RedSpec

Designing has always been hard for me.

I recall the times back in college and university, where I had to design products from espresso machines to bicycles to furnitures and lightings. I had a couple of sketchbooks (i’m a huge fan of them) which i use to pen my ideas down. Each time there was a new project, i would try to come up with as many ideas as possible. I would always be enthusiastic at the start of each project.

Sometimes, in the end, I did not run out of pages to draw on. In fact, I didn’t even finishing drawing on a single page. It sucks but it happens. I’m sure designers reading this will agree with me.

Trying to create an original design is not always easy. The flow of ideas can start off slow or, at times non existent for most people. But I’ve found that there are some things that have helped me get over a creative block, and I want to share them with you.

This would be my based on my experience up till today. It would be different in say…the next 5 years.

What Contributes to a Designer’s Creative Block

Perfectionism. (this is my biggest flaw btw)

Its both good and bad.

Good because I want my work to be flawless.

Bad because there will be no end to the project I’m doing.

The ‘redesigning’, ‘retouching’, ‘rethinking’ elements are constant. And instead of meeting the objective, it slowly becomes subjective.

Design is not Art. Remember that.

Because I want to create the best I can. But who’s the judge in this?

Me. I am my worst client.

Fear.

Fear is a relatively huge factor and there is a wide range of fears that we have when we put our work out front. Fear of criticism, fear of rejection or even the fear of fear itself.

The vast number of thoughts running through our mind want to be heard, but we do not have the time to listen to all of them.

Trust.

Do you trust yourself and your own work?

Have you ever looked at your finished product and think ‘is this okay?’

Yes. Sometimes its hard to trust what you’ve finished. But as you go along, you’ll learn to trust yourself a little bit more. When you’re passionate enough about your work, and you know its end value, the confidence and trust will come eventually.

At some point, some people will look at your work and go ‘erm…are you sure? I dont think thats what it should be.’

When you hear the word ‘think’ in their sentence, you know they’re half guessing.

Its a no brainer between someone half guessing vs you knowing your work inside out.

Keep on designing, the confidence will come naturally.

Be Well.

I have to stress on this.

You have to be mentally, emotionally and physically solid to be able to carry out your work properly. I’ve come to realize this after 7 years.

If you are anxious, impatient or sick, the flow of energy in your body is disrupted, which in turn significantly affects your creative output.

You cant run a marathon if you havent eaten or slept enough.

Clear Your Mind.

Look around and open your mind.

There are many sources of inspiration that you could be receiving if you open up.

Surfing non-design related sites inspires me. Sitting at a cafe and watch the world go by inspires me. You just have to open up.

Take a deep breath. Pause. Think positive thoughts…that in turn will fuel the creative juices in your head.

I have noticed that when I go through a list of positive aspects in my life and start showing gratitude for all the good things that’s happened, my energy shifts and creativity starts flooding in. Everything falls into place.

If you have a lot of thoughts in your mind, write things down, sketch it out, make clear your goals and release these thoughts.

If you keep them in your head, it will disappear.

11 Ways to bulldoze over Designer’s Block.

So Okay, there are no definite ways to kill a designer’s block, and to get rid of it is easier said than done and cant happen all the time.

But here are some tips and tricks which of mine which I myself, try to follow.

Gratefulness & Appreciation

Gratitude is a very powerful tool to improve your state of mind. When we are in a positive and cheerful mental state, we become more productive.

This ultimately has a greater impact on others around us as well.

Positive energy that goes around is better than a negative one.

Meditation / Alone Time

Yes. I’m not kidding. I used to think its lame. But no, its not. Its a great way to clear your head and relax that overworked mind.

I dont mean, sitting down cross legged going ‘Ohmmm…’. Cleaning my room can be relaxing, sitting on my bed and staring at the ceiling is some form of meditation as well.

Meditation is freeing, giving you the opportunity to reset your brain. It is a great tool for inspiration and mental mending.

I think thats why monks meditate.

Move That Body

Go running. Go swimming. Go rock climbing. Go do a sport.

Better flow of blood in the brain is always good. And the adrenalin produced makes you feel better too.

You and me both know all the hours in the office eventually adds to the extra weight.

Tired and sluggish gets you nowhere.

Go Easy on the Caffeine

Caffeine. I take loads. Too much sometimes and I’m slowly cutting back on it.

Caffeine intake causes a short-term elevation in your metabolism, giving you a burst of energy.

While it has its good points, ie, curing cancer, too much in the long run is detrimental to your health.

I once felt the effect of Coffee + Red Bull.

Its not good.

We all Need Movies

Movies always inspire me. I’m sure you know what I mean. It doesn’t matter if someone tells you its rubbish. Its what you take away from that movie is important. If it inspired you, then its a good movie already.

Different people coming from different backgrounds and experiences will be inspired differently.

You cant help it if they’re boring and not inspired by what you like.

Be Yourself

Don’t hide in someone else’s shadow. Shine with your own light and shine brightly.

Design from your heart. Just wing it!

You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the result.

Do a Good Deed

Yes. Its totally non-design related.

But do something nice. Give a gift to your friend. Donate. Smile at people you meet.

Kindness relaxes your mind and opens it up. This will unleash your creativity.

What goes around comes around.

Sleep Well

Ahhh…this I have yet to follow fully. But I am trying.

But when i know its gonna be a long day tomorrow, I sleep more today. It just pulls you through.

Your body will thank you in your later years if you look after it now. Some ideas come to you when you are on your bed and your body is highly relaxed.

I have pen and paper nearby my bed. Sometimes, i do get ideas in my sleep and i wake up and write/sketch it out before it all goes away.

Be Humble

Accept any criticism positively. Before you brush it aside, analyze what has been said and why they were said in the first place.

Reflect on these words and seek to improve yourself.

If you are humble, people are more willing to share and offer constructive advice, and this will eventually open up your window of creativity.

DONT COPY AND PRETEND ITS YOUR OWN. THE JOKE WILL BE ON YOU EVENTUALLY.

Humility is a useful tool that can get you further.

Dont Kill Yourself If You’re Stuck

When you’re stuck, and u get pissed off at yourself. Its not gonna lead you anywhere.

Take a break from work. Do something else.

I go for drives.

Go do what makes you tick.

Be Happy

How you feel will show in your work.

How you choose to feel is entirely up to you.

I try to be happy most of the time.