Creative Block?

Ever had creative block? When no matter what you try, you can’t get your thoughts and ideas to appear in front of you? This frustrating problem is the bane of my existence (slightly dramatized)! In fact, I’m experiencing creative block right now as I’m writing this. I feel like my left and right brain are in an argument–they can’t agree on anything so the page remains empty. Creative block is a very common problem, but there are some simple remedies and tips to overcome it:

1: DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Often times you just need to take your mind off of the subject and take a break. Try working on another project or design for a little while, don’t even think about the block.

2: ASK FOR SOMONE’S OPINION OR CRITIQUE:

A friendly critique is always helpful. But it needs to be constructive or you won’t benefit from it. If they suggest changes, keep them in mind, sometimes you need a fresh mind to offer new ideas.

3: COLLABORATE:

If possible, work in a group. Offer ideas and in exchange get some yourself. You may even find a completely different idea that you can work with.

4: TRY ALTERING OR CHANGING THE TOPIC:

If possible, change the topic or direction of which the design or work is going. This is sometimes difficult because you might have specific guidelines to work from, but try coming at it from another angle.

5: START OVER FROM SCRATCH:

Sometimes you just need a fresh start. Keep your original idea on the back burner and try starting over, even a few times if needed. You may find a completely new idea or even find a way to change your original.

6: SIMPLIFY IT:

One of the biggest problems I have is making things too complex. I may start with something that looks really good, but then I ruin it by adding too much to the design. Some things are meant to be complex and complicated but can make your design too difficult to read or understand. Step back and really analyze its complexity. Is it all that necessary or can you simplify it?

I tend to experience creative block every day. Maybe it runs in the family? But after following some of the helpful steps listed above, I can usually overcome it. If nothing else works, just remove yourself from the topic altogether. For example, if you’re doing a project in graphic design, just remove yourself from graphic design. Watch a movie, take a break, don’t think about it for a while. Hopefully you find these tips helpful, and it gets the creative juices to flow! Any other tips for creative block?