When starting a new design project, I always like to look around at what is happening on the cutting edge of web design. On the edge you will find the use of the newest technologies. These designers experiment with the latest tools and techniques in graphics software. There you will find trends in aesthetics, branding and marketing.
Here are a list of a few sites I like to visit for web design inspiration:
- The FWA: Favorite Website Awards
Be sure to look at both the showcased sites, and the design firms who created them. - Website Design Awards
Pay particular attention to the CSS category. Many award sites forget about CSS sites. - Ultrashock
This site seems to have been around since the beginning of time. - The Pixel Award
- Design Snack
- American Design Awards
- QBN
- Kaliber 10000
- Fecal Face
Be sure to look at the logos, typeface, colors, and formatting of the ones you like. Distinguish between Flash and CSS sites. Watch for animation, interactivity, and functionality. View/Page Source and try to figure out how it’s built. Happy designing!