Magazines for Creative Inspiration

As designers and artists of our craft, we strive on the perpetual search for the greatest inspiration, for the answers to our creative questions and solutions to our problems. But, with each new project, inspiration may not come as easily as perceived and for some of us, this is a daily struggle we face. Harnessing the motivation to overcome creative block can be one of the most difficult and frustrating stages of the creative process, but with these publications, that negativity can be eased and put to rest, finally illuminating that lightbulb we've tried so hard to ignite. 

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Communication Arts 
www.commarts.com
With an emphasis on typography, photography, advertising, and more, Communication Arts is our go-to choice for favorite inspirational magazine, bringing the artwork from creatives around the world, to light. Apply for their competitions for the opportunity to showcase your work and add a few prestigious titles to your portfolio. Also, keep an eye out for their annual subscription discount to receive all issues for just $40. Available in print and digital. What to watch: Typography Annual

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HOW Design
www.howdesign.com
HOW is the perfect designer's toolkit, with everything from job listings to advice on starting your own freelance business, and competitions to build your résumé. The best part of HOW is the annual HOW Design Live, a week-long conference taking place in a new host city each year, where speakers discuss branding and packaging, interactive design, in-house management, and more. This year's conference will be May 19th - 23rd, hosted in Atlanta, Georgia. More information available here. Available in print and digital. ​What to watch: HOW Design Live Annual Conference 

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Print 
www.printmag.com
From the makers of How Magazine, Print offers monthly competitions, tips and tricks of the trade, interviews from top designers of the industry, and more. Applications for the Regional Design Annual are early in the year, showing the best work from across the nation. Available in print and digital. What to watch: Regional Design Annual 

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GD USA
www.gdusa.com
This publication is available to creative professionals for free (yes, FREE!) with each monthly issue focusing on a different area of design. Highlighting student work and designers to watch, GD USA is ideal for the beginners of the industry and designers looking for exposure. Those more experienced in their field can apply for GD USA's most prestigious award competition, the American Graphic Design Awards. More information available here. Available in print and digital. ​What to watch: American Graphic Design Awards, sponsored by Getty Images 

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Lürzer's Archive 
www.luerzersarchive.com
Stepping back from design-focused publications, Lürzer's Archive is an advertising magazine with the best of worldwide campaigns and promotional marketing. Pushing the boundaries of advertising, Lürzer's offers inspiration for print, digital, guerrilla, direct, and in-direct marketing from successful agencies around the globe. A touch of humor, gut-wrenching emotion, and creative finesse make this magazine every advertising creative's dream. Available in print and digital. What to watch: All of it; every issue is spectacular. Seriously. 

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Honorable mentions: Elephant, Juxtapoz, Hi Fructose, and CMYK. With each publication showcasing its own expertise, from contemporary art, illustration, and photography to package design and branding, inspiration is available everywhere. Find what best inspires you and use it. 

Where do you find the greatest inspiration for your work? Let us know in the comments or email us at sevenellecreative@gmail.com. 

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