Like all designers I’m a very visual person. I started collecting photos from magazines when I was in high school. Later, in college, I taped my favorite “swipe” to the wall above my art table. Now I pin inspirational images onto a cork board in my studio. You can see part of it in the photo above. The board changes as I find new images I like or outfits I would like to try myself.
Pinterest is an on-line inspiration board, so you’d think with my history of collecting photos that I would have tried this new social media platform as soon as I heard about it. But no, I resisted. You see when I started blogging I happily jumped on every new social media platform and exciting application that came out, and oh there were so many. Somewhere out there is a very neglected “My Space” page with my name on it. I actually used to check my “Klout” score and care. “Flavors.me” was picked up without hesitation and then dropped with disgust. My poor “Tumblr” page sits collecting cyber dust. Meanwhile people with names I cannot pronounce add me to their circles on “Google Plus”. I ignore them. My “LinkedIn” account is kept up for appearance sake but the only social media sites I used daily are Facebook and Twitter. Recently I very hesitantly added “Instagram” to my list of social media apps. I do like it, but use it every so often and just for fun.
So when people started talking about Pinterest I thought “Oh no, not this time!” I was not going to cave into the newest social media craze that would suck up loads of time and deliver no clear benefit. But my resolve didn’t last. When my sister-in-law sent me an invitation I finally broke down and joined. Then a whole bunch of people I know in real life started following me and I knew I was going to have to put something up or look like a total bore. Then I started creating boards and, oh crud, now I’m hooked. I created a board for jewelry inspiration, home inspiration and makeup ideas. Below you can see my boards. I’m still a Pinterest noob, but slowly I’m starting to create a space where I can instantly access my favorite looks and images. Honestly, as a designer who uses these kinds of images every day I really wonder why I didn’t do this sooner!
(Image via Pinterest.com)
Below are a few images from my board Chanel with Everything to whet your appetite for the possibilities of collecting fabulous images and sharing them with your friends. If you would like an invitation let me know and I’ll send you one. If you’re on Pinterest already come on over, follow me, and I’ll follow you back, because even on-line parties are no fun alone.
(Chanel photos above taken from Vogue Magazine.)
Have you joined Pinterest? What do you think of it? If you haven’t joined do you think you will?
Twitter: gritandglamour
June 21, 2012 at 10:02 am #
I was also reluctant to join, but after seeing that it is a legitimate traffic-producer, and they changed their use policies, I jumped in. I basically traded it for Tumblr, which I no longer bother with!
I’ve noticed a few bloggers who’ve traded tumblr for Pinterest. I think it’s just a better platform and much more useful. I would love it if it sent traffic my way but in the meantime I just want to enjoy it! I love the idea of having all my favorite inspiration in one place. Glad you’ve had good luck with Pinterest and of course I’m following you and I love your boards.
This is what I would expect from a Chanel ad. It’s classic and definitely shows the vintage style.
I do like Chanel ads. The photography is so beautiful.
Twitter: annembray
June 21, 2012 at 3:03 pm #
Ha! All I can say is, what took you so long? Hahahaha. Or should I say, Bwahahaha…
I like being able to make lots of different boards. I like that it’s visual. I’m using it for my digital classes to share links + discoveries – one doesn’t need an account to see content (huge plus). I even have a shared board (Books Worth Reading) which is fun.
But there IS a dark side to Pinterest, and I reached a stage of high paranoia with it back in April. Suddenly, people I didn’t know were following “All my boards”. Really? All? I always vet before I “follow back” and these “people” were odd. Odd as in bots and spammers. My most memorable was “Michele Obama”. Yeah, right. The situation seems to have calmed down, thank goodness.
Happy pinning!
http://pinterest.com/anne_m_bray/
anne the SpyGirl recently posted..Color Craving: Mustard and Navy
I’ll keep an eye open for weirdness. I just sort of follow all the boards of my friends. I wonder if I should be more picky?
Twitter: annembray
June 22, 2012 at 4:51 am #
When you don’t know the person, check their pins first.
Here’s a helpful resource: http://pinterest.com/pinwatch/
anne the SpyGirl recently posted..The Sunglasses Dossier: The Guise Archives
Can you block people from following you on Pinterest?
Twitter: ladyofashion
June 21, 2012 at 5:32 pm #
I didn’t join at first, because I thought it was one more platform to add to the list, and couldn’t keep up. Then, later joined and I loved it, also use it so much even for work inspiration. Most recently, Pinterest helped me in choosing different looks, and food ideas for a catered event that I was planning. Welcome to pinning central!
I can see how it will help me with my work as well as my blog. So exciting! Now I have to go find you.
I joined a long time ago, and I love it. I only care for facebook, twitter and PINTEREST, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Following you now, my dear Heather.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
SACRAMENTO recently posted..Fruit Scorpion & Flower Eating Spider
Following you too Sacramento!
Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest . . . my three fave social media sites. I LOVE Pinterest since the first day I found out about it and got on the list to be invited (at the time I didn’t know who else used it). Now my daughter and my sister (both I invited right away saying like this is so much fun) are hooked too. I do share my posts there, but it is more of a place for me just to have fun. I can spend hours there.
Sharon recently posted..Friday’s Style on the Street
I think I’m going to be using Pinterest just for fun too! I’ve already started sharing post photos, but we’ll see if anyone picks them up or not. I don’t want that to become the focus because if my images don’t go “viral” I tend to become frustrated. I’ve learned that social media should just be a fun social thing, otherwise it gets dull.
Twitter: trustyourstyle
June 22, 2012 at 7:46 am #
I definitely went through a pinterest phase but like tumblr so much more. I know I may be the only one, but it’s more how my brain works…and one less time suck is kind of a good thing, especially now that there’s instagram…hope you have a happy weekend Heather!
xo Mary Jo
mary jo recently posted..7 links: trust your style is 7 today
One less time suck is a good thing indeed and there is always instagram, which is pretty fabulous too.
Twitter: citizenrosebudz
June 22, 2012 at 11:37 am #
I never like Tumblr and am not cut out for Pinterest. The alarm goes off everytime a person says: it’s so addicting! It’s a time suck, and I don’t have time. That said it suits many people, and you a visual artist seem a natural fit for it. And it does drive traffic so use it, baby!
citizen rosebud recently posted..The Art Glass Necklace + Advanced Style Pow
I’m liking Pinterest as a way to organize my visual thoughts and keep track of looks I like and want to emulate. Personally I’ve never gotten much traffic from any social media site so I won’t join one just for that ever again. Tumblr was especially frustrating on that level. I haven’t found Pinterest to be too much of a time suck yet. Mostly I just things I find on the web and then scroll though to see what my friends have posted. I bet you’d like it Bella!
Twitter: theloudermouth
June 22, 2012 at 9:04 pm #
I’ve always used Facebook & Twitter, have a Tumblr but don’t do shit with it and as for Google+ and LinkedIn, I think I may have joined at some point but couldn’t tell you what my name or passwords are. Pinterest, however, is definitely fun and functional! I love the inspiration it provides.
I think Pinterest might be a keeper, though I do think Linkedin is good for work related things.
Twitter: whatupchick
June 22, 2012 at 10:52 pm #
I also waited a little while before signing up on Pinterest, but now I’m an addict! I look forward to checking it every day and can easily spend an hour or more looking and pinning. I will look for you! I think I’m listed as 405 creations on it.
Donna
http://www.prettysparklythings.blogspot.com
Donna recently posted..Blue and green sparkling eyeshadow
Wow! I’ll look for you too.
I am a big fan of Pinterest. It is a great tool for me to find inspiration as well as share it!
Alexis Grace recently posted..Jersey Dress Joy
I’m liking it too.
Twitter: arashmazinani
June 23, 2012 at 8:08 am #
I agree with you as well, Facebook and Twitter are like my bread and butter. Instagram I use to show more of my personal side, it’s mainly for fun as you pointed out. Linkedin is for business networking and that leaves Pinterest which I have not yet joined but received an invite from a friend yesterday.
I think It’ll come in useful for trend boards that will help me when I’m putting together style guides on my blog. I can’t see me heavily using it as it means I have to spend more time that I don’t have.
Arash Mazinani recently posted..Geek Chic: When Tech Tests Fashion
So far Pinterest hasn’t become a huge time suck for me. I just pop on and look around to see what others have posted. It’s fun!
Twitter: stylementorus
June 24, 2012 at 8:59 am #
I was on Pinterest, then I deleted my account, then I tried to get back on but can’t seem to get them to send me an invite now. I am using a different email address too. Anyway… love the Chanel!
Rawkul recently posted..Fighting The Frump With Disco Balls In The Garden
I’ll send you an invitation. Lets see if it works.
Twitter: HerSparkle
June 24, 2012 at 5:43 pm #
I have to admit – I am a bit addicted to pinterest. I collect inspiration for future projects, current projects, and some for personal style, but much of what I pin is simply gorgeous imagery that thrills me. It is definitely a my favorite platform after Twitter, although such a different vibe. I follow quite a few amazing image curators. I am amazed at some of the historic fashion images they find. I typically reserve my pinning for when I crawl into bed….a little treat at the end of the day. I am headed offer to follow you – I know I will love your pins
Lisa recently posted..La Dolce Vita
I hope my pins don’t disappoint! I’ll find you as well.
Pinterest is one of the most useful social network that drive our web traffic crazy. It’s easy to use and can attract more visitors because of the images. :p
Georgina Lucas recently posted..Discounted Light Blue Perfume
I haven’t found that any of the social media sites I use has created that much traffic for me. I really just want to use Pinterest for fun!
Twitter: dchighfashion
June 26, 2012 at 1:10 pm #
Hey dear, I also finde it hard to keep up with ALL the social media accounts ALL the time (and I`m secretly praying that ALL but Facebook & Twitter will disapear again).
Following you now on Pinterest. I`m here: http://pinterest.com/dchighfashion/
Hugs, Jen
DressCode:HighFashion recently posted..Outtakes S/S 12 (2/2)
Thank you for the follow Jen. I’ll go check you out now!
Twitter: totalcitygirl
June 28, 2012 at 1:37 am #
Funny – have a similar post in the works.
I really like Pinterest but I don’t like the pressure you read about how you HAVE TO use it now for your business. Too many HAVE TO’s!! I use it because it is fun and for the most part I use it for myself so I can have a place to put things that I like and can reference later on. I don’t really use it for following but I can follow you 
Stacey – Total City Girl recently posted..How To Cut An Avocado
Thanks Stacey! I look forward to your pins and I don’t really want pinterest to become too serious either.