BY: OLIVIA STACK
Staff Writer
For sophomore Zoe Martin, Pinterest isn’t just another app — it’s her creative playground, her style guide and her daily escape. As more young users turn to the platform for fashion ideas, artistic inspiration and even emotional relief, Pinterest has quietly become a deeply personal space where creativity thrives without the pressure of traditional social media.
“Pinterest is my TikTok,” said Martin.
Pinterest is known to have a wide variety of categories such as art, fashion, and even cooking recipes. However, personal stylist Kara Klefos said she believes it’s a space to spark creativity.
“I feel it’s so important because it’s a really great indicator of what genre of clothing someone likes,” said Klefos.
Klefos works for the company Stitch Fix. Her clients send Pinterest boards full of ideas and she matches what they give her.
“This helps me a lot because it’s the one thing that really gives me an idea of color palette print and textures,” said Klefos.
Pinterest boards have also helped boost sales for Klefos. She believes that the app helps her determine the best style options for her clients.
“The biggest indicator is what someone is drawn to, and to ensure that clients keep the products I send them,” Klefos said while gesturing with her hands. “It helps with sales because it’s guaranteed to have higher keep rates.”
In addition to assisting business, many users are drawn to the fashion aesthetics.
“I like to look at vintage designers,” said Martin. “There are so many pictures of every runway on there- it’s beautiful.”
Besides showcasing runway models, Pinterest can generate ideas for fashion styles.
“It can help people find and shop for new clothes to add to their closet and help them curate their style,” said Klefos.
Martin is an art student who loves to get inspiration for her work on Pinterest. She flips open her laptop that’s decorated with Ethel Cane stickers
“It’s where I get most of my inspiration for my art,” said Martin. “It helps contextualize my ideas.”
Klefos uses Pinterest every time she gets her hair done, and even for tattoo ideas.
“I got my favorite tattoo design from Pinterest,” said Klefos.
Along with providing inspiration for art and fashion, Pinterest can be used as an escape from reality, as sophomore Hiba Obeed describes.
“It’s therapeutic and a stress reliever,” said Obeed. “Sometimes when you’re using your brain so actively, it’s almost like a passive habit to look at pictures that are visually appealing.”
In addition to Pinterest being used as a stress reliever, it can encourage people to consume more media.
“I have used it for five years and I haven’t deleted it,” said Obeed. “It is media-based and well-curated so people can find common interests.”
While users can find common interests, they can also form communities.
“In the art community, there are a lot of great people and art to take inspiration from,” said Martin.
Pinterest primarily targets young audiences who have an interest in art related concepts. The app has gained popularity through the use of influencers as well.
“I was 13 when I downloaded Pinterest,” said Martin. “Emma Chamberlain inspired me to get it. I liked the vibes and I wanted to follow the fashion trends.”
Although Pinterest is considered a social media, users tend to engage with it more privately than socially.
“It’s my own separate space for me,” said Klefos. “It’s so refreshing to have your own space to be creative without being too social.”
