The addiction started after helping my friend build a three-tiered cupcake stand for her wedding. She said she’d gotten the design idea from Pinterest. She also said that I needed to be on Pinterest since I‘m an “artsy-fartsy“ type. I thought sure, some more online crap to sign up for and friend people with. I said okay. I went home, checked out this Pinterest and I was hooked.
Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. It’s like the inspiration board a fashion designer would pin in their sewing room or an artist would hang in their studio, only this inspiration board is with me whenever and wherever I have my laptop or my iPhone. Unlike Tumblr, Pinterest doesn’t just clue me into one subject at a time. Instead it presents in vibrant technicolor an assortment of “pins” or ideas based on all of my interests and those of my friends. Each time I log on, I am introduced to resources all over the internet I probably would not have discovered otherwise.
Since joining Pinterest I’ve gotten acquainted with the secret of making homemade fabric softener, the recipe for roasted shrimp enchiladas with jalapeno cream sauce, and how to make a bookcase out of wooden crates. I happened upon the inspiration for my most recent natural hair style and at least 50 different ways to create my own headboard. I have mastered the application of the eye shadow. I have learned how to deep-clean my pores by using all natural products found in my kitchen. I can even create my own laundry detergent.
As a writer, I am thrilled to go on the site and just look at all of the images. The braided hairstyles. The funky skirts. The covers from classic books. The design of a modern architectural wonder. The color scheme of a child’s playroom. It reminds me of memories from my past. Experiences in New Orleans. Party nights in Las Vegas. The first time I read a book that didn’t have any pictures. I pin interesting articles on nonfiction, fiction, the proliferation of ebooks, an interview with Zadie Smith, the philosophical roots of science fiction and writing tricks to enhance my blog.
Through Pinterest I’ve even found articles on how to maximize my use of Pinterest as a writer. I’m talking character development, scene development and dialog. For instance, my sister created an entire board devoted to the 70’s. Should I ever write a book or essay based in that era, I would be able to access her board and find myself floating in a world of Jolly Joe’s, Evel Knievel, Tab Cola and Coffy. I can even invite my pinning friends to share a board with me and do an online brain dump on any subject or topic of my choosing.
So, my fellow artists at SCAD, I implore you to do yourself a favor and check out the site. It’s pure unadulterated inspiration just waiting to be tapped for your creative pleasure.
