Saw a talk about using old library catalog cards for layout ideas

I was at a local design meetup yesterday and someone mentioned they collect vintage library catalog cards for inspiration. They showed a few examples where the strict grid and typed info created this really clean, organized look. The speaker said she once used that style for a whole brand guide, just copying the card's two-column setup. It made me realize I only look at digital stuff online for ideas, never physical things from before computers. Has anyone else tried pulling layout ideas from old printed things like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

abby6984d ago

Only looking at digital stuff for ideas" was my exact habit too. Grabbed a cookbook from the 70s last month and the page layouts completely changed how I handle recipe cards now.

the_vera4d ago

Right, because the internet definitely invented good ideas. I mean, my grandma's old sewing patterns are basically a masterclass in layout.