Finding Inspiration For Your Site’s Content And Design
Written by Nile | Posted in Web Design | Posted on 
15-02-2012 | 
37 Comments
Tags: art, blogging, content, inspiration, web design, writing
I was talking with a gal, whom I would probably call a colleague when it comes to art in general. She was having issues finding the right colors to inspire her to make her next website layout and not being inspired. Of course, for color issues I told her right away that she should try ColourLovers as a way to look at palettes others have put together. However I also went into explaining about inspiration works for writers and artists in the same way. It is all about experience.
Inspiration can be in anything: the color of a dewdrop dripping from the petals of a flower, in the way a person walks, the shape and texture of an object, and much more. Life is an unending inspiration. Art is Life and life is art. I am not sure if there is a famous phrase similar, but if there is, I would have quoted it already. I am just writing from my experience.
If you want to write about something, but do not know anything about the subject, you research the matter. If you want to draw a picture of a rare object, you find pictures or the real thing. All of the senses are used in finding inspiration.
Web design is a form of art. Yes, it involves a process that may be difficult for some, but the design of a webpage is very much a part of expressing oneself. Often website design takes on trends from time to time and it can be seen. Webmasters learn and inspire each other to build the next layout that becomes eyecandy for others to enjoy. Some share how they accomplish their amazing work through tutorials.
So, if you want to build a website and you just cannot seem to find that exact inspiration, look around and read up on new ways to take your layout and of course, your website to the next level.
Where do you find your inspiration?
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Hi Nile, most of the time I do search for inspiration whenever I write blog post or when setting up new website, from friends online. I also look for role model which I should follow or mimic so I can be like him/her.
matt recently posted..Iphone 4S price Philippines 2012
I find inspiration mostly by looking through other blogs and websites, though I believe that it is important to have a unique and imaginative design.
Hey Nile,
I have had cause to review some websites lately while researching into some local businesses and their web presence. I have to say I am appalled at some of the offerings.
Many sites do not reflect the feel of the business they represent. It is in the layout, colours, images, and content. One in particular was for a children’s gym that had a dry banner, no pictures of the kids at play, and even a hard name to remember!
It is important to be inspired to produce website people remember and are drawn to. Every little thing makes a difference. What I am saying is that it is better to take some time with the design than just jump in to get a web site happening. Not sure if I can put a link in here but I am interested in feedback on my latest project, http://localsearchgosford.com.au
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Nice post. I wasn’t familiar with the site Colour Lovers – it’s great! Thanks for sharing. I agree that aspects of web design are a form of art but Holbein never had to worry about every one being able to grasp all of the subtle themes he covered when painting ‘The Ambassadors’. He just expressed himself. Web designers cannot indulge in the same artistic flourishes and self-expression because simplicity and usability must be at the forefront of everything they do. If anything effective web design is a more difficult discipline because you must blend beauty and functionality in a way that is accessible to all.
Alan Fagan recently posted..Custom Colours
Actually, you CAN be as creative as you want AND still produce clean, functional, and professional work. I see it all the time. There are loads of sites based on showcasing websites that have done this.
Twitter: reachnathalie
says:
I love what you are saying about the similarities of designing a website or painting a canvas. In a way you are so right about treating the process in the same way….cool post
Nathalie Villeneuve recently posted..Are You Hiding Your MLM Business?
Hey, Nile! I have a question. Can a premium design take your blog to a next level or a free layout (a nice one) can help too if you write good quality content?
James recently posted..What Toaster Ovens Should You Consider Purchasing?
Hi James! It depends on how you use the site: both in content and design. You would probably want to test themes that you want to use in A/B testing to see what results might be better for you.
Well done themes (code-wise) can help with search engines crawling your content and entire site more effectively and efficiently. However, it does not matter if it is premium or free. It depends on unique and thorough content and good web design practices, along with some marketing to help convert your visitors.
Twitter: johncooper123
says:
Continuous work makes mind lazy. I used to take a break and watch my favorite movie or TV show. Just switch channels on and off. And I often find something which clicks my mind. And gives me great idea and inspiration for best website design.
John Cooper recently posted..IBS Breakthrough
Twitter: ithauphy
says:
I’m very hard to find inspiration in creating an article on the blog. I usually just write an article that I think “probably” sought by people. In addition, I usually write about something that was popular in the news .. Hopefully I didn’t do anything wrong
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Twitter: smartupdates1
says:
Nile, thanks for your inspiration. Actually I have a passion for web design and hope one day i will find myself in a class of web designers. It true that web design is an art and may be difficult for some but I think the only solution is to have passion for it.
Thanks once again for your insight.
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Thanks for the tip- previously I’ve just been looking at other similar sites in my niche- but to be honest they can end up coming out a little generic this way. If you’re looking to be a bit more innovative then Colour Lovers is just the thing!
Awesome design on this site. Thanks for the links and tips for the design and content ideas. Sometime you do need to think out of the box to come up with the content idea.
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Site’s content and design needs too much creativity to make with. If you happen that you don’t have these skills, better to ask someone who has the knowledge to do it. Or ask the expert some knowledge that you could practice with to start creating your contents and design.
Jean recently posted..Bosch Stackable Washer Dryer
I normally get the inspiration through the my interest and things that i like. People are also a part of my inspiration especially people who are very much into change and are not afraid to deviate from norms.
Mark recently posted..RUTHLESS INCOME Review-BUYER BEWARE?-Read What Adeel Chowdhry and Jamie Lewis Says…
Hi Nile.
I too always face problems while choosing the colors for the new websites and i have to choose very wisely the colors and patterns according to the clients requirement.after reading this post it felt like this post is a solution to my problem. Thanks for the colourlovers link.
Twitter: Mazzastick
says:
Sometimes I will write about a recent experience if I can’t come up with content for my site. Other times just by reading blog posts I get ideas and inspiration this way too.
Last but not least I can always ask a fellow blogger to write a guest post for me.
Justin Mazza recently posted..The Secret to Getting What You Want
I geet my inspiration from reading other blogs and websites, my design is unique though
Hi Nile!!!
How are you?
I am being inspired from visiting others site and reading someone’s blog. Its quite inspiring after reading those blogs. Right now, from reading your blogs, I have some ideas playing on my mind. Thanks for sharing.
All the best,
Avatar
Nice post and i am inspired. Content and design are the key feature of website design so it is necessary to design a website that have all of both to get the popularity.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I find inspiration from three sources:
1. looking at foreign websites in the same line of business. You live in the UK? Check out Danish or Finnish sites covering your theme.
2. Look outside: sit in the garden and count the shades of green you can see. What looks best against them? Red or rust or brown?
3. Go into an art gallery and look at any painting. Find the one that attracts you the most colour-wise and then analyse why.
Simon Oliver recently posted..Exploding radiators, boilers and towel rails
I guess you need to look around for the best designs of your websites. It can also be inspired by having good products to sell. This is an informative article, and thanks for sharing!
Rizza Gamutan recently posted..Bitzio’s Top 12 App Predictions for 2012
Twitter: namastewe
says:
I tend to write a lot of content. But most of it is completely uninspired. Though my sites make money, I am always trying to write more interesting, informative posts. But seem to always miss the mark. God, where are my words?!
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It can also be inspired by reading other blogs and websites by having good products to sell. This is an informative article, and thanks for sharing!
Angel Collins recently posted..Why You Should Use an Eco-Pouf: All About Bath Sponges
Twitter: bihar
says:
Contents can be big issues sometimes. Just don’t know what to write sometimes. So the best thing is to read the news on line on your selected topic and get inspiration from there.
Shalu Sharma recently posted..1. Brahmins ingnored, humiliated, neglected = End of that government.
You can find inspiration in all kind of places: u can see a blog or a website that u like and take and adapt elements from them.
You can visit lots of other websites that share inspirational designs or elements, or why not, take a pen and a paper and start, designing – organizing – proiecting.
Thanks for sharing this,
~alex
I think you can get your inspiration from nearly everywhere: browsing through other bogs and websides, going to exhibitions, reading a good book or watching a movie. Most important point: you have to be open minded and curious about nearly everything. Inspirations happens, you can’t seek it or work for it is my opinion.
Flow recently posted..BMB – Beauty Medical Berlin
I always take a break and read a book for w while and it helps me almost 100% in cases.
Hi Nile,
It is important to be inspired to produce website people remember and are drawn to.
Daniel | PHP Programmer Philippines recently posted..ASUSPH321 System
I agree. When we design a website it is a form of art. Choosing colors and choosing what images will be placed and what effects will be used will require inspiration. I totally agree that with research you can get ideas to use on your site. One should also accomplish tutorials for the overall look and feel of their site.
Very nice ideas….Thanks for the links and tips for the design and content ideas. Sometime you do need to think out of the box to come up with the content idea.
http://www.findghar.com
I honestly just browse the internet to get inspiration.
A developers advice: type into google something like “web 2.0 photoshop guide” and most websites will have stunning example of great work. Give you a basis for a creation of your own.
Twitter: MiamiLuxHomes
says:
Nile, very informative article.. As you suggested on searching I always tell clients to check what big guys are doing.
Sometimes you end up with a client asking to have music on an ecommerce site. I give them example of amazon.com not having any music etc.
I use fashion, design magazines, and real life moments as inspirations.
Twitter: MiamiLuxHomes
says:
Nile, very informative article.. As you suggested on searching I always tell clients to check what big guys are doing.
Sometimes you end up with a client asking to have music on an ecommerce site. I give them example of amazon.com not having any music etc.
I use fashion, design magazines, and real life moments as inspirations.
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