Where to find Illustration and Design Inspiration online

Finding inspiration is a huge part of the creative process, whether you’re just starting out or deep into your design career. The internet is full of incredible resources, but with so much content out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to look or even who to follow. If you’re an illustrator or graphic designer searching for your next idea or simply want to stay creatively charged, here are some of the people and resources I use to find design inspiration online.

1. Instagram - The visual playground

Instagram remains one of the top platforms for creative inspiration. It is perfect for discovering new illustration styles, branding ideas, and behind-the-scenes creative processes. Some of my favorite designers to follow include:

• Tyler Pate (@thecreativepain) –Uniquely and playfully combines illustration, branding, and motion.

• James Martin (@made.by.james) – Known for his bold, hand-crafted logo designs.

• Michael Fugoso (@fugstrator) – The master of layered, vector-heavy illustration work.

• Abi Connick (@abiconnick) – Shares design work, tips, and resources for freelancers.

2. Pinterest – Mood boards for days

Pinterest is perfect for collecting inspiration in an organised way. Whether you're looking for typography, colour palettes, packaging, or UX/UI examples, you can create mood boards tailored to each project. It’s also a great tool to reference past trends or find complementary aesthetics.

3. YouTube – Learn and get inspired

YouTube is the ultimate goldmine for both inspiration and education. Channels like Yes I'm a Designer and The Futur not only offer tutorials but also design critiques, interviews, and discussions on creativity and business. Watching professionals talk through their process can be just as inspiring as the final work and its a great way to learn.

4. TikTok – Fast-Paced creativity

Designers are embracing TikTok’s short and fast-paced content to share tips, time-lapses, and mini-tutorials. It’s a fun and fast way to see what trends are picking up steam and how designers are experimenting in real-time. Creators like James Bernard (@jamesbernard) and Abi Connick (@abiconnick) bring fresh energy to the platform with their daily content and transparent approach to the creative journey.

5. LinkedIn – Professional Inspiration

While not always top-of-mind for creative inspiration, LinkedIn is becoming more visual. Designers like Chris Do, James Martin, and Abi Connick often share polished case studies, thought leadership, and insights into their workflows or business practices. It’s a great way to connect with a professional community and get a glimpse into the design industry from a career-focused perspective.

6. Adobe Creative Cloud & Behance

Adobe is another treasure trove for design work. Behance, in particular, showcases curated portfolios and projects from designers around the globe. You can search by tool (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), industry (branding, illustration, UI/UX), or even location to find work that resonates with your niche or project goals.

In-person audience at Adobe MAX 2024, excited to explore the latest developments in creative technology.

Inspiration is everywhere, and it can be anything; you just need to look and keep an open mind. Whether you're watching time-lapses on TikTok, scrolling through a designer’s feed on Instagram, or diving into deep-dive tutorials on YouTube, these platforms are full of brilliant creators pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. Follow the ones that resonate with your style, stay curious, and most importantly, just keep creating and learning.