This one was an interesting list to put together with so many great online sources out there and that is why I have decided to focus on the artwork angle in particular. So, let’s find out what sites have made my Top 5 list, and which one I consider to be number 1.

5. Forrst

Website: http://forrst.com/

The first of our critic websites, Forrst is useful as a source of inspiration even if you are not a member. You can see what leading designers (and developers) are up to, get a measure of the level of the craft at the top of the design game, and if you are a member, you can also receive thoughtful critiques of your work and give helpful comments on the work of others.

4. Dribbble

Website: http://dribbble.com/

The second of our critic websites, and the more widely known one too. Dribble describes itself as a ‘show and tell for creatives’ and its here that you can sample the crème de la crème of the design world. Just like Forrst, it is still useful even if you haven’t received that elusive invite as you can still view the work of others in your field and browse and search the site for relevant content.

3. Noupe

Website: http://www.noupe.com/

Noupe is part of the Smashing Network (the people who bring you Smashing Magazine amongst many other great quality sites and books) and describes itself as ‘The Curious Side of Smashing Magazine’. The site is very design focused and as well as posts showcasing great examples of artwork, typography, photography, patterns, illustration and themes, it also promotes useful online resources and publishes articles on design theory and design tutorials.

2. CSS Awards

Website: http://www.awwwards.com/

With the prestigious award of ‘Site of the Day’ available, you can be sure that this website is continually updated with great design from around the world. It is bursting with examples of great design work and should be more than enough to spark some creative ideas of your own.

1. Designer & Blogger Chris Spooner

For the number 1 position on my list, I have decided to select a designer rather than a site. The reason for this is because Chris Spooner is a very productive designer, with at least 4 blogs that he manages (including one for his four-legged friend Jake). And the two of his sites that I have selected as great online resources for designers are:

Website: http://line25.com/

Website: http://www.blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/

Proof in itself that Chris is an inspirational character is the fact that Blog.Spoongraphics is the first blog that I ever followed, and still follow to this day. And also the fact that being continually inspired by Chris’s multiple weekly posts is what made me want to start my own design blog.

I don’t think anyone else online has inspired me half as much as what Chris does and that is why without a doubt he is my number one online source for inspiration.

What did you think of the post? Are there any other online sources that you would add to the list? What sites makes your Top 5 List of Online Sources of Inspiration? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

So, let’s find out which jQuery scripts and plugins have made my Top 5 list, and which one I consider to be number 1.

5. jQuery UI

jQuery UI provides abstractions for low-level interaction and animation, advanced effects and high-level, themeable widgets, built on top of the jQuery JavaScript Library, that you can use to build highly interactive web applications.

I’ve included jQuery UI as a whole, rather than just a particular section of its functionality because I think its strength lies in the wide variety of functions this plugin provides. And also the ability to only add the script that you need to your project makes jQuery UI all the better.

Website: http://jqueryui.com/

4. selectivizr

selectivizr is a JavaScript utility that emulates CSS3 pseudo-classes and attribute selectors in Internet Explorer 6-8. Simply include the script in your pages and selectivizr will do the rest.

I think selectivizr  has said it all; if you want to use CSS3 pseudo-classes in your web project and be confident that it’ll work across all browsers (ahem, in Internet Explorer 6-8), then selectivizr is a most! And let’s face it, why wouldn’t you use CSS3 pseudo-classes!

Website: http://selectivizr.com/

3. Modernizr

Modernizr is an open-source JavaScript library that helps you build the next generation of HTML5 and CSS3-powered websites.

Just like selectivizr, if you want to use the latest web technologies and be confident that everything is going to work as planned, then adding Modernizr will save you a lot of headaches. Add it too your default build files and don’t look back!

Website: http://www.modernizr.com/

2. Fancybox

FancyBox is a tool for displaying images, html content and multi-media in a Mac-style “lightbox” that floats overtop of web page.

There is a whole host of jQuery lightboxes out there but Fancybox is by far my favourite. It deals with different types of content wonderfully and manages to look great a the same time. The documentation is pretty good and there’s lots of examples to help you out too.

Website: http://fancybox.net/

1. Nivo Slider

The world’s most awesome jQuery Image Slider

With a statement like that, you know its gotta be good! Just like Fancybox there are a lot of alternatives to Nivo Slider but Nivo Slider hasn’t made the top of my list for no reason. It is so easily to implement and comes with some highly polished themes and lots of options built in. And recently added are Nivo Slider Pro and a WordPress Plugin. If you haven’t already heard of this great image slider, go check it out now.

Website: http://nivo.dev7studios.com/

Do you agree with my Top 5 jQuery Scripts & Plugins You Can’t Live Without? What plugins make your top 5 list? Share your thoughts below.