How to Make a Swipe File

Alisha Kumar

Used by many creative professionals, a swipe file is a digital or physical collection of things, including, but not limited to, articles, images, typefaces, and ads. When you’re working on your next project, they serve as inspiration. 

Where Do I Go to Collect Stuff?

Really, anything can stimulate your mind! It doesn’t just have to be advertising-related. But here are some ideas, in case you need some help: 

• Head to websites, such as Adweek, the Creative Review, and Communication Arts, or follow them on Instagram

• Spend time on Pinterest

• Attend webinars or keynote speeches on a variety of topics

• Follow advertising agencies, like Leo Burnett and Ogilvy, on Instagram

• Watch TED Talks

• Do a quick Google search on various topics

• Join an interesting RSO on campus

• Go to an art museum and take pictures of what intrigues you

• Read books and poetry

• Keep up with what’s going on in the news

• Watch TV shows and movies 

• Take classes in advertising, writing, photography, art, and design, but also explore other classes that you would’ve never dreamed of taking

Once you’ve found something that intrigues you, jot it down, print it out, or save it electronically. You’ll need it for later. 

I’ve Collected Stuff, Now What?

Put everything you’ve found in one place. It can be a physical folder, or a folder on your computer. Or you could go for a bit of a non-traditional approach. Personally, my swipe file is a Pinterest board, since that is my largest source of inspiration for projects, and I can create pins out of links. The bottom line is to do whatever works best for you. 

And here’s the key part: keep it safely. Make sure you don’t lose it or delete it. Your swipe file is never done. It’s an ongoing thing that will keep growing and being an amazing resource when you need it.