One of the best ways to get better at what you do is to absorb the work of others.

FRIENDS/CO-CONSPIRATORS

Tomorrow’s Brightest Minds
TBM is one of the best, most creative entities in the film/advertising/design/creativity business. They haven’t slipped up yet.

Daniel Krall Illustration
Baltimore-based illustrator Daniel Krall is blazing new trails with pen and ink (and pixels and paint and pretty much every other visual medium you can think of).

Sugarpusher
LA-based artist Wendy Chin brings style, talent, and panache to her illustration, her design, her music, and a whole host of other creative endeavors.

Tony Larson
Former member of the Girl Skateboards Art Dump (see below), Larson’s work — whether it’s design, illustration, music, whatever — is never anything short of amazing.

THOSE WE LOVE

The Art Dump
Everybody there serves as regular inspiration.

DesignNotes
New York-based designer Michael Surtees shares his thoughts on design and creativity, and in doing so makes all of us push a little harder.

Seth’s Blog
Marketing guru Seth Godin writes almost daily on creativity, ideas, business, technology, and related inspirations.

Signal vs. Noise
One of the smartest blogs in the world.

New at Pentagram
Recent work and ideas from Pentagram, one of the best agencies in the world.

NussbaumOnDesign
Business Week’s Bruce Nussbaum on the intersection of design, innovation, and business.

Coudal Partners
Links, tidbits, and info from the venerable Chicago agency.

kottke.org
The best of the web, along with some fine insight, courtesy of designer Jason Kottke.

Under Consideration
“A growing network and enterprise dedicated to the progress of the graphic design profession and its practitioners, students and enthusiasts. At times intangible, its purpose is to question, push, analyze and agitate graphic design and those involved in the profession.”

Design Your Life
Advice and tips for living a more creative, design-friendly life.

Copyblogger
“Copywriting tips for online marketing success.”

Frogblog
Another great agency blog.

These should keep you going for awhile, but the list is a live and evolving thing. Check back regularly.