Helpful Tips to Get Passed Writer’s (or Designer’s) Block

Inspiration is a tricky business. We’ve all had those times when we’re staring at the screen and absolutely no ideas are popping into our head. In those times, particularly if they”re time-sensitive, how do we inspire ourselves? Well, some people image search for similar work and gain inspiration from that. Some people search their favorite design blogs and look for advice from other professionals.

Those are all great things to do, and most of the time will help. However, I’m going to suggest something else, something counter-intuitive, but in the end extraordinarily helpful. My advice, take a break and go do something you enjoy. If you like reading, read a book. If you like sports check the latest sports scores. If you like sky diving, look up insurance agents. If you love doing something it’s going to inspire you naturally. Once you’re fully inspired again, and hopefully a little more relaxed, return to the problem. You might be surprised at how quickly new ideas occur to you afterwards.

For example my senior project in college was the creation of a fictional company, and their entire brand identity. Due to the large amount of work, the stress of other senior classes, and a less than helpful professor, I knew I was going to be stressed, and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to create my best work. So I decided the company I was going to create would be a videogame company. Combining my work with a subject I loved helped inspire some of my best college work.

Have there ever been any times when something you loved helped inspire your creative work? Let us know! As always all opinions are my own. See you next week!

Written By Zachary Gatliff