15 Tips To Avoid Designer’s Block

Post authorBy Matt, November 30th, 2008 in Design Tips, Freelance | 20 Super Comments

It’s getting late. You need to finish a project for a very important client. You sit down and start working, but no matter what, nothing good comes out. Designer’s block. It happens to everybody, but there are ways to avoid it.

Image by b_unit

1. Warm Up

One of the best techniques for avoiding designer’s block is warming up. This could mean sketching or getting inspired. Get your creativity and ideas flowing. This is a great way to prevent designer’s block.

2. Always Get Inspired

I think always starting out by looking for inspiration is key. There are many designers who start out a project by searching the web for inspiration. So, whenever you take on a new project, start by looking for inspiration. It’s a good habit to get into.

3. Move on to Something New

If you are getting stuck, then do something different. This could mean moving on to a different project or doing something completely different. You should also avoid designing everyday, because being on the computer all the time isn’t good for you. Just take a break every so often.

4. Work Somewhere Else

If you are really getting stuck, try working somewhere else. Possibly take your laptop to a coffee shop, or work outside.

5. Get Outside

Getting outside in the sun is a great thing to do when you are stuck. It allows you to clear your mind and relax.

6. Get Some Exercise

Getting outside on a daily basis is necessary and getting exercise is even better.

7. Don’t Think

You hear that a lot in sports. You can perform better if you just don’t think about what you’re doing. This also applies when designing. Clear your head of all the pressure and just start working. Focus on what you are doing.

8. Talk to Other Designers

If you can, talk to other designers. This could be a colleague or a friend. If you use Twitter, try talking to people on Twitter. Use other people to help you brainstorm ideas.

9. Doodle

Just start drawing whatever comes to mind. Seriously. It helps you think more freely and expand your creativity.

10. Listen to Music

Music is a great source of inspiration for designers.

11. Work on a Personal Project

Instead of just working for clients, try working on something for yourself. Try doing some concept work or just start illustrating something completely random.

12. Think Differently

Try thinking differently in terms of style. For example, if you are usually a minimalist, then try a different style once in a while. This also works for specific projects too. If the client is looking for something simple, then try something complex. Just play around with it a bit.

13. Clean Your Workspace

If your desk is getting cluttered, then clean it up. Organizing your workspace can help you to organize your mind.

14. Get/Do Something New

Try something new. This could be trying a new field of design or maybe buying something new, like a new tablet.

15. Find Inspiration In The City

Instead of going through the internet for inspiration, take a walk through the city. Design inspiration is everywhere in the city, on signs, advertisement, you name it.

What’s Your Method?

Everyone has their own techniques. What’s yours? Feel free to share.

Matt Cronin is the founder and previous owner of Spoonfed Design.

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