Artwork by William Conlon (image from the 80’s Art tumblr)
Happy Friday, Everyone! Many of you have written in and shared your design ideas with me, and one thing’s for sure: Mirror80 readers love being creative. From interior design endeavors to art and writing projects, your ideas have truly inspired me. Today I thought I’d post about inspiration… What inspires you?!
For years, people were reluctant to look back at the art, graphic design and interior design of the 1980s. In fact, it was ’80s fashion that first returned to the limelight. I guess people were more comfortable buying a retro sweater than a retro sofa. But now, thanks to sources such as a slew of new ’80s tumblrs, design images from the decade of decadence are abundant. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! I thought I’d share a few of my favorite resources for ’80s design inspiration, and I hope you’ll share yours in the comments section at the end of the post!
1980s Clothing Patterns
I’m in the middle of several DIY projects as we speak. The latest: a 3-piece “mural” consisting of canvases featuring ’80s-inspired geometric motifs. I’m still finalizing my geometric design ideas, and one source has been incredibly helpful–Etsy! I often browse 1980s geometric shirts, dresses and skirts for design inspiration. Here are a few of examples of the types of items that catch my eye. First we have an ’80s abstract geometric hoodie from Etsy shop & Vintage…
An ’80s abstract hoodie from Etsy shop & Vintage
The image below is a close-up of an ’80s dress available at Etsy shop Keep Drawer:
An abstract ’80s dress pattern from Etsy shop Keep Drawer
Did I mention that one of my current projects has a tropical theme? Which is why I was immediately drawn to this vintage tropical knit top from Etsy shop Collected Chaos. I love the idea of a dual-color palm tree!
Vintage tropical knit top from Etsy shop Collected Chaos Vintage
For more ’80s textile inspiration, check out this Mirror80 post featuring images from the book 1980s Fashion Print by Marnie Fogg.
’80s Art Tumblrs
Another source of inspiration for your ’80s design projects: ’80s art… And I can’t think of a better resource than the tumblr 80s art, curated by Jason Cawood. Inspired to create this blog when a job at a library put him in direct contact with a slew of 1980s art magazines, Cawood took to Tumblr with images of paintings, sculptures and more, long before the ’80s Tumblr was a “thing”. Read our interview with Jason here.
At the top of the post we see artwork by William Conlon. Below is a festive piece by Dorothy Gillespie…
Artwork by Dorothy Gillespie (via the tumblr 80s art)
I’m also consistently drawn to the work of George Green, whose geometric forms come to life, as shown below…
Artwork by George Green (via the 80s art tumblr)
Retro Stickers
I collected stickers as a kid in the ’80s, and there were some pretty amazing design developments happening in the world of adhesive collectibles at that time! I still look to the stickers of the 1980s for design inspiration.
1980s stickers from Etsy shop Vintage Sticker Love
To the left we see a montage of stickers available through Etsy shop Vintage Sticker Love.
Last summer the flamingo revival peaked. I personally think parrots are making a comeback! Did I mention that one of my DIY projects involves ’80s-style art of the summery, tropical variety? No wonder I’m drawn to these parrot stickers (pictured to the left).
Aren’t those ice cream and popsicle stickers refreshing?! I know–it’s all about the sprinkles right now. They’re a little over-exposed. But I haven’t seen a ton of ice cream cones and popsicles on that front. Love the double scoops and lattice pattern on those cones!
The great thing about stickers–the focus is often on simple forms that can inspire those of us who may not have the highest level of artistic talent when it comes to painting (I most definitely include myself in this group)! The umbrella stickers pictured here are giving me an idea for a DIY art project…
I’ll keep you posted on my latest ’80s-style DIY developments, but now it’s your turn. Do you have favorite resources for 1980s design inspiration? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below…
I have also been into Etsy lately for inspiration! I even like to shop for vintage 80s sweatshirts and tops there. They have great selections. I am in love with that sweatshirt u posted! I kinda want it now. haha. Also Pinterest is good, and stylish 80s music videos. But mainly I get my inspiration from your site! 🙂
I am working on a series of neon noir and deco paintings of my mom from back in the 80s. She showed me old photos of her glamorous self, and I became super inspired to create Nagel-esque/noir themed pieces of her. I recently bought a Nagel illustration book, so I enjoy looking at the deco and fashion styles in that for the inspiration for my paintings.
Thanks for sharing your ideas, Taylor! I totally agree about Pinterest. I have a board featuring ’80s-style manicures, and they’ve given me great ideas for art projects! Thanks for your kind words about the blog : – )
I’d love to hear more about your series of Neon Noir and Deco paintings! Feel free to share when you’re done if you like…
Yes I defiantly will keep you updated on my paintings! Im super excited with the theme I am going for. All thanks to ur site for posting inspiration! 🙂
Thanks for keeping me posted on your design projects and inspiration, Taylor. I love hearing from others who love ’80s design as much as I do!
Memphis Design. Even after all these years, this classic Italian style still has the ability to stun. I enjoy introducing the kids I teach to the Memphis style, using the shape and colour emblems as Keynote backgrounds, poster designs, and class decoration cues. I probably only really began to understand the whole Memphis ethos in the late 90s, it’s one of those widely adapted cultural things that everyone knows and recognises, but few know the origins of the sharp lines and sharper colours that scream ‘1980s!’
Apart from this I really connect 70s sci fi films to the 80s as the video age was the first time I saw any of them. As such we have a lot of tulip bases, curved white lines, and classic space age chairs in the house. It works better as we had a lot of woodchip wallpaper and artexed ceilings when I was young, neither of which i’d want in my 2014 abode!