Since some people will not think that this is serious, I will post on this section for any further rage.

So, in trying to make a Art therapy map, wich I was learning and I just discover it's my best asthetic.
Well, i think about the part behind the scenes on the map, where start, where you exit, everything planned, but i got no idea for the chamber at all.

But getting ideas is hard, so thats why most mods have a puzzle designer.

But guys, really, were i can find inspiration for maps? This is so hard...

The best source of inspiration for me is playing other maps.

Go in and look for maps you enjoy playing. Once you found a map you enjoy, play it a few times and try to figure out why you like it.
What step in the puzzle process is the part you like and why?
Is there a way you can use that step and combine it with something different to make it fun?

I second that! To become a good mapper, you have to look at other maps. What makes them good? What makes them work? Then try replicate that (in your own way).

One thing I do HEAPS is go through decompiled Valve maps - I have a whole folder of every stock SP and co-op map decompiled, plus some custom maps decompiled as well. Every map I make involves checking about 5-6 other maps for design inspiration.

So yeah - play other maps! Another thing you might try is looking for real-world inspiration. The tumblr blog 'Destroyed and Abandoned' has many pictures of places that I use for BTS inspiration. Some of it is useless, but you get some absolute gems such as this or this or this or this or this or this or this or this or this or this or this.

Moral of the story? Look at things! Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times. Although particularly when you're relaxed. Brainstorm in the shower.

That's a neat blog srs, probably be more useful if I knew how to map at all! eheh... /r/abandonedporn (SFW) is also something you might want to look at for pictures & inspiration.

Making advanced versions of other people's puzzles is super fun btw. Oh and don't be afraid to use PTI for prototypes and such! Building a super cool map with a smexy theme isn't any fun when you find out halfway through that it's fundamentially flawed.

quaternary wrote:
Oh and don't be afraid to use PTI for prototypes and such!

This. If you get just one flicker of an idea - one step in a puzzle, one move, whatever, put it in PTI and play around with it. You might just end up with a great puzzle.

Why, you can find inspiration in anything!

Just look around you for something inspiring. Everyone has some unique source of inspiration! Music, videos, pictures, art, anything! I, for example, find a good deal of inspiration in the Penrose Triangle. To me, it's something impossible, made possible. Something that can't exist, existing. I also see it as a symbol of innovation. It wasn't (and still isn't) geometrically possible in three-dimensional space, so it was created it in two dimensions.

Of course, that's just me, though. Just look for something! If you have a favorite map, take a look at the style, and how it's structured. I, personally, try to combine various mechanics I see in other maps, with my own ideas. It can make for some neat puzzles!