Drawing inspiration and getting ideas for your next website design or development project!

If you’re anything like me when you’re on the internet – you just can’t help but nosey at what other companies are doing with their online presence and how they’re achieving their success. Well in the spirit of drawing inspiration; this post is dedicated to the websites and resources that come in handy when I have web-designers block (yes, it’s not just authors!).

I don’t believe it is ever a good idea to try and completely rip-off someone else’s idea. Although, if you find things you like, there is definitely no harm in trying to replicate assets and re-work them into a newer piece of work of your own. So long as you don’t copy and paste anything directly, I believe you are within your rights to replicate loose-ideas. I certainly think that one of the best ways to learn web design and development is to have a hands-on approach and actively play about with your ideas.

I generally try to keep a notepad (or my iPhone with notes) to hand at all times just in case I ever get a sudden flash of insight. It is slightly bizarre, although I generally notice these eureka moments happen the most just before and after sleeping. Perhaps there’s just something about the dream-state that goes hand in hand with design? Whenever I see something I like – it goes in my notepad. You might benefit from starting a little inspiration-pad of your own and watching your bank of ideas grow.

Anyway, I’m starting to ramble a little here, so without further ado, here are my recommendations and things to try if you are struggling for ideas. Do note that some of the below are not just good for scouting for possibilities, but they are also great coverage for your website designs if you submit them to the CSS galleries and directories listed.

CSS Galleries & Awards, Website Design Awards and Inspiration Feed Websites

If you’re ever stuck trying to think up your next project, or what you could do to improve your current build; I highly recommend taking an hour or so to nosey around and see what others are doing. The break will do you good, and you’ll likely find something new to try!

Submit your websites to design award websites and galleries for additional coverage and web traffic.

When promoting your own content, particularly when it comes to advertising your website design services, websites like the above are priceless. It’s usually free to submit your website, and by doing so you’ll be in the running to win a fancy award to put on your site as well as win some visitors and casual passers-by. Plus, think of the back-links! So, I’d definitely recommend using the above websites and submitting your own work if you have any!