As a professional graphic designer, brand strategist, and founder of a design agency, I can confidently say that ‘creative block’ is a VERY real thing. Sure, there are days when ideas are just flowing out of your head.
But, there are also moments when you’re feeling completely disconnected. It can be tough dealing with a plummeting reservoir of creativity in times like these. It’s like flapping your wings to no avail.
But, over the years, through trial and error, I have found a regimen that works out for me whenever I find myself creatively stuck. I’m hoping these ideas/practices will help you come out of that bubble and find your creative inspiration when the going gets tough.
1. Get Organized
Your outer world is a reflection of your inner world. And so, the more organized you are on the outside, the more organized you will feel mentally and creatively. Perhaps you work out of a design studio at home or an agency. It’s good to organize your work table and everything around you. Make sure everything is visibly accessible and well-organized.
Chaotic surroundings can block out imagination. In my experience, getting organized brings me one step closer to unbridled creativity.
2. Go Outside
Being in the same room surrounded by the same stuff and the same thought process can get your mind stuck in a loop. I find that stepping outside (even for 5 minutes) helps to break that loop. So, go outside and take in some fresh air. I love outdoor activities like hiking and surfing. You will be surprised how soaking in nature can reset and refocus your brain. When you come back, you will have a fresh perspective and a brand new take on things.
3. Go for Some Caffeine
The oldest trick in the book! I’m a coffee lover (as I’m guessing most of my readers are). Caffeine and creativity somehow seem to go hand in hand. I always reach for my cup of Nespresso or green tea to get the creative juices flowing. And, it works most of the time.
4. Set Deadlines
There’s nothing quite like the fear of a fast-approaching deadline to really get you in the zone. As a creative designer, I have found that most procrastination is just your mind playing tricks on you. It gets worse when you give yourself too much freedom (time-wise). That’s why giving yourself strict deadlines will pressure you into breaking the pattern of procrastination and creative blocks. You are sure to get things done much more quickly.
5. Listen to Music
Science tells us that listening to music releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls the brain’s ‘motivation and reward mechanism’. Listening to the right kind of music can put you in a ‘go-getter’ attitude. For best results, stick with classical music like the pieces and symphonies by Vivaldi, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, and Schubert.
6. Sketching & Drawing
If you’re a creative/graphic designer like myself, I suggest you step away from the computer and grab a sketch pad. Try doodling for some time and engage in a free-hand sketching session around logos and brand campaigns.
Don’t worry about the final outcome. Give yourself the creative freedom to move around freely. Such experimentation without worrying about the consequences will put you in a beginner’s perspective. You might be surprised with what you come up with.
7. Sleep On It
Sometimes we’re looking at things too close to see the big picture. Taking a break and stepping away from the project to go to sleep can help see the larger picture. It can help you come out of that creative standstill.
Sometimes, giving things a break is the best thing you can do for your creative projects.
8. Meet With Interesting People
Alone you can only achieve so much! But, when you meet with like-minded people who share similar creative aspirations, the possibilities are endless. Having a dialogue with other interesting and creative people can open up your imagination. It will make you see things in a new light. Ask questions and try to color outside the lines.
Surrounding yourself with the right kind of people will change how you think. It challenges your creative boundaries.
9. Be Fearless of Failure
The only way to overcome your fear of failure is to change the way you see ‘failures’. Generally, we think that failures are the roadblocks to success when really failures are the WAY to success. How would you know what works and what doesn’t unless you experiment a few times and FAIL a few times until stumbling upon the equation that finally works!
The more you can dare to fail and accept it as an indispensable part of your learning journey, the finer you will get at your craft.
10. Believe in Your Ability
Even the most exceptionally talented and self-made millionaires feel insecure from time to time. It’s completely normal! What’s not normal is letting it come in the way of your work. To reaffirm your faith in yourself, you need to take a realistic look at your abilities and accomplishments. Do so without deflating or over qualifying them.
Avoid dialogues like ‘anyone could do that’ or negative self-talk like ‘perhaps I’m not cut out for this’. It’s easy to argue with negative statements and spiral from there. Give yourself a pep-talk from time to time. Speak nicely to yourself in a nurturing way.
Conclusion
So, which of these practices resonated the most with you? I would love to know.
This article is brought to you by Partywave, a brand design, and strategic launch studio. Partywave launches, refreshes, and grows meaningful and dynamic companies.
Photo by Huseyn Kamaladdin from Pexels
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