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Public archives are an endless source of inspiration.
One of my most recent favourite hobbies is looking for cyanotype archives. The best ones (in my opinion) are on the Public Domain Image Archive and, of course, public.work.
Like lots of wonderful old things, the internet is full of cyanotypes that are now in the public domain and completely free for anyone to download, collage, print out and generally make things with.
This specific shade of blue has a special place in my heart, and I find that cyanotypes and rayographs are great places to look for interesting shapes that layer well.
I'm always on the hunt for beautiful things, so if you have a secret go-to library of old graphics or assets please do share!
oo I hadn't used the Biodiversity Heritage Library before, these are great! I love this one I just found on there: https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/48235434#page/57/mode/1up
thank you!
Cyanotype archives are such an underrated well, that deep blue and the imperfect edges carry a mood no filter can fake. Public domain image archives are a goldmine, thanks for putting these sources on my radar.
these are archive pieces so not made by me (although I have done cyanotype prints in the past!). Some of the ones shared hear are plants though - I think a few are varieties of seaweed.
Amazing work👏🔥🔥
Cyanotypes are such a beautiful source of texture and unexpected shapes. I love how you’re looking beyond the obvious design libraries and digging into archives for more character. Curious what’s the most surprising find you’ve used so far?
probably this cyanotype of a policeman https://pdimagearchive.org/images/73811fa5-eb51-4d98-9203-bc9f4b28d894/
You nailed the overall mood here. The details just reinforce it nicely.
Such a beautiful collection! 💙 I love how these cyanotypes turn old archives into timeless pieces of art and inspiration.
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Remeber when references used to come from books?
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1️⃣ Henry van de Velde — one of the founding figures of Art Nouveau, and a great example of how typography and ornament could become one visual language.
2️⃣ Edward Johnston, London Transport — a completely different approach, where typography becomes a functional system rather than decoration.
3️⃣ Schweppes, 1908 — an anonymous advertisement that shows how much personality early commercial graphics could have.
4️⃣ Erberto Carboni, Barilla, 1953 — a reminder that packaging and advertising can become part of a brand's visual identity long before we start calling it “branding.”
Now your turn: what’s one design book, archive, or weird reference source you’d recommend to another designer? Drop it below 👇
The Edward Johnston pick is such a good example of restraint actually being the design decision. For me it's old apothecary packaging, tiny type, zero color, and it still had to feel trustworthy. Do you keep a physical copy of the book or do you mostly reference the pages digitally?
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38 votes
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