Help! I Suffer from Designer’s Block

Thursday 21 July 2011 | Keith J. Hamilton

Every creative person out there would know what I’m talking about. A creative block is probably one of the worst situations faced by artists. Whether it is musicians, writers or designers, all are apprehensive of going through a block. It can leave those with designers block in a worrisome state of mind and hinder any effort that is needed for a project at hand.

Designers are prone to designers block and it can make a designer crazy, especially if there are deadlines to meet. The tension of not being able to generate outstanding designs can even cause stress.

If you are currently suffering from a designer’s block, here are some tips that might help you get over it.

5 Ways to Eliminate Designer’s Block

1. Give Yourself A Break!

Sometimes working too hard can lead to stress and a stressed mind is likely to cease being creative. A block is not just the mind going blank, it’s your mind’s way of asking you to stop and rest. Constant stress and worries can diminish your thinking power and creativity. Designer’s block can even make focusing difficult.

This is why you need to either tackle the problem bothering you or take a break from everything. Ignoring the real problem and forcing yourself to work is the recipe for disaster. You will neither be able to concentrate nor be creative. So stop and take a breather!

2. Get Away from the Computer Screen

Did you know that sitting continuously at the PC stresses the eyes as well as the mind? It’s necessary to get away from the screen when dealing with designers block. If you want to feel inspired again, try taking a stroll in the park, going to a beach or meditating in peaceful surrounding. Helping your mind relax and to get away from routine, can be just as inspiring.

3. Do Not Procrastinate

There’s a difference between having designer’s block and intentionally procrastinating. Designers block prevents you from thinking, despite the fact that you actually want to produce work. Procrastination is where you simply don’t want to work at all, regardless of knowing that all that’s needed is little extra effort and will power.

If you want to have a great design, stop waiting for the striking moment. You can only do this with patience, perseverance and starting from scratch; pick up a sketchbook and a pencil and start drawing your ideas.

4. Get Inspired, Not Obsessed!

It’s good to be inspired by another designer’s work, but if you start revolving your focus around just one person’s work, you’ll be underestimating your own skills.

You have your own style and creativity; this is what inspired you to be a designer in the first place. If you must, seek inspiration from another artist’s work but don’t fuss over his/her creativity. Instead, spend your energy creating your own unique style, it will naturally start showing in your work.

5. Go Easy On Yourself

Recovering from designers block takes time. Go easy on yourself. Instead of saying “I have to do it,” say “I want to do it because I love it.” All you need is a change of perspective and some patience to overcome designer’s block.

P.S. These tips are not meant to help you generate a great design, they are meant to help you deal with a situation that is preventing you from creating a great design. The next time you have designers block, just sit back and give your mind a dose of relaxation!

Share with us what you like to do to overcome the designer’s block! What are your tips and ideas?