Welcome to “Five Things Monday.” As a graphic designer I thrive on inspiration, I try to look for it and find it everywhere. Sometimes you just need a little pick me up when you’re starting or stuck on a project. Some people need an extra cup of coffee on Mondays, I need a little extra jolt of inspiration (and lets be honest, that extra cup of coffee as well).

Maps are fascinating things and recently they have sprung up all over the place in the design world. There’s just so much you can do with them and I am loving most of what I’m seeing.

1. Aaron Draplin is currently based out of Portland, Oregon but stays strong to his midwest roots as show here in his MN poster that he did for his show at Burlesque of North America. (source)

2. I love this adorable little poster. It would be perfect for a grade-school classroom! (source)

3. I love this print and I know my roommate Hannah would hang it in our house in a heartbeat as she is very much a “go where the wind takes me” gal. (source)

4. I love this idea of framing maps of cities you love, and/or have resided in. I may have to start collecting maps now. :) (source)

5. These maps done by Herb Lester for his How to Find Old New York collection are absolutely fantastic. I love the flags, and building illustrations but how cute are those people?! (source)

What inspires you when you have a case of the Mondays?

Happy creating,
 Jennifer