Bex Osborn
Marketing Strategist
8 Jul 2022
It can be hard to find inspiration sometimes. When a project comes through giving you free creative reign it can feel like the best thing in the world - but this immediately turns to panic when you realise not a single idea is coming through… oof.
But fear not - there are ways to help you build back your inspiration and be your best creative self. Here are my top ways to find inspiration, and get you back in the creative mindset.
Walk it off
Sometimes the best thing you can do is take yourself away from the screen and get outdoors (weather permitting) for a nice head-clearing walk. All this nature and fresh air gubbins is sure to unclog that head of yours to make room for your next banging idea. Every mind needs a refresh and maybe the addition of real 3D objects and wind will help speed this along!
Get on the blogosphere
Most ideas are triggered by existing works and content. Take a browse on your favourite design blogs and sites (your Pinterests, your Behances) and see what’s out there - you may come across a whole new style of design that takes your fancy and that moves you into a direction you never even thought of.
Collaborate and listen
As much as we’d love to think we’re all creative geniuses and our ideas are the only good ones - the truth is the best ideas come from collaboration. Reach out to your fellow creatives and share some ideas - chances are they’ll have a suggestion you never thought of that will in turn spark something brand new and just might be the missing link you’ve been after.
Take it back to basics
Sometimes it’s best to just step away and regroup. I find a helpful thing to do is shift your energy into a chore or menial task. Often the creative section of your brain needs a break so let the practical side take-over for a while. Whilst you’re scrubbing those dishes the perfect creative solution could be waiting for you when you get back.
Turn up the music
Every creative needs a soundtrack and these days there’s endless bops out there that can really scratch that creative itch. From mind focusing lo-fi beats to motivational bangers - throw together your favourite playlists and get to work! (Looking for some creative playlist recommendations? See my previous article where I share my top 10 playlists to help you tap into your best creative self.
Step outside your box
A common habit is to just stick to one design discipline when you’re after inspiration - be that fashion, product design, digital or whatever it may be. Try looking further afield for a creativity boost. If you’re designing an email for example - why not look to print design or maybe even into the fine art world. There may be some surprising cross overs that you never expected to find.
How do you deal with creative block? Is there a technique you always fall back on or a specific task which helps you regroup? Let us know over on our Twitter.