E28 Your Scouting List For Cool Ideas!
Inspiration is the foundation of all creative work. No big surprise there. Our brilliant imaginations can only carry us so far. Thin air can only do so much.
You know that feeling when the well is empty? You’re comin’ up dry? Yeah, we’ve all been there!
Today’s episode is all about your scouting list for cool ideas. The where and how to find inspiration when you need it most.
Inspiration is a funny thing. It can strike at any time, or it can go on vacation without notice! The big question is… how do you actually find it when you need it? How do you turn a “meh” day into a creative breakthrough?
In today’s episode, we’re not just going to talk about waiting for inspiration to find you—we’re going to go after it! I’m going to share some unexpected places you can look to uncover fresh ideas, from architecture to nature to even a trip to the farmers’ market. And trust me, these aren’t your typical Pinterest scrolling spots!
It’s not about waiting to become inspired – you’ll likely wait for a very long time! It’s about finding those sparks of inspiration anywhere and everywhere—and then using them to fuel your next creative project. Let’s get started!
So today, I’m going to share nine of my favorite places to find inspiration. And before you say anything—yeah, I know, nine is a weird number. But hey, it’s what I came up with, and I’m rolling with it. These are places I’ve actually turned to time and time again, and I know they’ll help you, too. Plus, I’ve got a little bonus for you—I’ve put together a free PDF with these nine, plus three more cool places to find inspiration, so stay tuned for that link in the show notes!
Alright, without further ado, here are my nine favorite places to find inspiration:
Number 1: Architecture and Urban Landscapes
Okay, here’s one you might not immediately think of—architecture and urban landscapes. And I get it, you’re probably thinking, “What does a building have to do with fabric or design?” Well, let me tell you—more than you might think! Cities, buildings, and even random urban settings are full of lines, shapes, patterns, and textures that can spark incredible ideas for your designs.
I can’t even count how many jackets or gowns I’ve made that were directly inspired by buildings. Seriously. One of my first collections was inspired by the symmetry of a cathedral—how the archways looked, the way light filtered through the windows, and the beautiful curves of the stone. For me, it was like, wow, that archway could make a stunning neckline! That’s the beauty of architecture—it has these strong lines and shapes that can translate perfectly into the proportions and structure of your designs.
So next time you’re out and about, take a good look around. Maybe you’re walking down the street, and you spot a beautiful staircase, a window frame with intricate details, or even a cool street art installation. Jot it down! Sketch it out! Look at how you can turn those architectural elements into design details for your garments, home decor, handbags and the like. Trust me, you’d be surprised at how much inspiration is out there in the urban jungle!
Number 2: Nature’s palette. Now, I know this one’s a little obvious, but hear me out. Nature is everywhere, and it’s an endless source of inspiration. From the way leaves change color in the fall to the soft gradients of a sunset—nature knows how to layer color, texture, and movement better than any designer ever could. It’s like nature’s own fabric collection!
When I’m struggling for color inspiration or texture ideas, I just step outside. A walk through the park, a trip to the lake, —there’s no better place to find those harmonious color combos and natural patterns. A lot of times, I’ll notice a color palette from a flower or a cool texture in the bark of a tree, and it’ll make me think, That would look so great as a fabric print.
Now here’s the biggest tip:
Take photos, get out your phone and take a bunch of photos! You can carry a small sketchbook, or just be present while you’re outside. You’ll start to see all these beautiful little details around you. Trust me, nature is a never-ending source of creative gold!
Number 3: Travel and Culture
Whether you’ve been abroad or traveled locally, different cultures, cities, and spaces can offer such unique perspectives on color, design, and pattern. From traditional patterns to regional craftsmanship, there’s so much to be inspired by.
I’m not saying you need to take an international trip to get inspired—though if you can, that’s amazing! But think about your local cultural festivals, neighborhood markets, or even just local architecture. I’ve gotten so many ideas from the vibrant textiles in Moroccan markets or the gorgeous, intricate patterns I’ve seen in Asian art. And of course, I love borrowing design cues, not copying them. Take the essence of the culture, not a direct replica, and let it inspire your own fabric work.
For example, think of a pattern from a trip to Italy—what if you took the beautiful textures from a Tuscan villa and translated that into your next product? Or maybe the vibrant colors from the streets of India inspire a whole new color palette for your fabric collection.
Number 4: Fashion History and Iconic Eras
This is in my top 5, maybe even top 3, I don’t know. I am an absolute fashion history buff. I even have a small collection of actual 1800’ and early 1900’s garments! I used to teach fashion history. Love it!!!
So here in Number four, we’re going back in time a little—fashion history and iconic eras. If you’re a fabric lover like me, I know you’ve looked at old photos or even movies and thought, Wow, that is still so chic.
The beauty of fashion history is that trends come and go, but some ideas are just timeless. For example, I’ve drawn so much inspiration from the clean beautiful seam work of 1940s fashion. I also love the bright colors, and bold shapes of the 60s—still relevant today! OBut my favorite here is the unbelievable embellishments of the 1860s to 1890s that always gets me thinking about how I could adapt those ideas into a modern design.
The great thing about looking to history is that you can take these ideas and give them a fresh spin. So, whether you’re inspired by the bohemian vibes of the 1970s or the tailored suits of the 40s and 50s, there’s a rich history there for you to explore and pull from.
Alright, number five—abstract and visual art. Here’s where you can really push the boundaries and think outside the box. Abstract art is like a playground for creativity—it challenges you to think about form, texture, and color in ways you might not have before.
I love looking at abstract paintings or sculptures because they take the idea of design to a new level. One of my favorite things to do is visit local galleries and just let the art speak to me. I’ll notice the way the artist used texture, or how color blends together, or how shapes create flow and rhythm. And then I think, Okay, how can I use that in my work?
Maybe it’s a color gradient in a painting that inspires a new fabric dye technique, or a bold line in a sculpture that influences the seam structure of a garment. Art teaches us to let go of rigid thinking and embrace the free-flowing nature of design. Imean - What better way to get inspired?
Coming in at number six—storytelling and literature. This one might surprise you, but hear me out. Books, poetry, and stories often contain emotions, visuals, and themes that can translate beautifully into design ideas.
For instance, I’ll read a novel and find myself imagining the costumes and settings described. The vibe of the story can often guide the colors, shapes, and textures I want to use in my designs. Imagine being inspired by a Victorian novel and translating that romantic, ethereal feel into a flowing fabric piece.
The best part? You don’t have to recreate the exact scene or character. You’re translating the emotions and visuals the story evokes into something tangible. So next time you’re reading, think about how the colors, textures, and feelings in the book can inspire your fabric work.
Number 7: Everyday Objects
Alright, here’s a fun one—everyday objects. I know it sounds a little strange at first, but honestly it is so much fun to see where it leads. Sometimes, the most unexpected sources of inspiration come from the things we interact with every single day. Your coffee cup, your kitchen chairs, even a fancy vase you found at a thrift store—they all have design elements that can spark ideas for your next project.
Take a moment to really look at the everyday objects around you. Think about the shapes, lines, and textures that you use in your day-to-day life. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked at a teapot and thought, That smooth, rounded shape would make an amazing sleeve. The curve of the spout would be a fabulous shape running diagonally across a beaded evening bodice! Or the way the legs of an old wooden chair are carved—what if those geometric angles could inspire a bold new quilt pattern or applique shape?
You’d be surprised how often inspiration strikes from something as simple as a lamp, a piece of furniture, or even the curve of a wine glass. These objects have a lot more to offer than we realize! So next time you’re sipping your tea or browsing around your house, take a moment to ask, What could I translate from this object into a new design?
Now, let’s dig a little deeper—Number 8 - mood and emotions. I know it sounds a bit touchy-feely, - a little woo woo - but. Our feelings and personal experiences have a huge impact on our creativity. The way we feel about certain moments or experiences can shape the way we approach our work. Whether it's peace, excitement, sadness, or joy, emotions are deeply intertwined with how we design.
For example, think about how a calm, peaceful feeling might influence the fabrics or colors you choose. Soft pastels, gentle textures, and flowing lines could help capture that sense of tranquility. On the other hand, if you’re feeling energized, excited or even angry, you might lean toward bold, bright colors and sharp angles and high contrast. That burst of energy you feel could inspire a collection that’s vibrant and full of life.
I love pulling from my own experiences to add more depth and meaning to my designs. You might call it a little bit of art therapy! So, the next time you're creating, reflect on how you're feeling and how you can translate that emotion into your fabric work. It might seem small, but bringing that personal touch to your creations can really set them apart and make them more meaningful.
And finally—Number 9 music and dance. This one is a biggie. Music and dance have a special way of pulling out emotions and inspiring movement in ways that are completely unique. The rhythm, the melody, the tempo—they all play a role in how you design and create.
Think about it: have you ever listened to a piece of music that made you want to move? That’s exactly how I approach my design work sometimes. A lively salsa rhythm might inspire a flowing, bright-colored garment or a bright, tropical spin on a piece of my mixed media collage. The structure and grace of classical music might inspire something more tailored and elegant. You can literally “hear” the movement in the music, and it can inspire the flow and structure of a garment.
Next time you’re feeling creatively blocked, try listening to some music—no, really—put on something that matches your mood or the idea you’re working on and see how it influences your design. Whether it’s a fast beat that gets you energized or a slow, melodic rhythm that brings a sense of calm, music can be a great motivator to get those creative juices flowing.
Alright, there you have it! 9 amazing places to find inspiration (and three more waiting for you in the download!). The best part? Inspiration is all around you if you stay curious and keep your eyes open. And trust me, it’s not just about waiting for that “lightbulb” moment—it’s about getting out there, observing, and making something real from it.
So, here’s your challenge: pick one of these places to find inspiration, or better yet, come up with your own unique spot. Maybe you’ll discover inspiration in a spot you never thought of—like that spot in your local coffee shop where the barista’s tattoo art gives you a whole new idea for your next design. Who knows?!
But don’t just stop there. Act on it. Try something new. Grab a journal, create a mood board, or snap a picture with your phone when something catches your eye. You never know when your next big idea might hit.
And, hey, if you need some extra inspiration or want to start tracking your own discoveries, don’t forget to grab your free PDF download in the show notes. It’s packed with all the sources I mentioned—and a few extra ideas to get your creative wheels turning.
So, go ahead—find that inspiration, try it out, and make something great today. I can’t wait to see where your creativity takes you!
Until next time, happy creating, and remember—it’s all about making those small steps that lead to big things!
