1. “The natural world is a constant source of inspiration for me, as its endless beauty resilience and complexity remind me of the interconnectedness of all living things and that we are one with the natural world, not above it.”
   – Kris Meyers
2. “Fresh air—taking a walk outside helps de-stress and open my mind up to possibilities. I’m able to think bigger and see broader outcomes.”
   – Olivia Lydon
3. “National parks are often home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world, such as towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and pristine forests. The beauty of these places inspires awe and wonder, reminding us of the power and majesty of the natural world.”
   – Katie Ramirez
4. “Time outdoors, especially fishing, is my creative battery charger. The calm serenity always takes me back to basics, allows me to step away from the hustle and bustle of life in a creative agency, and brings my focus back to the core of my own creativity.”
   – Rick Yager
5. “Going for a walk or working outside helps my creativity and productivity. Of course, there is a lot to learn from nature, whether it’s observing or participating in it. I find that being outside or feeling fresh air throughout the day gives me that extra boost of inspiration. Often, I’ll walk to Lake Michigan, or down to the Lincoln Park area while in Chicago as they are two of my favorite (close) spots in the city!”
   – Kat Harshbarger
6. “Inspirations to me are being outside hiking, walking or running, the shapes and colors of nature, sitting in the quiet of the wilderness.”
   – Anna Dieringer
7. “Spending time in nature is always a big inspiration to me.”
   – Michelle Kruse
8. “National parks, untouched, well-preserved or beautifully manicured areas of our country and planet are all highly inspiring to me—I play golf as much to take in the beauty of the outdoors as I do to scratch out the occasional birdie.”
   – Brian Lydon
9. “The beauty of flowers inspires creativity and inspiration for color palettes, shapes and patterns. They can represent different meanings and convey different messages, encouraging us to connect with others and express our feelings.”
   – Katie Ramirez

10. “I am always paying attention to interesting marketing and designs in the world around me as I go about daily activities.”
    – Michelle Kruse
11. “Vincent Van Gogh’s use of vibrant colors, thick brushstroke texture and expressive compositions have had a profound impact on the art world. His paintings often depicted ordinary objects and landscapes, but he had a unique ability to infuse them with a sense of beauty and wonder. His works remind us to appreciate the world around us and find joy in the simple things.”
    – Katie Ramirez
12. “I find huge inspiration in photography and fine art—color, composition and textures, how other artists view the world.”
    – Anna Dieringer
13. “I subscribe to Communication Arts and try to read their suggested reading to keep up with design thinking and new design trends.”
    – Kat Harshbarger
14. “My favorite team is the Chicago White Sox, and one reason is the design of their uniforms—known for their iconic and distinctive look, featuring black and white stripes and bold, gothic lettering. While the basic design has remained pretty consistent over the years, the team has also shown a willingness to innovate and experiment with new styles and colors.”
    – Katie Ramirez
15. “I always look to the great master painters for creative inspiration—Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Singer Sargent, Warhol—who were able to create such beauty and challenge our imaginations out of the darkness, using crude materials before the advent of modern technologies.”
    – Brian Lydon
16. “Film photography allows me to not be perfect and find beauty in the imperfections.”
    – Ryan Hock
17. “Chicago’s architecture is a testament to the power of design and innovation. Chicago is home to some of the world’s first skyscrapers that revolutionized the way buildings were designed and constructed. Architects such as Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe have all left their mark on the city with their innovative designs. From the gothic revival Tribune Tower to the modernist Aqua Tower, there’s something for everyone in Chicago.”
    – Katie Ramirez
18. “I am inspired by the many other designers around me. I stay curious about the work of my coworkers, articles and videos on graphic design websites and blogs.”
    – Anna Dieringer
19. “Shepard Fairey’s art combines elements of street art, graphic design and propaganda. He gained widespread recognition for his ‘Hope’ campaign poster for Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential election. He often incorporates bold colors, striking imagery and text to create works that are both visually appealing and thought-provoking. He inspires those who seek to use their creativity and platform to effect social change and challenge the status quo.”
    – Katie Ramirez
20. “When I’m starting a new project that has to do with branding especially, I usually do a quick search on Behance to help me narrow down my brainstorm ideas. I often take moodboard inspiration to promote a new idea of my own.”
    – Kat Harshbarger
21. “I love things that sparkle. Rhinestones, glitter, sequins—they bring joy and happiness. Sparkles always stimulate positive energy and give me feeling of awe and wonder.”
    – Katie Ramirez

22. “Reading books—fiction specifically—allows me to take some time to step out of my real world and into one crafted by a writer, which shakes up my view and allows me to see new paths and be inspired.”
    – Olivia Lydon
23. “Music was a huge early inspiration to me, and still is. My first introduction to graphic design was in a class assignment to redesign an album cover. I fell in love with graphic design at that moment and music and art were forever linked in my brain from that point on. If I’m in the middle of a purely creative endeavor, there will inevitably be music playing.”
    – Rick Yager
24. “I follow a lot of designers and multi-media artists on Instagram. My friends and I share designers with each other and it helps to keep up to date on designers around the world. Some accounts I follow: @cihantamti, @madalenaartz, @stefyloret, @barnardco, @Sophierae78, @e.fiorentino, @gk.dsn, @prettycoolstrangers, @riddinginkdesign, @carolinekaufman, @lets_re_kin, @dana_designsstuff and @thecoldheartedco.”
    – Kat Harshbarger
25. “I am always inspired by movies, particularly the opening credits. You’ll find some amazing graphic treatments and concise, impactful narratives bookending many modern movies. The intros to Fight Club, Se7en and Catch Me If You Can are some of my all-time favorites.”
    – Rick Yager
26. “I like to use social media as a source for inspiration. Effective photos and videos can be a huge factor when it comes to finding the right audience for a company. Short videos are trendy right now as they are informative and effective. I follow a lot of creatives who share their design process or even share how to do certain design skills.”
    – Christine Dinh
27. “I love listening to music and letting the lyrics form visuals in my brain.”
    – Ryan Hock
28. “Playing board games with friends is inspirational in two ways—the obvious is the artwork/design on the cards, box, boards of other pieces that make up the game, and the other is that you have to use creativity and imagination to come up with strategies and solve problems.”
    – Katie Ramirez
29. “I have always been drawn to artists who have been forced to create art, film and music in modern times, but who fight to turn convention on its head to break new ground, and do it in an aggressively compelling and beautiful way. Beautiful disruptors who stick their fingers in the eye of the mundane entertainment machine, then often wind up in the pop culture mainstream. Just a few examples include: Banksy, David Lynch, Quentin Tarantino, Bo Burnham, The Pixies, U2.”
    – Brian Lydon
30. “I love to watch television and movies, paying close attention to how each transition or angle has a purpose, and how the soundtrack compliments the scene. When I watch shows I have a habit of paying more attention to how things are shot and edited versus the actual plot.”
    – Christine Dinh
31. “Anyone who knows me knows that I adore the works of J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings). The world of Middle-Earth is a richly imagined and immersive setting, filled with vividly drawn characters and places. And the Peter Jackson movies are a feast for the eyes with design details that depict the different races as well as innovative camera technology that let us view the world from personal close up to battle scenes from a far.”
    – Katie Ramirez

32. “Hearing of or seeing instances of someone helping another in need, no matter how small the gesture is really inspiring to me. I love seeing how the work or action of one person or group made a difference for another.”
    – Catie Malooly
33. “Collaboration and working sessions with our Lydon team inspire me!”
    – Megan Wadsworth
34. “I love to cook for my family and friends, because for me it’s about more than just the food—it’s about lovingly crafting something that nourishes, creates bonds and delights. I also love how great recipes from loved ones who have passed help us to honor them and share their memory with our children.”
    – Brian Lydon
35. “I am inspired by the passion, dedication and fun from our team—like when Katie ambushes and attacks me in my office with her Nerf bow and arrow set! Honestly, just having real, meaningful relationships with the people I work with and not just surface level. I believe that’s what our company strives for.”
    – Liz Cottingham
36. “I am constantly amazed by the way my daughter Phia sees the world at two years old. Through her eyes, I am reminded of the wonder and magic that can be found in the simplest things. Being a father has given me a fresh perspective on life and allowed me to appreciate the little things in a way I never have before.”
    – Kris Meyers
37. “I love being surrounded by my friends, people who are musically creative and seeing them create in their outlet makes me want to do the same.”
    – Ryan Hock
38. “Watching my three teenaged kids take on challenges and chart their paths is very inspiring. It’s eye opening and freeing to see someone trying and experience things for the first time with new perspectives.”
    – Olivia Lydon
39. “Travel has always been a source of inspiration for me, as it has broadened my perspective, forced me to step outside of my comfort zone, and help me better understand the man-made and natural world and my place in it. Whether exploring new cultures, trying new foods, or thrill seeking, travel inspires me to see the world in new and exciting ways.”
    – Kris Meyers
40. “City life is a big inspiration to me. Design trends are constantly evolving and there are a lot of spots in the city on the cutting edge to improve their marketing. I love to see how companies that are up to date with what’s trending are seeing more success on social media and attracting their audiences.”
    – Christine Dinh

41. “Learning new things and stepping out of my comfort zone always inspires and challenges me to be more creative.”
    – Megan Wadsworth
42. “I love tackling the challenges presented to me in my daily work—creating something visually appealing while also fulfilling all the project parameters and requirements.”
    – Anna Dieringer
43. “Progress and evolution are inspiring concepts to me. Seeing something grow, going from an early stage to evolving into what it’s supposed to be. Compilation videos of human accomplishments—I love a sports montage, or any montage, really—that show reactions to success and triumph never fail to give me goosebumps.”
    – Catie Malooly
44. “Human excellence and force of will—I am continually inspired by people who push the boundaries of their given discipline whether it’s Tony Hawk putting down the first 900 in skateboard vert, Shaun White with the first Double McTwist in snowboarding super pipe, or Alex Honnold free soloing El Cap just to name a few. These kinds of achievement are the result of a lifetime of dedication to a specific discipline with an obsession to be the best at it.”
    – Kris Meyers
45. “Whenever I am feeling stalled out, I like to clean and organize, which gives me a refreshed space to work in.”
    – Michelle Kruse
46. “I have participated in many forms of dance (Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop, Swing, and Latin) from the age of three, so it has had a significant impact on my life. Its a form of self-expression that can convey a wide range of emotions, from joy and happiness to sadness and pain. It allows dancers to express themselves in a physical and artistic way, inspiring viewers to connect with their own emotions and experiences.”
    – Katie Ramirez
47. “I love looking through my own photos (or those of peers) to spark inspiration. Whether it’s to evoke a feeling, or see a color scheme develop, it helps to look back at memories. Same goes for old notes, sometimes I’ll write down random ideas or thoughts that pop into my head and can source from those later.”
    – Kat Harshbarger
48. “High-functioning problem solving, complex planning, understanding concepts and concerns outside your personal frame of reference (e.g. creativity!!) is one of many qualities that separates humans from animals. I am always inspired by the search for new and better processes and those who are able to discover and press them into service.”
    – Brian Lydon

49. “Starting with a basic wonder of the universe—from the mechanical and biological processes here on earth to the limitless boundaries astronomy—I am fascinated by the human ability to understand and master the physical world through invention, including such artistic disciplines as printmaking, photography, painting and sculpture, but also applied sciences such as computer processing (including the new field of quantum computing), precision machining, electrical and chemical engineering, rocket technology and space travel… the list goes on!”
    – Brian Lydon
50. “For me, technology is an big source of inspiration, as it expands the boundaries of what’s possible and opens up new avenues for creativity and self-expression, allowing us to accomplish tasks that were once unimaginable.”
    – Kris Meyers

We hope this list provides a little creative spark—or “sparkle” as Katie would say—for you now or in the future. Happy spring!