Maybe I’m a secret geek, or maybe I get bored with reading the same websites every day? But I think there’s nothing better than discovering a little gem out there in the vast world that is the internet. My list of bookmarks is organised better than the contents of the natural history museum, and for good reason. You never know when you’re next project will be to design packaging for a drink from the voodoo gods, or a national campaign for a new fashion brand.

Whatever project I’m working on, it’s essential to have all the inspiration I can find within one easy click. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had a freelancer or junior team member looking over my shoulder and repeating the phrase… “erm, what’s that website you’re looking at?”

So here (in no particular order) are my 10 essential websites for creatives (besides Desktopmag.com.au of course, because clearly you already know that one!).

1. Ads of the world

Showcasing TV, radio and print campaigns, this website is essential for anyone wanting to see what’s going on in the world of advertising. Updates are regular so you can expect to see things before they appear on your usual design blogs. The only down side is that it’s worldwide, so expect to see ads that make no sense to you whatsoever, but should still provide plenty of inspiration.

Ads of the world

2. Marge Casey + Associates

One of my favourite photography representation agencies, Marge Casey is a New York based agency that represents some of the worlds best know advertising, fashion and portrait photographers. Names such as Lyndon Wade, Chris Buck and Staudinger & Franke are featured. Clients have included brands such as Coca Cola, Virgin, Louis Vitton, Chanel and Estee Lauder to name just a few.

Marge Casey + Associates

3. The Dieline

There are numerous packaging blogs around the web, but this is the best one I’ve found. It features new product designs, conceptual work from design studios and even student work. There is now even a book from the editors of the site that covers the best pieces featured over the last 12 months.

The Dieline

4. The favourite website awards (FWA)

The FWA is the most visited website award programme in the history of the internet. As of May 2010 they have had 90 million visits. So what makes it so popular? Well it pretty easy to navigate and it’s updated regularly, so expect to see websites from all over the world that utilize the best in technology and design. It features a ‘site of the day’ and also a ‘site of the month’.

fwa

5. ffffound!

If you’ve never heard of ffffound then you’ve either been living under a rock for the past 5 years or have been spending far too much time looking at websites you’re mother said you’d go blind looking at. Ffffound as a visual reference website that pretty much every designer I know visits at least 3 times a week. It features photography, illustration and design from places you’ve probably never even heard of, but will be watching with a keen eye from now on.

ffffound!

6. Keith Morris

Every now again you meet someone who completely blows your mind.  Keith is one of those people. He’s probably one of Australia’s leading lettering, typeface and logo designers. Working on clients here in Australia and as far away as New York, Keith has worked on brands that probably feature in every Australians home. Mighty Soft… he did that. Crown lager… he did that. Target hand drawn typeface… he did that. I could go on and on, but take a look for yourself.

Keith morris

7. New Industry Arts

Formerly known as New Synthesis, this photography website showcases fashion and advertising photographers from around the world. It’s a great resource for designers looking for photographers, or art directors looking for reference for your next shoot.

New Industry Arts

8. Fubiz

One of my favourite alternative design blogs that features everything from design, illustration, outdoor and even cool movie trailers. Originally a french blog, but with a simple click of the ‘en’ tab in the top right it’s converted to English.

Fubiz

9. Behance

Another one of those “what do you mean you’ve never heard of it?!” websites. Behance is like a designers bible. It’s a content driven website that allows creatives to upload their work and showcase it for the world to see. There’s plenty of great portfolios here as well as lots of great inspiration and art direction.

Behance

10. Yay!Monday

Finally, something that provides a little light relief to those Monday morning blues. Yay!Monday is a design, art and photography blog that’s updated… yes you’ve guessed it, every Monday!

yay!monday

Main Image from Marge Casey + Associates