Successful web and graphic designers are constantly seeking inspiration for their projects and ideas. I admit, up until recently, I’ve been very bad about saving (and seriously organizing) websites, photos, graphic snippets, copy and other items I’ve found to be extremely inspiring. Thankfully, I gave Evernote a try and have been using it for my inspiration library ever since! Below, you will find a list of other great tools to help you build your own inspiration library!

1. ScrnShots

(Image Based)

If you capture your inspiration via screenshots, then this web-based, social bookmarking site might be for you. Start by creating a free account, and within minutes you’ll be uploading your inspirational screen grabs. The great thing about ScrnShots is there are NO LIMITATIONS on how many images you can upload to your account. Once you upload an image, don’t forget to tag it. This will allow you to search through your gallery for gems later.

ScrnShots also doubles as an inspiration gallery. Looking for a new way to make a form? Type “form” in the search bar and view tons of different screenshots from other users. Learn more about ScrnShots for your inspiration library.

2. FFFFOUND!

(Image Based)

FFFFOUND! is a web-based service that allows users to post and share their favorite images. FFFFOUND! also dynamically recommends other inspirational images based on each user’s tastes and interests! In order to use FFFFOUND! you’ll have to install either a bookmarklet or Internet Explorer extension, which can deter some users. Learn more about FFFFOUND! for your inspiration library.

3. Diigo

(Bookmark Based)

Diigo is a bit more involved than ScrnShots or FFFFOUND! and is based on bookmarking rather than uploading images. I would recommend Diigo to designers who are obsessed with bookmark organization (you know who you are!).

Diigo comes fully loaded with a customized dashboard to keep track of your latest bookmarks as well as your friends. You can keep your bookmarks to yourself by marking them as private or share them with the rest of the community.

Highlight text, tag, create lists, and even make notes on your bookmarked sites. Browse comments other people have left and even write back to them if you are so inclined. Also, don’t forget to download the Diigo FireFox extension to make bookmarking a breeze! Learn more about Diigo for your inspiration library.

4. Delicious

(Bookmark Based)

For those of you who can do with out a visual, Delicious serves as a great inspirational bookmarking tool. The best thing about Delicious is that you can access your bookmarks from anywhere, on any computer.

Organize your bookmarks with tags and even section your tags off into groups. You can also write a description to remind yourself why you bookmarked a site. Delicious also comes with a great FireFox plug-in and allows you to save and tag on the fly. Learn more about Delicious for your inspiration library.

Additional Bookmarking Tools

If you’d rather your inspirational items be stored locally, you can always set up an external hard drive dedicated to your finds. There is nothing wrong with going back to the basics and organizing with folders.

However… if you are still interested in viewing additional bookmarking options, check out the list below for some up and coming solutions!

http://www.zeadoo.com
http://www.artypapers.com
http://www.vi.sualize.us
http://www.delizzy.com (A GREAT Delicious addition)
http://www.laterthis.com
http://www.ibreadcrumbs.com
http://www.iterasi.com
http://www.wallowr.com
http://www.faves.com
http://www.sharethis.com

Posted in Design, Freelance |

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