Hey! 👋 Thanks for watching.
Here are the five online archives from the video, collected in one place. I use them for visual research, moodboards, typography studies, historical references, and finding ideas far beyond the usual inspiration platforms.
<aside> ✦
Start broad. Search a subject, period, material, or technique, then follow whatever catches your eye. These archives work best when you leave room for unexpected discoveries.
</aside>
<aside> ⚖️
A quick rights note: Public-domain items can generally be reused, but access does not automatically mean permission. Always check the rights statement on the individual object before using it commercially.
</aside>
A huge collection of digitized maps, posters, photographs, books, manuscripts, and illustrations from The New York Public Library.
Why it’s useful: It’s especially strong when you need authentic historical material for editorial layouts, collages, visual identities, or moodboards.
How to use it: Search a broad term like typographic poster, New York map, or botanical illustration. Turn on the Search only public domain filter to find high-resolution assets you can reuse, then open an item to inspect and download it.
Explore NYPL Digital Collections →
The Rijksmuseum gives you access to an enormous collection of paintings, prints, photography, objects, and decorative art.
Why it’s useful: Designers can study color palettes, composition, textures, materials, and centuries of visual storytelling without relying on the same overused references.