Writers, artists, and creatives often find inspiration in the most unexpected places. One such treasure trove of imagination lies tucked away in the aisles of second-hand shops. These unassuming stores have loads of unique and often retro pieces with worn edges that give a character or setting their own vibe Whether you’re writing a novel, developing a screenplay, or sketching a new character design, second-hand shops are a largely untapped gateway to sparking creativity.

Clothing as Character Clues

Wardrobes are windows into personality, and thrift stores are perhaps the only place where you can, at your leisure, see, touch, and rifle through a massive range of clothing styles from different eras, tastes, and cultures. A character’s choice of clothing is revealing. Consider their socioeconomic status, personality quirks, and even their emotional state. Feel the cheap tulle puffed sleeves on a 1980s bridesmaid dress. Is that why your character keeps tugging at her armpits? The designer handbag looks pristine on the outside but has a cigarette burn on its lining. What would cause someone to hastily toss a still-smoldering cigarette into their purse? What type of man wears an orange and brown puffy jacket? Who is the character that walks around in lime-green gladiator sandals? For me, the pièce de résistance was a gold snake and skull ring with a five-digit number etched on its underside. Don’t just limit yourself to aesthetics—consider texture, color, and wear and tear, and let your imagination soar.

Props That Speak Volumes

Beyond clothing, thrift stores are chock-full of miscellaneous objects—books with notes scribbled in the margins, chipped teacups, armchairs with cat scratches on the legs, battered suitcases, and some really bizarre toys. The standout on one trip of mine was a wind-up dog with eyes that lit up like red lasers. These items can serve as powerful props to build a character’s identity. When we interact with objects, the spaces a character inhabits come to life.

Serendipitous Encounters

One of the joys of exploring a second-hand shop is the element of surprise. This includes the other people shopping there. Like the big box grocery store where a man in running shorts and cowboy boots is sharing an aisle with a woman whose tweed jacket and heels probably cost more than my car; it's a mixed bag of potential characters roaming around the thrift shop. This microcosm of unpredictability does, in many ways, mirror real life. People are a patchwork of quirks but it's rare to see so many in one space. I once created an entire scene based on a mother dragging her embarrassed teenage daughter through Goodwill looking for a prom dress. These are moments firmly grounded in reality.

Thrift stores can be portals to the raw materials that offer the most memorable characters. So, next time you’re looking for inspiration, skip the high-end mall and step into your local second-hand shop. Who knows? Your next great character trait might be waiting for you in a vintage brooch or a well-worn trucker's hat.