The quality that is crucial for all graphic designers is the ability to think creatively. For someone like me, the questions arises, what would happen when the creative juices run dry? A graphic designer without creativity and resourcefulness is like a car without an engine. Now, it may not get to the point where one can’t generate a single idea, So how does a designer keep his/her creative juices flowing? Here are 7 simple, yet effective, ways of heightening your creative level:
1. Be Optimistic!
It may be cliché, but the first thing that we need to do as graphic designers is stay optimistic! We must learn to believe in ourselves and our ability to think creatively. It’s common to feel that your creative skills have diminish, but the truth of the matter is that creativity has no age limits. If you exercise your brain and utilize the resources around you, you’re creativity will be just as strong as ever.
2. Don’t Be Afraid To Make Mistakes
Oscar White said that “experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.” It’s impossible to grow without making mistakes, so don’t shy away from them — embrace them!
3. Don’t Be A Workaholic!
Working excessively with little breaks drains your creative juices. There is some truth to working harder than the next guy and putting in the hours to become great, but over working yourself can do just the opposite of your intent. Your mind needs rest to think productively, and stepping away from a project will open up your mind to great possibilities. When you can no longer come up with a good idea, take a break!
4. Keep A Pen and Paper
In short, you never know when a great idea will pops into your head. Take it from experience, deciding to work on it later and relying on the hope that you’ll remember is a bad idea as you’ll likely forget. Instead, carry a pen and paper with you! Jot down the idea or make a quick sketch to later jog your memory, and carry on with your day. I suppose an iPad or iPhones could work, but to me, nothing trumps the good ol’ pen and pad.
5. Try Something Different
6. Keep A Creative Circle
It’s easy to stay creative and forward thinking when you surround yourself with creative people known for their dexterity and design intelligence. However, I personally, wouldn’t just limit that to graphic designers. You can draw inspiration, advice, and creativity from IT specialists, programmers, musicians and anyone else who thinks outside of the box. Just be sure that your environment is a creative and resourceful one.
Shout out to my freelance partner in cime, Joe Mainwaring.
7. Seek Inspiration From Other Designers
Sometimes a little inspiration is what you need to get your creative spark back on track. There’s a difference between drawing inspiration from another’s work and blatantly copying. The web is a phenomenal tool to seek out that inspiration — use it!
Share Your Experiences:
To all my fellow graphic designers, what methods to you use to stay creative? Please, share below!
How does "creativity" function in a capitalist society? How might "creativity" function in the absence of profit-driven motivations?
Here is a supplement for #7 … Great website that might interest the graphic design community… http://www.designersandbooks.com/designers/name/d… … Click on their pictures to see the literature that has influenced their careers… Enjoy!