Who is a designer? Well, to us, a designer is someone who has an unmatchable sense of creativity. People who have an inclination towards designing have this ability to observe everything around them, with a perspective that’s a bit different than ours. Maybe that’s where they have the advantage of creativity over us.

Now, how do you define creativity? Is creativity something that you can learn? Or is it something that you develop? Well, the latter is what that best defines creativity in our opinion. Creativity is the ability that lets you find a solution to your problem. You don’t learn it. You just develop it with the passage of time, that’s it. When it comes to designers. Creativity occurs to them like a thing of a routine. However, there are times, where even the most creative ones find themselves hitting a block, i.e. the creative block. Creative block is something that almost every other designer struggles with. It is a phase, where ideas seem like they’re away on vacation, right at the time when we need them the most.

If you have often found yourself stuck knee-deep in a creative block, then allow us to help you keep your creative juices flowing. You might’ve come across many new ways on the internet that keep the designer within you very much alive and mentioned below are a few of them, so let’s take a look:

1.     Define Your Problem

Creative blocks often occur when there is confusion. Thus, to keep your creative juices far from meeting with a bottleneck on their way, always define your problem before rushing towards the solution. Do the necessary brainstorming, get a clear picture of what your approach should be and then proceed. Never forget that, when your problem is undefined, there is no chance you’ll be able to come up with a solution.

2.     Write Down Your Ideas

This one thing is something that applies to almost everyone. Have you ever been in a situation where you get an idea so good, that you can almost see its entire execution? But, just as you’re appreciating how good the idea is, distractions happen and the next thing you know, that idea is nowhere in sight. This is why you should always keep a notebook and a pen with you. Whenever an idea occurs, you just write it down and save it for later. There’s a weird thing about ideas – you don’t get them when you want them the most. So when you DO get them, make sure you keep them saved before they slip away!

3.     Take Some Time-Out

The best way to deal with a nasty creative block is to take a time-out and just unwind. Go swimming, ride your bike or better yet, watch a movie. Sometimes creative blocks look for inspirations and you can find plenty of that in a fun activity. Plus, when your brain will release a fair share of serotonins to keep you feeling cheerful, you will automatically get in the flow of your creative thinking. So remember, the next time your brain wants you to take a time-out, just do it.  You never know, what cool idea might be waiting for you at the other end!

4.     De-Clutter Your Workspace

Gone are the days when people thought that a messy workplace shows that you are a hardworking individual. Experts reveal that a cluttered workspace is the biggest obstacle between you and your creativity. Over packed and messy workplace becomes a hurdle in your thinking process as it distracts you a lot. This is a case when you have a number of tasks at hand. This is mainly with people who work at studios or have a desk job to do. Moreover,  it amplifies stress and suppresses creativity. Your workplace is where there should be the most order. Thus when you would keep it clean, you would not only find your misplaced tools and stuff but also your mind won’t feel like it has an overwhelming workload on it. Now you must be wondering about how the ‘de-cluttering’ applies to your computers if you’re a digital designer. Well, for starters, arrange your work by date and get rid of all the files that are useless. Just keep this in mind that your brain wants to see no mess while you work, or there will be no creative juices flowing. Got it?

5.     Try Out New Mediums

Another best way to overcome a creative block is to try out new mediums. For instance, if you’re a sketch-artist and often practice using charcoal as your medium, then amid your creative block try switching to another medium like dry pastels. It’s just something about using a new medium that gives your brain a new ground to play in. Not to mention, you can recreate your old artworks using new mediums.

6.     Lastly, Push Yourself to the Limit

When you’re working on something, don’t hold yourself back in giving your 100%. Your artworks must look extraordinary even if you’re not willing to put any effort into them. If you’re experiencing a creative block, just don’t get discouraged. People often quit everything they’re doing whenever they feel like their ideas aren’t flowing. You may have heard of, ‘Quitters never win and winners never quit’, try and keep that in your focus. Because, it is okay to experience a creative block, but it is not okay to keep clinging to that block, forever.

All in All

Creativity can experience sudden bottlenecks that can take months or even years to subside. Even in that case, we’d advise you to not let go of your old creative self. Plus, if you’re in a constant lookout for inspiration, you can put your internet connection to good use and visit websites that tingle your creative senses and give you better ideas. Just remember one thing. Creative blocks aren’t a flaw or anything. It’s a natural process. Think of it this way that your brain is asking for a break. Use this break and feed your brain all the inspirational things. You will be surprised to see all the ideas that will begin flowing once your brain is charged. Get inspired and get ready to take down what’s ahead!