At SUPERCONDUCT, creativity isn’t something we take lightly – it’s the foundation of everything we do. Staying inspired is vital to delivering fresh, innovative ideas for our clients. That’s why we make a habit of immersing ourselves in a world of books, podcasts, websites, blogs, and influencers that push the boundaries of design, branding, and storytelling.
Here’s a glimpse into what fuels our creativity. Feel free to explore these recommendations and see where they take you!
Books That Spark Our Imagination
Great design and strategy often stem from deep thinking, and these books never fail to inspire us. Whether it’s exploring the psychology behind branding or uncovering the secrets of timeless creativity, these reads are always within arm’s reach:
How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things, Explain Things, Make Things Look Better, Make People Laugh, Make People Cry, and Every Once in a While Change the World – Michael Bierut
This book inspires us as it offers an insightful exploration of the legendary career of one of the most influential figures in graphic design. It provides a rare glimpse into his creative process, highlighting the principles and approaches behind his iconic work, particularly in the realm of branding. It’s a must-read for anyone passionate about creating designs that communicate effectively and stand the test of time.
The Art of Looking Sideways – Alan Fletcher
This book is a treasure trove of creative insights from one of the most celebrated designers of our time. Alan Fletcher’s The Art of Looking Sideways challenges conventional thinking, encouraging us to explore new perspectives and embrace curiosity in design and problem-solving. It’s a playful yet profound reminder of how observation and imagination can fuel creativity in unexpected ways.
Branding: In Five and a Half Steps – Michael Johnson
We love this book. Michael Johnson’s Branding: In Five and a Half Steps offers a comprehensive, practical framework for building impactful brands. With clear insights into the strategic and creative processes behind branding, it provides invaluable guidance on everything from research and positioning to storytelling and design execution. It’s a go-to resource for anyone looking to create brands that truly resonate with audiences.
Podcasts That Keep Us Thinking
Podcasts are a great way to stay informed and inspired, whether on the morning commute or during a creative block. These are a few of our favourites that spark new ideas and provide fresh perspectives on branding, design, and beyond:
2Bobs Podcast
David C. Baker and Blair Enns provide invaluable insights into the business side of creative agencies. Their candid discussions tackle real-world challenges, offering practical advice and fresh perspectives on positioning, pricing, and client relationships. It’s an inspiring and thought-provoking listen for anyone navigating the complexities of running a creative business.
Untalented Podcast
We love the Untalented podcast because its interview-style format brings together voices from across the creative industry. Hearing the diverse and inspiring stories of people’s journeys and careers in the creative sector reminds us of the limitless paths creativity can take. It’s a fantastic listen for anyone passionate about design, innovation, and the stories that shape our industry.
Design Matters
One of the most thought-provoking and inspiring shows in the creative world. Hosted by Debbie Millman, this long-running podcast features deep, insightful conversations with leading figures in design, art, and culture. Each episode dives into the guest’s creative journey, exploring their philosophies, challenges, and triumphs, making it an essential listen for anyone passionate about creativity and storytelling.
Websites and Blogs We Love
When we need a quick dose of inspiration or the latest trends, we turn to these websites and blogs. From design showcases to thought-provoking articles, they’re a treasure trove of ideas and insights:
Creative Boom
We highly recommend Creative Boom as a must-visit blog for anyone in the creative industry. It’s a vibrant platform that celebrates creativity across design, art, and culture, offering everything from insightful articles and expert advice to inspiring showcases of global talent. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, tips, or a sense of connection within the creative community, Creative Boom delivers it all with a refreshing and engaging approach.
BP&O
Branding, Packaging, and Opinion (BP&O) is a fantastic resource for anyone passionate about branding and design. Curated by Richard Baird, the blog offers detailed reviews of branding and packaging projects from around the world, accompanied by thoughtful commentary and stunning visuals. It’s an invaluable platform for staying informed about the latest trends and approaches in design, as well as for finding inspiration in beautifully executed projects. Whether you’re a designer or a brand enthusiast, BP&O is a must-visit.
The Brand Identity
The Brand Identity is an exceptional online resource for anyone interested in branding, graphic design, and creative inspiration. Showcasing high-quality projects from studios around the globe, the platform provides a curated selection of cutting-edge work, in-depth interviews, and industry insights. It’s a go-to destination for discovering the latest in contemporary design and exploring the ideas shaping the future of branding. For creatives and design enthusiasts alike, The Brand Identity is a wellspring of innovation and inspiration.
Creative Communities We Admire
At SUPERCONDUCT, we believe that creativity thrives when ideas are shared, and there’s no better way to keep the inspiration flowing than by engaging with vibrant creative communities. These hubs of collaboration and innovation provide endless opportunities to learn, connect, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in design. Here are a few creative communities we admire and why we think they’re worth exploring:
Behance
A global platform for showcasing and discovering creative work, Behance is a go-to for inspiration. From graphic design to motion graphics, it’s filled with incredible projects from talented creatives worldwide. It’s also a fantastic place to share your own work and connect with others in the industry.
Dribbble
Known for its focus on design, Dribbble is a playground for creative professionals. It’s a place where designers share snippets of their work, from website designs to branding concepts, fostering a spirit of collaboration and friendly critique.
Creativepool
We love Creativepool because it’s a vibrant hub for the global creative community, bringing together professionals from design, advertising, and beyond. It’s a fantastic platform for showcasing work, discovering inspiring projects, and connecting with like-minded individuals. From thought-provoking articles to networking opportunities, Creativepool is an invaluable resource for staying inspired and engaged in the creative industry.
This is just a glimpse into what keeps us inspired and ready to tackle new challenges. We’re always on the lookout for fresh perspectives and ideas to fuel our creativity, and we hope these resources inspire you as much as they do us. Stay curious, keep exploring, and never stop creating!
