m ready to start a project.
- Use Folders within Folders: Start with broad categories like patterns or colors, then create subfolders for more specific themes (e.g., “vintage,” “geometric,” or “swirls” within the Patterns folder).
- Add Names and Descriptions: For better organization, name your images appropriately and add tags or short descriptions to each image. It makes searching for specific themes much easier. For example, tagging an image with “bright colors” or “geometric shapes” can help when you’re looking for something specific.
- Use Digital Boards: Create digital mood boards on platforms like Pinterest. Add notes to capture your thoughts, mirroring your physical inspiration board, but with the advantage of being portable.
- Review Regularly: Set aside time each month to update your collection. Remove outdated ideas and add fresh inspiration. (P.S. I rarely delete digital files—never know when they’ll come in handy!)
With a digital library like this, your creative ideas are always just a few clicks away.
Carry a Small Sketchbook for On-the-Go Inspiration
I never leave home without a small sketchbook—my creative sidekick! It’s perfect for capturing quick sketches, taped cutouts, or spontaneous thoughts.
Caveat – It becomes a collection of everything! So, here’s how I keep them organized:
- Number the Pages and Create an Index: Before I start using a sketchbook, I number the pages and create an index in the front or back. As I add content to each page, I make sure to write a brief description of what’s on it in the index. That way, if I’m searching for a specific idea, I know exactly where to find it.
- Alternative Methods for Larger Sketches: If a sketch is too important to stay confined to the book, I might scan it into my computer or tear it out to file in a binder. You may also decide to only use the front side of each page for easier removal.
- Categorize for Quick Access: When transferring ideas from my sketchbook, I sort them into categories that mirror my digital files or physical board.
Whether it’s a notebook or a digital archive, the important part is to make sure you can access and use it when the time is right.
Gathering inspiration is just the beginning. The true value lies in how you organize, refine, and most importantly, use those ideas. By actively reviewing and organizing your discoveries, selecting standout ideas, and experimenting, you’re turning inspiration into a creative engine that fuels your work.
Here’s how to move forward when you’re ready:
Next Steps Checklist:
- Review Weekly – Make it a habit to review your inspiration boards. Ask yourself which ideas still excite you. Spend at least 10 minutes reviewing your board, folder, or sketchbook weekly.
- Create a Shortlist – Choose 2-3 ideas that excite you the most and write down a potential project or design inspired by each. Think, “What could I create from this?” Whether it’s a garment design, an art piece, or a new color palette, focus on what stands out.
- Start a Sketch or Swatch – Pick one piece of inspiration from your shortlist and translate it into a tangible step—like a quick sketch, fabric swatch selection, or prototype.
- Set a Small Goal – Identify one small action you can take in the next 24 hours to move your idea forward.
- Celebrate Progress – Acknowledge every step, no matter how small.
Your creative journey is uniquely yours, and these steps are just a starting point to help you organize, prioritize, and transform your ideas into reality.
So, go ahead—pick an idea, take action, and watch your inspiration come to life!
To learn more about what’s happening at VLS or to have “The Weekly Creative Buzz” delivered right to your inbox, go HERE or click the “LEARN” tab at my website.
And don’t forget to join my private Facebook Group, Virginia’s Studio Cats, for inspiration, encouragement, and support.