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Got stuck in a Pinterest rut? Here are some other options.
Founded in 2010, Pinterest has revolutionised the way people discover, collect and share ideas through its virtual pinboards. For millions, it’s become a go-to for creative inspiration, helping with everything from planning a wedding to redesigning a home.
The design profession, too, has embraced Pinterest with open arms. Studios and freelancers across the world have it bookmarked for graphic design inspiration and visual exploration. And its user-friendly interface and endless supply of ideas means it continues to be popular 15 years from its founding.
What makes Pinterest especially unique is its ability to predict future trends. Its annual Pinterest Predicts report, for example, pulls all its millions of data points together to highlight new styles and themes.
If you’ve never tried Pinterest, then we’d recommend you give it a go. However, even the most dedicated Pinners may find themselves craving something new. If you’re ready to expand your horizons, here are eight alternative platforms to ignite your creativity.
1. mymind
mymind provides a private, organised space to curate cool things you see on the internet just by clicking on them.
Unlike platforms that encourage public sharing, mymind keeps your repertoire entirely private. Its AI-powered tools make saving and searching effortless, whether by keyword, colour or abstract concepts. Features like Serendipity and Same Vibe help rediscover inspirations and foster new connections.
With dynamic mood boards and smart search capabilities, mymind transforms your collection into an evolving, powerful tool for fueling creative projects. For more on how it works, read our article
How building a ‘secret repertoire’ helps you generate original ideas.
2. Same Energy
Founded in 2021, Same Energy just launched in beta. It’s an AI-powered visual search tool that’s good for mood board creation. Simply upload an image or search by vibe, and you’ll get to peruse a collection of visually similar imagery. Same Energy’s unique approach makes it a standout for finding niche aesthetics and exploring new creative directions.
3. Cosmos
For those who need a blend of inspiration and collaboration, Cosmos is an elegant solution. This platform, launched in 2023, is designed to help creative teams discover and organise ideas together. With its seamless mix of discovery tools and project management features, Cosmos is a good choice for group projects and shared vision boards.
4. Are.na
Are.na is a minimalist, ad-free platform for creative research and idea sharing. Launched in 2014, it’s especially popular among conceptual thinkers and experimental creators. Users can create digital mood boards and collaborate with others in a distraction-free environment, making it a favourite for in-depth creative exploration.
5. Mix
Want to be surprised? A 2015 reimagining of StumbleUpon, a popular tool amongst web developers in the early 2000s, Mix is a personalised content discovery platform offering a serendipitous approach to inspiration. By curating content based on your interests, Mix lets you explore an array of topics and uncover unexpected gems across various creative fields.
6. Pearltrees
Pearltrees offers a structured way to organise and curate visual inspiration. It’s like creating Pinterest boards but with more flexibility and structure, making it a powerful tool for research and idea development. From saving images to categorising content into “pearls,” this platform is a great choice for meticulous organisers.
7. Dribbble
A favourite among UI/UX designers, illustrators, and visual artists, Dribbble is a vibrant community for showcasing and discovering design work that has been running since 2009. Its vast repository of high-quality projects makes it an essential resource for anyone seeking professional-grade inspiration.
8. Designspiration
First launched in 2010, Designspiration offers a highly curated visual inspiration experience. Its sleek and intuitive interface and robust search functionality allow you to refine ideas with precision. Whether you’re working on branding, typography or photography, this platform is an excellent resource.
Overall, while Pinterest remains a fantastic tool for discovering ideas, these alternatives offer unique features that cater to specific creative needs. Whether you’re a professional designer, an experimental artist, or just someone looking for a fresh perspective, there’s a platform out there to help you stay inspired.
