Whether you’re tackling a school assignment or pursuing a personal passion project, hitting a creative “rut” can be incredibly frustrating—especially with a looming deadline. The pressure can quickly spiral into a cycle of stress and self-doubt.
Creative blocks act as barriers to your inspiration, and every designer and creator faces them at some point in their career. Here are four effective strategies to help you break free from creative stagnation:
1. Take a break
Stop putting pressure on yourself to create something groundbreaking. Having this mindset will likely only lead to burnout. Instead, take a moment to do something else that you enjoy – and (especially if you’re a graphic designer) preferably something that doesn’t involve screens. Go for a walk, chat with a friend, or cook a meal – it could be anything, even something as simple as hydrating and stretching can refresh your mind and body. It is so easy to spend countless hours getting sucked into your art, so remember to take time for yourself in order to sustain your creativity.
2. Find Inspiration
Go on Pinterest or Behance, or even find something more obscure and out-of-the-ordinary to draw some motivation from, such as the way everyday objects are arranged. It is always good to find some organic sources that will push your design process forward. Allow your mind to be open to taking in the beauty of your surroundings, and allow these observations to fuel your creative process. By drawing from diverse sources, you can incorporate fresher ideas into your work.
3. Build Your Own Design Process.
Rather than staring at a blank screen, try starting with a color palette, brainstorming, or creating a mood board. Collecting resources and visual elements can help jumpstart your creative process and set the stage for the rest of your project. Approaching creative block with a structured approach will help lessen the burden of starting from scratch.
4. Go With the Flow.
Sometimes your creative instincts may lead you in unexpected directions. Let yourself be curious – try out new ideas, even if you think they will flop. Graphic design is a career that is ever-evolving, so do not restrict yourself and keep yourself within the confines of what you already know and feel comfortable with.
By incorporating these techniques into your work, you can navigate these roadblocks that are bound to happen to every creator from time to time. Remember that every obstacle can be an opportunity for growth.
Leave a Reply