how to find inspiration to build

Overview

Sometimes, just finding the right vision or inspiration to start building in the Sims 4 is the hardest part. I oftentimes find myself staring at the start menu (or an empty lot) and eventually closing the game altogether because I can't find the motivation/inspiration. If that sounds anything like you, then I hope the tips below can help you out when you hit some builder's block. I've found that these easy tips and tricks are fool proof and a sure-fire way to spark your creative mind.

Keep reading if you want in-depth tips and reasoning behind some of these methods, but these are the main ways that I find inspiration to build:

• Pinterest
• Television  and Movies
• Research
• Color Palettes
• Video Games

Methods

1. Pinterest

Pinterest is one of the first resources I turn to when I'm looking for inspiration. There are so many images (usually aesthetically pleasing ones, too!) that can help motivate you to build a certain style or even entirely reference for a build. Personally, I prefer to find an image of a home or community lot that is pretty close to what I'm looking for so I can continually reference for roofing type, color scheme, etc. 

Here are the main things I search for on Pinterest:

• Exterior photos
• Interior aesthetics 
• Floorplans
• House styles

I find that having a dedicated Pinterest board for build inspiration handy is the best way to find quick inspiration when you're in a pinch--that way, you can just sift through your past pins and find one to build (since you already know you like the image!) I have a public Pinterest board that I share with all fellow simmers looking for inspiration, find it here! 

2. Television and Movies

Watching shows and movies is one of the best ways to find build inspiration, since oftentimes unique and beautiful architecture is featured. More specifically, this is a great way to find inspiration for family homes! If you aren't sure where to start, here are some of my favorite genres to reference: 

If you're watching a show or movie and they feature something you want to build, make sure to pause the program and jot down the time stamp so that you can either screenshot or reference it later. Usually, I like to write down the time stamp and pull it up on my second monitor so I can build alongside the image. I know that lots of simmers work off of laptops, so another way to do this is to pause the show or movie on the right time stamp and get comfy in a place where you can see the TV and reference it often when building! 

3. Research

Sometimes researching a city, state, or even country is a great way to find new and unique styles you may not have encountered before. I like to use this method a lot when working on save files since a lot of the worlds are based off real places. For example, if you're building in Brindleton Bay, try researching Cape Cod and Cape Cod architecture, since Brindleton Bay is based off that area. 

Once you've done some basic research on a location, then you can delve deeper into common home styles (ranches, camelback houses, etc.)  to try and match the world you're building in. Not only is it fun to find new styles and designs, but it's also a great way to learn more about locations and cultures you may not have known about prior.

4. Color Palettes

Color palettes might seem like a minor detail for inspiration, but they can be immensely helpful. If you're used to using one familiar, same color palette, then it might be hard to find inspiration to create something new.

The best way to gain inspiration and help yourself for even more future ideas is to branch out and think outside your comfort zone (but still stay true to yourself and style!). Trying a new color palette could open a door to more build styles, items, and swatches you never really encountered before. I can almost guarantee that there is an item in the catalog that you've never used because of the icon swatch, but will end up loving when you uncover a swatch hidden in the other options! 

The best way to find color palettes is through Pinterest and paint company websites. Pinterest has loads of color inspiration for everything between home design and digital drawing. But paint websites (ex. Benjamin Moore, Farrow & Ball, etc.) can be so helpful with their posts on Color of the Year or even finding a paint color and looking at what they recommend to go with it. Once you start playing around with some of the features that paint websites have, you'll end up having a lot of fun and gaining some new ideas!

5. Video Games

Easily my favorite and best way to gain inspiration for building and overall creativity is through other video games (especially open world games!). Even though picking up other video games besides the sims can be good just to step away, I also think it's great to see other architectural elements, color schemes, landscapes, etc.

There have been so many times while playing a game that I notice a house, town square, or something similar that I want to translate into the sims (whether exactly or just an essence!) and usually jot down some qualities. Video games also give you the luxury to look around the building (some of the time, mostly with open world games) so that you can get the feel of a layout of interior design. Since it is super interactive, there is a lot of information you can gather, especially if you have a hard time being super creative/imaginative while building. 

If you're new to playing other video games and want to give this method a try, I suggest doing some research beforehand or see if any games you're interesting in trying have a free trial. Like I mentioned above, open world games are my personal favorite for this method, especially role playing games (a.k.a RPGs). You can also search Reddit or find YouTube videos on games with stunning visuals, worlds, and character design. There are so many options out there!

Conclusion

When you're just stuck and aren't sure where to start when it comes to building and creativity in the sims, stop opening and closing the application and try a few of these methods before fully giving up. There are so many ways to spark inspiration, ranging from quick tasks (Pinterest) to more in-depth ones (moves and video games) that can fit with what mood you're in.

Happy building! ^.^

- M