Inspiration + Paper is one of our longest-running series, beginning all the way back in 2013. In the series, we search for different topics, themes, and current events that might act as a source of inspiration for designers, printers, artists, and industry professionals working with our Design Papers Collection. Each article focuses on a new theme that we have found interesting, have noticed to be trending at the moment, or see something that has become a constant source from season to season. And while we’ve already covered topics from a wide range, we have learned that searching for a source of inspiration is an ever-ending quest – and a concept familiar to many creatives. Now in celebration of our Jubilee year, 10 Years of Inspiration, we’re collecting some of our’s, and reader’s favorites among the over forty Inspiration + Paper articles below. Let us know in the comments if there are any topics you wish for us to cover in the future!
When working with a simple yet protean medium such as paper, it can too easily be overlooked, how much power paper can behold. A single paper, or a collection, can imitate a feeling or a mood, it can signal values and thoughts, and it can directly impact the reception of its viewer or holder, both consciously and subconsciously.
Inspiration + Paper = Surface Patterns
These matches are equally inspired by the macro photography of interesting surfaces and textures, and the ever-so-inspiring Design Papers Collection. With an aim to not simply match the color tones of the photographs with the papers of similar shades, but to capture the touch, feel, or engram both subjects communicate. So putting special emphasis on trying to convey the sensation of touch – we matched cool and fluid-like stone surfaces with elegant Elefantenhaut paper, while the velvety Twill paper found its match in the railed surface pattern…
“Nature” is the most common answer artists and creatives give to the age-old question; “what inspires you?”. It’s undoubtedly the greatest source of inspiration with its ever-changing and endless source of life and boundless diversity. At the moment most of us can enjoy the greatest color symphonies nature provides, right outside our windows. During the fall months, we witness the changes as leaves and trees, and all things green turn into a blast of yellows, reds, and oranges. And as morbid as it might be, the death and decomposition happening only reminds us of the constant change and circle of life…
Sun, the massive flaming star in the center of our solar system and the most important provider of life and energy for us on earth, is celebrated today across the world on the occasion of International Sun Day. A tradition that began in 1978 when the sitting US president Jimmy Carter decided to devote the day to the advocacy of solar power and energy. Modeled after Earth Day, the purpose of Sun Day is to attract the attention of the public to the opportunities presented by sustainable energy sources and their use for the solution of ecological problems…
Designers, illustrators, artists, and other creatives draw inspiration from various places, and not surprisingly, often turn to other creatives and their work for ideas and insight. It’s the well-known secret that culture spawns from culture, designers take note from others, and artists love to revel in the work of masters before them. Whether it be the visual arts, music, or cinema, when one comes up with something impressive, it inspires others to come up with something equally impressive…
While the world attempts to learn to live in an era of COVID-19, cities are dealing with the collective trauma that the pandemic has inflicted. But from within the effects of these troubling times, we strive to find the silver linings — the unexpected positive effects, which have come in the form of unity and acts of solidarity…
We’re in full swing into the wedding season by now, as many choose to celebrate their special day during the summer months, among the blooming flowers and warming rays of sunshine. Planning a wedding is no easy task, and one of the major decisions comes when choosing an overall style and the color palette for decorations, invitations, and so on. To help make the tough decision, you can find inspiration from anything; the venue, the dress or simply choosing the bride and groom’s favorite color combination. But one way to tackle the task is to gather together your most cherished and beloved flowers, build a wedding bouquet of them, and use the colors found within them…
Today, March 22nd, is the official World Water Day, a date set by the UN to highlight the importance of freshwater, and its protection. The day is celebrated around the world with a variety of events, from educational, to theatrical and musical events, and of course campaigns and fundraisers for water projects. The intention is to inspire people around the world to learn more about water-related issues and to take action to make a difference…
Love is in the air today as the most romantic holiday Valentine’s Day is celebrated. A day dedicated to romance, love, and the appreciation of loved ones. Celebrated for centuries, Valentine’s Day is most associated with declarations of love and affection and the giving of gifts, such as red roses, a box of chocolates, and greeting cards, with the most recognized symbol above all being the red heart…
The freshly fallen snow of this morning reminded me of the pearlescent quality of Europapier’s Glamour papers. The elegantly stylish range includes six colors; Silver, Ice white, Snowflake, Cream, Champagne, and Blush. Glamour’s refined shimmering finish glitters delicately as the light hits it, in a similar way snow does. With a frosty ice-like quality, the texture of the paper is simultaneously luxurious and demure…
“Summer afternoon – summer afternoon; to me, those had always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” – words by Henry James I’ve come to agree with. From salty sea breeze air to the sand between your toes, the cooling feeling under your feet of a marble floor to the glittering shimmer on your sun-kissed skin – these are senses and tones of a summer afternoon to me. Whether you’re spending your days lounging under a shading tree, packing for a weekend wedding in the countryside, or pacing the streets of a scorched metropolis where the air distorts the view from a hot air rising from the asphalt under your feet, I hope you can find inspiration and beauty in the images below…
© Design & Paper