We’ve all been there. Staring at a blank InDesign document or a blank piece of paper. Willing the creative ideas to pour forth onto blank slate. And yet, nothing. What’s commonly referred to as designer’s block (adapted from writer’s block) can be a real pain. But designer’s block is completely natural and common among creative types.
Luckily, there are ways to get past the dreaded designer’s block. I’ve found these strategies to work best for me. What kind of strategies do you use? Feel free to comment so that all of us creative types can learn from each other and hopefully ease some of the pain!
1. Take a walk. This is an old one, but it works for me. When I take a walk, I’m concentrating on the feel of the pavement or gravel under my shoes; the smells, sights and sounds; keeping my dog from walking in the middle of the road. All of these things seem to let my subconscious do its thing and by the time I come home, I’m in a better place to let the ideas flow.
2. Sketch anything, including the kitchen sink. This can be hard for some people to do because it can be seen as a waste of time, but I say, you’re not designing anyway so what’s being wasted? Sketching designs featuring your dog, any household item or anything out your window can help spur your brain into at least getting into the designing mode.
3. View artsy sites and blogs. Often seeing other people’s works will get your brain working on projects of your own. Our brains are wired for some weird associations, so you never know what’s going to come up.
4. Put on some music. Music lights up parts of your brain associated with creativity. Instead of taking a walk, if I put on some music and start dancing, not only do I get the physical benefit, I wake up my groovin’ brain. Classical music can help babies and toddlers learn, so I don’t see why disco and hip hop can’t make adults grow new ideas!
5. Get into a child’s mindset. Try to remember how you saw the world at 5 years old. Most things were still new, and you explored everything because you didn’t know any better. Explore the world by trying to see things in a new light. Look at trees from different angles; view your dining room table from below. Who knows what might come to light from looking at ordinary things in new ways.
3. View artsy sites and blogs. and 4. Put on some music.
I apply do these two things whenever I have a Designer’s block. I prefer really loud music when I’m working. It helps me produce great designs and ideas.