High resolution photo and font
DISCLAIMER: This post contains referral links, but all opinions are entirely my own.
The first thing that draws me into a site or blog other than content are its aesthetic features.
In my three years of blogging experience, I have seen how blog designs have evolved from simple to complex. The more complicated the design is, the more interesting it gets. In hindsight, this was probably what inspired me to learn and explore basic HTML/CSS tricks, Photoshop, and other softwares on my own.I didn't have a formal background in graphic design, and I believe that some professionals didn't have one, too. (No offense to those who actually earned a degree in this field.) Most creatives I know started their business out of passion, blind faith, and determination. You know what I think? I think that we all have it in us; we have what it takes to become a designer in our own little way. All we need are the right resources in order to unleash our inner creativity.
*Insert Creative Market here*
Creative Market is just that: a repository of all things creative. It's the marketplace for artists— beginners and professionals alike. See my current blog header? Valerie had designed it over an already existing font called Manhattan Darling. When I discovered that font, I knew I wanted to use it for SCATTERBRAIN.
Anyway, please allow me to walk you through some of the interesting stuff you, too, will find in this goldmine.Graphics
I've always wondered how or where to find watercolor or gold foil textures because I've seen a lot of designs showcasing these textures. I can't tell you how delighted I was when I found a lot of them at Creative Market!
You know what else? I strongly believe that budding graphic designers will get tons of inspiration here, especially if they're working on a project that requires customization of certain icons or illustrations.
Templates
Had I discovered about Creative Market sooner, during the earlier part of our wedding preparation, I would have DIY'd invitations instead. I mean, look at those dainty designs!
Speaking of DIY, I'm currently toying with the idea of making my own business card for future business opportunities involving SCATTERBRAIN. Not only will I make it more personalized, I'd support independent creators as well!
Themes
I no longer blog with WordPress, but if I were, I would have considered looking into Creative Market's wide variety of themes. I'm sure it would have given me a hard time deciding on which one to choose!
Fonts
I purchased two fonts on a whim, and it's probably the best impulsive decision I've ever made. I've wanted to learn modern calligraphy since it's recently gained popularity, and I literally swooned over the sea of lovely handwritten calligraphy fonts at Creative Market. Albeit frustrating, these fonts will inspire you to learn how to create one, too.
Free Stuff Weekly
You're probably thinking: "What has Jae gotten me into?" when you realized that most of the stuff found at Creative Market are paid ones. Don't be disheartened, my friend, because you've got it all wrong. The people at Creative Market are actually generous enough to make some goodies available for free weekly. Yes, you read that right. Expect to receive not just one, but at least six free stuff in your Inbox every week! If that isn't enough reason to check them out, I don't know what is!
Creating something beautiful and interesting isn't limited to designing one's own site or blog. The possibilities are endless with Creative Market. With all the awesome things independent creators produce on a daily basis, you'll never run out of ideas and inspiration to make pretty things.
