How to collect and sort inspiration in the creative process?
Collecting and sorting inspiration may seem time-consuming, but if it becomes a habit, it can be not only easy but also enjoyable. Is it important? Absolutely. I've been collecting information about Trzpiotka for over two years – during which time I've given up on many things, discarded others, and fallen in love with still others, creating my own mood boards. This process requires patience, but it allows you to create something lasting, with a solid foundation.
Why is it worth experimenting with inspiration?
Allowing ourselves to make mistakes and experiment is key. Not everything has to be perfect right away—it's the trials that allow us to discover new directions and unconventional solutions. At Trzpiotka, we were once inspired primarily by greenery—an obvious association with nature. However, over time, we began to stray from it, seeking new paths.
The photos featured rough stones next to a diamond ring, and figures against a backdrop of faded greenery, garnets, and a sandy beach. This gave the jewelry a completely new context.
The Importance of Earthy Colors in Art and Jewelry
Earthy colors are associated with a balanced lifestyle. They are organic and calming: cinnamon, chocolate, sand, champagne. They naturally combine with gold – a metal that cannot be created, only extracted from the earth or a stream.
Color theory in practice
Earthy shades beautifully complement blues and navy blues, thanks to the principles of color theory. Colors opposite each other on the color wheel—so-called complementary colors—when combined, create harmony and enhance each other. It's this interplay of colors that makes jewelry designs so cohesive and aesthetically pleasing.
My current inspirations
Today, my inspirations can be seen on my giddy Instagram: gold accents against white and navy, silver paired with black, and delicate jewelry against brown leather. And what does the future hold? The answer lies on my walls, brimming with inspiration.
Practical tools for gathering inspiration
Finally, I've gathered a few ways that help me gather ideas on a daily basis:
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Collecting clippings – just like recipes in your favorite cookbook.
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Keeping a sketchbook – notes, drawings, records of first ideas.
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Online mood boards – on Pinterest and Instagram ("save" options and catalogs).
✍️ text: Paulina Michalak & Nina Michalak
📸 photos: Beata Sikora, Maria Łysoń
