Inspiration for designs from books/artists

You can find inspiration anywhere in your every day life. If you're using printed sources for inspiration, be certain you don't use images too close to the originals. Your vision should be your own, otherwise you're not developing your own unique style. You don't want to be too similar to anyone else. Many people prefer originality rather than mass production products that everyone has access to, unless that's your goal. Money over originality, which is ok. After all, you're in business to make money, not sell wall art. Do what fits your situation.

MoBetta said:

Does anybody reading this post use any books in particular with all types designs in them and if so which ones?
I have heard of some great design books such as "Rock & Street culture" and have also heard many references to artist like Mr. Cartoon, although his style is different from my vision... So I'm curious to hear what you all use, if you use something ...

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I use a bunch of different stuff for inspiration. Sometimes just reading a book you thought you would never read can provide an unexpected source of inspiration it doesn't have to always be visual.

I also have the threadless book http://www.amazon.com/Threadless-T-shirts-Worlds-Inspiring-Community/dp/0810996103 which is an awesome source for inspiration. Other website I use include behance, Juxtapoz Magazine - Home , http://www.trendland.com , theres more but that should get you started.

i just got turned on to pinterest a couple of months ago and find it a fantastic way to save great reference pieces. you open an account then find something you like visually (they have everything on there from interior design ideas, to woodworking projects, to collections of matchbook covers etc.)

here's one of mine. i think if you click on something and want to 'pin' it it'll ask you to create an account and then go from there. you can keep your work or collections in different folders. this one is called inspiration:

inspiration on Pinterest