swipe file

English

Noun

swipe file (plural swipe files)

1. A collection of documents or templates (e.g. successful designs or marketing materials) used for future inspiration by creative professionals (cartoonists, graphic designers, copywriters, etc.).
   • 2010, Mike Howlett, “The Sincerest Form of Flattery”, in The Weird World of Eerie Publications: Comic Gore That Warped Millions of Young Minds, Port Townsend, WA: Feral House, →ISBN, page 14:

     It’s well known among artists, art historians and just us plain ol’ comic fans that good ideas get borrowed from time to time. Most comic book artists keep a “swipe file,” clippings of people or fashions, cars, animals… whatever figure or thing a story might call for.