From Inspiration to Ink: Where My Ideas Actually Come From

People ask me all the time, "How do you come up with new designs every week?"

Honestly? Sometimes inspiration hits out of nowhere. Other times, I'm staring at a blank board with zero ideas and a deadline. The process isn't always easy, but it's a process, and I've learned to work with it.

Here's where my ideas actually come from and what I do when I'm completely stuck.

Pinterest Is My Visual Library

When it comes to doodles and visual elements, Pinterest is my go-to. I've actually started to post my own boards on Pinterest to give other creatives ideas for their work. I'm not looking to copy anyone's work—I'm looking for inspiration. A certain style of flower illustration, the way someone drew a coffee cup, and how they incorporated fall leaves into their layout. I save things that catch my eye, and when I'm planning a sign, I'll scroll through my boards to see what sparks something.

It's less about replicating and more about seeing what's possible. Sometimes, a doodle I saved months ago becomes the jumping-off point for a completely different design.

Instagram for Quotes (And a Reality Check)

I get a lot of my quote ideas from Instagram. Sometimes it's a post that resonates with me, sometimes it's a cheesy seasonal saying, or even a funny reel that I'll tailor to fit the sign. I'll save those ideas in a folder on my phone for when I need them.

Instagram also helps me see what other small businesses are doing with their signage. It's a good reality check to see what's working, what feels overdone, what stands out versus what blends in.

Walking Around and Paying Attention

Some of my best ideas come from walking around town or in a new city that I'm visiting. Just last month, I was in Bozeman for a few days, and I got inspiration for a quote based off a coffee cup I liked in a random store. I'll see a clever sign outside a cafe or a color scheme that works well, and it'll stick with me. Not to copy it, but to understand why it caught my attention.

Sometimes inspiration comes from inside the store, too. A new product, a quirky quote on one of our T-shirts, or a phrase on a greeting card.

Seasons and Events Drive the Board

A lot of the time, the season or an upcoming event dictates what goes on the sign. Fall means cozy vibes, warm colors, and pumpkins. The holidays mean festive messaging and winter themes. It's less about forcing creativity and more about responding to what's happening around me.

But it's not just seasons; store events and local happenings influence the board too. This past July was the store's first anniversary, so I created a board to highlight that milestone. More recently, I made a sign featuring a football theme to play off the big Cat-Griz rivalry game. It's about tapping into what people are already thinking about or excited for.

When there's something specific happening, whether it's seasonal, local, or store-related, it gives me a clear direction. The design practically writes itself because the context is already there.

Trial and Error (Lots of Erasing)

Here's the part no one sees, the trial and error. I erase a lot. I'll draw something, step back, realize it doesn't work, and start over. I'll try a layout three different ways before one clicks. I'll second-guess my color choices halfway through and have to adjust.

It's messy and frustrating sometimes, but it's also how I figure out what works. Every sign teaches me something: what spacing looks better, which colors pop, which quotes resonate, which doodles are too complicated to pull off.

The process isn't always smooth, but it gets easier the more I do it.

When I'm Stuck, I Use Whatever Works

Some weeks, I sit down with a clear vision. Other weeks, I'm staring at a blank board with nothing.

When that happens, I get resourceful. If I can't figure out how to draw something, like a specific object or doodle, I'll search Google or Pinterest for references. "Simple line drawing of a coffee mug" or "easy turkey doodle." The list goes on. I'm not trying to be an expert illustrator. I just need a starting point.

And when I need quote ideas or a fresh angle? I'll chat with AI. I'll prompt it with something like, "Give me cozy fall quotes for a gift shop sign" or "What's a clever way to say 'new arrivals'?" Sometimes the suggestions are perfect. Sometimes they're terrible, but they spark something better. Either way, it gets me moving.

I use the tools given to me. If a reference helps me draw a better turkey, great. If AI gives me a quote that feels right, I'll use it. The goal isn't to do everything from scratch; it's to make something that works.

Sometimes I'll realize halfway through that a doodle is too complicated or a quote doesn't fit the vibe, and I'll pivot. That's part of it, knowing when to simplify or scrap an idea and try something else.

Key Takeaways

• Pinterest is your visual library for doodles, styles, and layout inspiration. Not for copying, but sparking ideas.

• Instagram helps you find quotes and see what other small businesses are doing, giving both inspiration and a reality check.

• Real-world inspiration comes from walking around, noticing signs, products, colors, and clever ideas in everyday places.

• Seasons and local events guide your designs, making creativity feel natural and giving your boards clear direction.

• Trial and error is a huge part of the process, from erasing and redrawing to adjusting layouts and colors until something works.

• When you’re stuck, you use your resources, Google, Pinterest, and even AI, to spark ideas, simplify doodles, and move past creative blocks.