Clean & Crafted Design

Blue weathered door with a wooden 'Welcome, We Are Open' sign and a smaller sign saying 'Push Here.' There are windows on each side of the door, with plants visible in the reflections.

The Future of Branding for Small Businesses: What’s Next?

Drawing Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers Drawing Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers

Sketching Curves: Finding Inspiration in Everyday Architecture

Rediscover the joy of sketching with this beginner-friendly guide to drawing architectural curves around your home and neighborhood. From doorways and windows to stair railings and bridges, everyday structures become sources of inspiration. Learn simple sketching techniques, build confidence, and reconnect with your creativity through the timeless practice of architectural sketching.

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Photography Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers Photography Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers

Street Typography Hunt: Capture Letters and Inspire Design

Typography is everywhere—you just have to look for it. From neon diner signs to hand-painted shop lettering, type lives on our streets, shaping how we feel about spaces and the brands that inhabit them. That’s what makes a Street Typography Hunt such a powerful creative exercise. With just your phone or camera, you can step outside and start noticing the small design choices that give your neighborhood character: the quirky “S” on an old storefront, the bold block letters on a construction sign, or the fading script of a mural.

This practice isn’t only fun—it’s a designer’s goldmine. By collecting and studying real-world letters, you sharpen your eye for how type tells a story. And when it comes to your own work—or your brand—those lessons matter. Because the right typography isn’t just aesthetic; it’s identity. It’s voice. It’s memory.

So grab your camera and head outside. Find letters that inspire you, capture them, and think about the stories they’re telling. You might just find inspiration for your next big project—or the typeface that defines your brand.

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Photography Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers Photography Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers

Color Blocking in the Wild: Finding Bold Palettes Through Your Lens

Colors have the power to stop us in our tracks, whether it’s a bright mural on the side of a building, a vibrant red door, or even fresh produce stacked at the market. This week’s photography prompt—Color Blocking in the Wild—encourages you to capture bold blocks of color in your everyday surroundings while also exploring how these hues tie into the psychology of branding. Because here’s the truth: colors don’t just look good—they make people feel something. What’s your brand saying?

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Logo Prompts, Inspiration Zach Summers Logo Prompts, Inspiration Zach Summers

Hearth & Ember Studio: Reignite Your Creative Spark with This Week’s Design Prompt

This week’s design prompt, Hearth & Ember Studio, is an invitation to slow down and reconnect with your creativity. Inspired by handmade candle making and the warm glow of craft, it’s a fictional brand concept that blends flame, tool, and tradition into a story-rich visual identity. Whether you're a designer looking to flex your creative muscles or a small business owner dreaming of a soulful brand, this prompt is a spark meant to ignite ideas — and remind you that even the smallest ember can light something beautiful.

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Logo Prompts, Inspiration Zach Summers Logo Prompts, Inspiration Zach Summers

Into the Deep: Design a Bold Logo for Aqua Apex, the Ocean Predator Experience

Unleash your creativity with this week’s design prompt: Aqua Apex, an ocean adventure brand centered around awe-inspiring encounters with apex predators like sharks and killer whales. I went first and created my own take on the logo—now it’s your turn to dive in. Explore how to design a bold, meaningful identity that captures the fearless spirit of the deep sea and showcases your branding skills along the way.

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Photography Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers Photography Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers

Americana at Home: A Photography Prompt for Rediscovering Creative Joy

This Fourth of July, rediscover your love for photography by capturing classic Americana right in your backyard. From checkered tablecloths to the golden-hour glow of your front porch, this nostalgic, beginner-friendly prompt will help you find beauty in the details and joy in the everyday. Whether you're picking up your camera for the first time or returning to a lost passion, let this prompt guide you back into the creative rhythm — no pressure, just presence.

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Logo Prompts, Inspiration Zach Summers Logo Prompts, Inspiration Zach Summers

Design a lettermark using the first letter of your name (or last). I went first—now it’s your turn.

What if the first letter of your name could become your personal logo? This week’s creative prompt invites you to design a bold, custom lettermark using the first letter of your first or last name. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just looking for a fun way to spark creativity, this challenge is a powerful way to explore identity, style, and personal branding. I kicked things off with my own design—now it's your turn. Let’s see what your letter becomes.

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Creative Comeback, Inspiration Zach Summers Creative Comeback, Inspiration Zach Summers

5 Portfolio Projects You Can Start This Week—No Client Needed

If you're a creative currently unemployed or in a career pivot, building a standout portfolio can feel overwhelming—especially without clients. But here's the truth: self-initiated work can be just as powerful (if not more so) than paid gigs. In this post, you'll get five actionable, client-free portfolio project ideas, mock brief prompts, and strategy tips to align your creativity with your dream job or freelance goals. From rebranding real businesses to designing campaigns around causes you care about, this post is packed with real-deal inspiration you can start this week.

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Drawing Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers Drawing Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers

Sketching the Wild: An Art Prompt to Draw Birds & Wildlife

Feeling stuck with a blank page? This gentle drawing prompt invites you to sketch birds and wildlife—not for perfection, but for presence. Whether you're a nervous beginner or a lapsed artist looking to reconnect, this is your permission slip to slow down, observe, and rediscover the joy of simply drawing what you see. No pressure. No rules. Just pencil, paper, and the wild right outside your window.

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Photography Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers Photography Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers

Beach or Backyard Treasures: A Summer Photography Prompt to Spark Creativity

Ever walk the beach or your own backyard and notice tiny treasures at your feet? This summer photo prompt invites you to collect and photograph the small, ordinary objects you might otherwise overlook—shells, feathers, stones, even bottle caps. You’ll be surprised how creative and meditative this practice becomes. A camera. A handful of finds. And a little time to play.

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Inspiration, Collage Prompt Zach Summers Inspiration, Collage Prompt Zach Summers

Collage Your Summer: An Invitation to Capture the Season Through Art

Summer is here, and it’s full of moments worth capturing. Whether you're traveling, resting, or somewhere in between, this post will inspire you to collage your way through the season—no art skills required. It’s about slowing down, noticing the little things, and turning your summer story into something visual, vibrant, and completely your own.

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Inspiration, Logo Prompts Zach Summers Inspiration, Logo Prompts Zach Summers

Crimson Quill: A Luxury Stationery Prompt to Spark Your Next Portfolio Piece

Crimson Quill is a fictional luxury stationery brand designed to spark your next creative project. With rich symbolism and a simple twist—turning a feather quill into a flowing ribbon or scroll—this prompt invites you to build an elegant, portfolio-ready visual identity. Whether you're stuck in a creative rut or just want a fresh design challenge, this is your chance to create something polished and personal.

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Photography Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers Photography Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers

Mirror Worlds Photography Prompt: Create Symmetry by Using Mirrors Creatively

Explore the magic of reflections in this creative photo prompt designed for all skill levels.
In Mirror Worlds, you'll learn how to use mirrors to craft beautiful symmetrical shots, surreal perspectives, and fun photography experiments—all using tools you already have. A perfect starting point for beginners or anyone wanting to reignite their creative spark through playful photo projects.

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Encouragement, Inspiration Zach Summers Encouragement, Inspiration Zach Summers

What Inspires Me: My Go-To Sources for Staying Creative

Creativity can be elusive—some days, ideas flow effortlessly, and other times, they feel completely out of reach. When I hit a creative block, I turn to a few key sources that help me stay inspired. Whether it's stepping outside into nature, exploring other design industries, or diving into a daily idea exercise, the key is to cultivate habits that keep my mind engaged. I believe that creativity is everywhere, from the small details in everyday life to the expansive world of poetry and music. In this post, I’ll share my favorite methods for staying creative, including practical exercises you can incorporate into your own routine to keep your ideas flowing.

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Inspiration, Photography Prompt Zach Summers Inspiration, Photography Prompt Zach Summers

Everyday Object, Alien View – See the World Differently Through Photography

Creativity is all about perspective! In this fun photography challenge, we’re taking everyday objects and capturing them up close—so close they become unrecognizable. By shifting your view, you’ll transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. Grab your camera, explore textures, light, and angles, and discover the hidden world around you. Ready to see the familiar in a whole new way? Let’s get started!

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Inspiration, Logo Prompts Zach Summers Inspiration, Logo Prompts Zach Summers

Logo Design Challenge: Echo Nest – Are You Ready to Sketch?

Ready to challenge your creativity? The Echo Nest Logo Challenge invites you to design a unique music technology logo using soundwaves, birds, and nests. Whether you prefer minimalist, abstract, or bold designs, this prompt will push you to think outside the box. I’ve taken the first step—now it’s your turn! Grab your sketchbook and start creating. Let’s bring this concept to life!

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Inspiration, Drawing Prompt Zach Summers Inspiration, Drawing Prompt Zach Summers

Bringing Blooms to Life: A Fun Flower Sketching Challenge

Want to level up your sketching skills with a fun and creative twist? Try this unique drawing prompt: Sketch a bouquet of flowers from your kitchen—but give them human expressions! Whether you keep it simple or go all in with personality-filled petals, this exercise will boost your creativity and bring your artwork to life. Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this playful challenge turns ordinary flowers into expressive characters. Grab your sketchbook and let your imagination bloom!

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