As a designer, having a wealth of good ideas is part of the job. You need to be able to source ideas from a variety of places and think innovatively in order to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
However, it’s easier said than done. A lack of inspiration results in less productivity. When this happens, we often call it a “creative block” or “creative drought.” If you engage in any artistic pursuit, I’m sure you’re familiar with the term. Having the occasional drought is normal, but it’s never a pleasant experience—and when deadlines are imposed on you, it’s crucial you break through it.
Here are some tips and guidelines on how to kickstart your creative flow state once again.
Working without inspiration is a struggle.
It often feels like a vicious cycle. You start losing inspiration, so your work suffers; you begin to worry, which only triggers anxiety that is counterproductive to the creative process.
Oftentimes during these blocks, artists become convinced they are incapable of creating anything ever again—even though they know, rationally, that such periods of time are always temporary.
A lack of inspiration doesn’t mean lack of ability.
Here’s something not everyone realizes: you don’t need inspiration to create. It isn’t a necessary part of the creative process. Sure, it’s more satisfying to work while inspired, but you can still produce amazing things during a creative drought. Inspiration doesn’t always have to come before the work. Sometimes the work itself can trigger inspiration.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but our advice to find inspiration is to stop looking. Put the work aside for a while. Instead, do something you enjoy. Take a walk. Finish a project. Talk with a friend. Inspiration will find its way back to you, typically in a very unexpected manner.
