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I knew when I began making a list of what inspires me, music was going to play a huge role. Some would say I’m a little obsessed, and I wouldn’t disagree. Music can create a mood, captivate you with beautiful lyrics, and definitely be a great source of inspiration.

Last week I talked about design galleries and communities. While it’s important to stay up-to-date on all the latest and greatest in website design, I think it’s equally important to venture elsewhere online to find things that inspire you.

Right before Megan and I were married a good friend drew an illustration that was more helpful than any gift we received.

I began making a list of the places I get design inspiration and quickly realized it’s more in-depth than I thought. So, I’m breaking it out into four main categories and posting one each week. You are welcome.

I’m fighting through the haze of my returned flight from London and am thinking back on all the great stuff I experienced at Future of Web Design this year. So many great speakers. Such a great event. And before I jot down some thoughts, I just want to send a thank you to Carsonifed for having me to speak. It was an honor! Also, it was great meeting the speakers and attendees of the event. I spoke with so many passionate people that love what they do. You get all those people together in a room and it’s great to see the buzz and excitement that comes along with it.

There are advantages to working with what is familiar. Letting users anticipate the way a site is supposed to work is ideal, but we shouldn’t let them anticipate what it’s going to look like. Designers should be designing layouts that stand apart from the expected.

I just watched the Alice in Wonderland on the iPad video and kinda got sick to my stomach. The reading experience the iPad can provide is far beyond what we’ve seen before. It makes me want to go buy several and hand them out to my nieces and nephew. The iPad (just like the iPhone) is raising the bar for what passes as a quality digital experience. It means my job just got a little harder, but also more fun. And the question that inevitably comes next is, “What does this mean for the web?”

Here’s the deal. If your site is Flash, or even starts with it, you may be alienating your mobile customers. No, I’m not a Flash-hater, just a realist. The web and your customers are mobile, and unfortunately Flash isn’t.

Did you know the average consumer now spends as much time online as they do with any other medium? Technically, those who spend their time with Old Man Television (35%) only make up 1% more than those who get it on digitally (34%). Knowing these stats, it sets me on fire when I experience a number of organizations still treating their website as a trifle expense, only deserving of a modicum amount of financial chump change. Looks like it’s time to pimp out the year 2010. Again.

Today we launched the new site for United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, and we’re so happy about that, no only because it’s a great site, but it’s a great cause.