Hand Picked, Hand Made

Paper n Stitch is a community of buyers and sellers showcasing the best in art and handmade. I found bon bon the blushing squirrell (pictured) and fell in love. The website contains tonnes of creativity and ideas :)

Cantab Publishing

Alex Lukas also founded Cantab Publishing in 2001, where you can purchase selected zines and prints.

Photography?

Alex Lukas uses a variety of techniques to create these drawings including ink, acrylic, water colour, gouache and silk screen for a seamless, photographic finish.

Pika Land

Pika Land is an art and illustration blog that catalogues up to date, creative work. I spend much of my time trawling through such blogs for ideas and inspiration :)

Lasar Cut Jewellery

Molly McGrath produces detailed lasar cut jewellery using sustainable materials. I like The Layers collection most of all, where the designs are inspired by overlapping patterns.

Little Paper Planes

Little Paper Planes is an online store which brings together a community of artists. Artwork, paper goods and clothing are all available to buy. Lots of pretty things to look through :)

To Buy!

I found a cute little website called Zookimono, where you can buy gifts such as hand screen printed laptop and ipod covers. I especially liked Gemma Correll's sweet treat patterns. Her website features much more of her illustrative work.

Quotes and Illustrations to Make You Happy

Eric Smith provokes happiness through his artwork. His Live Now project consists of a growing collection of quotes and illustrations encouraging you to live each day to its fullest. Visit the Live Now website to see more.

Interview: Jim Datz

I've just read another interview on Grain Edit, this time with Jim Datz, of Neither Fish Nor Fowl. (The interviews all follow the same clear structure, which I really like.) I enjoy finding out how other designers and illustrators work, and getting an insight into how they process their thoughts in response to a project. Lots of very useful material for new designers. Grain edit: I love you :)

Interview: Tim Gough

I've just read a really inspiring interview over on Grain Edit with Tim Gough where he talks about his background, design style and way of working. He also offers some useful advise for new designers: "Sketch out your ideas first and really nail down the concept, you probably have a bunch styles or looks up your sleeve, but that doesn’t really matter unless your work is conceptually sound."
I sometimes struggle with the concept vs style issue, and I've realised through my current project that coming up with ideas first, and developing from there is the best way of working.