Explore Instagram’s new account dedicated to design

Move over, food pics—there’s a new trend on Instagram.

During Milan Design Week, Instagram introduced a new, official account dedicated only to design. The @design handle offers an inside look at Instagram’s creative team and also features talented, emerging designers from around the world.

“By highlighting creators from across disciplines, we hope to showcase the evolving relationship between technology and traditional design,” said Ian Spalter, Head of Design at Instagram, in a blog post on House Beautiful. “We’re just getting started, and we’re looking forward to learning how we can be a useful and supportive part of the community.”

For the launch of @design, Instagram asked six designers to share their desk view and design philosophies. Check them out:

@misaac85, a UX designer, described her desk as “an organized mess,” including a laptop, screens, various devices, notebooks, “and one too many gel pens.” In this photo, Miriam, who lives in Beit Shemesh, Israel, was working through designs for a transportation system for a youth program. “If I can provide simple design solutions to complex problems to help those who do work with today’s youth or children with disabilities, then I know that my day of work has a ripple effect across all of those incredible acts of kindness,” she said. “I don’t, for one day, take this for granted.” ?: @misaac85 For the launch of @design, we asked six designers we admire to share their #deskview and their design philosophies. #fromwhereiwork . . . #onmydesk #desksetup #uxdesign

A post shared by @design (@design) on Apr 15, 2018 at 4:25pm PDT

For the industrial designer @reid.schlegel, design “is the decluttering and organizing of everyday life.” That explains why his desk in Brooklyn is completely devoid of clutter. “Everything has a purpose and reflects what is important to me,” he said, offering his grandfather’s high school graduation ring as an example. “He was a designer but he didn’t go to college,” Reid said. “It reminds me that hard work alone can make you successful.” ?: @reid.schlegel For the launch of @design, we asked six designers we admire to share their #deskview and their design philosophies. #fromwhereiwork . . . #urbanjungle #industrialdesign #onmydesk

A post shared by @design (@design) on Apr 15, 2018 at 4:35pm PDT

The artist and art director @tactilematter, who often shares work from her Los Angeles studio and garden alongside encouragement for her followers, captioned this photo of a #wip “when your day is filled with plants and side eye ??.” For Kenesha, whose work includes digital designs, sculptures, ceramics and vivid paintings in gouache and oil, design means “giving myself the space needed to express myself in a way that I might not be able to share in words. And doing so unapologetically.” ?: @tactilematter For the launch of @design, we asked six designers we admire to share their #deskview and their design philosophies. #fromwhereiwork . . . #onmydesk #desksetup #deskart

A post shared by @design (@design) on Apr 15, 2018 at 4:44pm PDT

This was a temporary workspace for the designer and artist @camillewalala, who set up her sketchbook next to a pancake breakfast while on holiday on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It’s not so different from her desk at home in London: It’s bold and bright, and covered with stationary, collages and good pencils. And her London workspace also includes something delicious. Well, sort of: “A fake ice cream sundae that I brought back from Japan,” Camille said, describing the most unusual thing on her desk. “The kind used to show what a restaurant has on its menu.” ?: @camillewalala For the launch of @design, we asked six designers we admire to share their #deskview and their design philosophies. #fromwhereiwork . . . #deskbreakfast #onmydesk #desksetup

A post shared by @design (@design) on Apr 15, 2018 at 4:48pm PDT

@elinarashkova, a UX designer at #digimarkstudio in Sofia, Bulgaria, describes her desk as a productive haven, and a hangout. “It’s just the perfect little spot in the corner,” she said. “I can put my headphones on, go into my own world, and often the others in the office forget that I’m there. Other times, it’s the best corner in the room, where all the laughs and happy noise happens.” The things Elina keeps on her desk are also varied: “Succulents, cactuses and #Minions live together there in peace.” ?: @elinarashkova For the launch of @design, we asked six designers we admire to share their #deskview and their design philosophies. #fromwhereiwork . . . #uxdesign #deskview #onmydesk

A post shared by @design (@design) on Apr 15, 2018 at 4:51pm PDT

For the art director @benjaminbuddy, design is about creating an emotional connection. “It’s the tool we use to bridge the gap between the form and idea,” he said. To inspire him as he designs for @instagram, his workspace includes memories of things he’s collected and experienced over the years. “My desk is a much cleaner and minimal version of myself,” he said. “I have a rock trophy, a couple of plants, a small metal llama and a wood statue of a frog.” And, in this photo, a kit that Ben created to welcome new members to the design team. “It’s all the beautiful and weird things I love.” ?: @benjaminbuddy For the launch of @design, we asked six designers we admire to share their #deskview and their design philosophies. #fromwhereiwork . . . #onmydesk #bts

A post shared by @design (@design) on Apr 15, 2018 at 4:52pm PDT

What’s next? Expect to see more posts going behind the scenes with designers and creators in their homes, as well as unique insights into the creative process at Instagram.

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