When we kick off your design project, one of the most helpful things you can do is gather inspiration images. Whether you’re working on a brand identity, a website, packaging, or an interior space, sharing visuals you’re drawn to helps shape the creative direction from the very beginning.
Not sure how to gather inspiration images? This guide walks you through exactly how to do it — using Pinterest, Instagram, iOS Notes, and other simple tools — without wasting hours or feeling overwhelmed.
Why Inspiration Images Matter
Images say what words can’t. When you show me what you love — the styles, colors, layouts, textures — I can start translating those preferences into a design direction that feels like you.
But here’s something just as valuable: showing me what you don’t like. If there’s a look, color palette, font, or style you want to avoid, saving a few examples helps me steer clear of creative directions that don’t match your taste. The goal is to understand your aesthetic from both angles — what draws you in and what turns you off.
You don’t need a design degree or the perfect vocabulary — just a willingness to share visual cues. That’s more than enough to help kick start your project in the right direction.
Pinterest: The Best Place to Start
Pinterest for design clients is a game-changer. It’s easy to use, incredibly visual, and perfect for organizing ideas into boards.
How to Set Up a Pinterest Account:
- Go to pinterest.com and click “Sign Up.”
- Use your email or Google account to create a profile.
- Start a new board for your project. Name it something simple like “Logo Inspiration” or “Website Moodboard.”
How to Use Pinterest for Visual Inspiration:
- Use the search bar to look up styles you like:
- Modern branding
- Neutral home office design
- Hand-drawn logo ideas
- Save the images you love by clicking the Save button.
- Create multiple boards if needed, or organize sections within one board.
Pro Tip:
Once you’ve saved 10–15 strong images, stop. Too many visuals can blur your vision — and I’m here to help you narrow them down.
How to Share Pinterest Boards With Your Designer:
- Open your board.
- Click the “+” to invite collaborators (that’s me!).
- Now we can view and discuss your saved inspiration images together.
Instagram: Another Goldmine for Design Inspiration
We all scroll Instagram daily — why not use it to your advantage?
How to Save Instagram Images for Design Projects:
- Tap the bookmark icon below any post to save it.
- To organize your saves, tap “Save to Collection” and name it (like “Brand Inspiration”).
- To view saved posts:
Go to your profile > Tap the menu (≡) > Choose “Saved.”
Want to Stay Organized?
Create a second, private Instagram account just for saving visuals. No distractions, just curated design inspiration.
how to save and organize Instagram posts
iOS Notes: Quick + Easy for On-the-Go Inspiration
Sometimes a client sends an idea via text or you find something while scrolling — iOS Notes is a great catch-all.
How to Organize Inspiration Images Using iOS Notes:
- Open Notes and create a new note titled with your project.
- Paste in screenshots or image links.
- Use the camera icon to scan sketches or snap pictures.
- Add short notes about what you like in each image (colors, layout, texture, etc.)
You can also share your Notes with me directly so we’re always on the same page.
Apple Guide to Using Notes:
how to use Notes on your iPhone or iPad
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple and Focused
Gathering inspiration images shouldn’t feel like a research project. You’re not trying to find the perfect image — you’re just collecting visual clues that help communicate your style, preferences, and goals.
Whether you’re pinning on Pinterest, saving on Instagram, or dropping screenshots into Notes, use these tools to capture what feels right. Then hand it over to me — and we’ll shape it into a design that fits you perfectly.
Ready to Get Started?
Gathering your inspiration is the first step — and you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, I’m here to guide you.
👉 Need help refining your vision?
Send me your Pinterest board, Instagram saves, or Notes and I’ll help you pull out the strongest direction.
👉 Haven’t started yet?
Download the Inspiration Guide to walk you through it step by step.
Once you’ve got your visuals ready, we’ll use them to kick off your project with clarity, confidence, and creativity.
