Jan
29
Overcoming Designers Block
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Monday, January 29th, 2007
Just a couple of weeks ago I posed a question on my most frequented forum. The question was what to do when your in that rut.
In my case, the rut I was talking about, was the lack of creativity. Meaning all my designs where starting to look the same, and lack that inspired flare, that makes them unique.
Some of the suggestions where:
- Check “Inspiration” Galleries – There are plenty of site on the interweb that have some great designs, this can give you a chance to see what new, and popular right now, and try to emulate some of your favorite aspects.
- Go for a walk – Sometimes, you can get very inspired from nature, going for a walk will give you a chance to clear your head, and possibly be inspired by what the world has to offer.
- Leave the computer and sketch elsewhere – To much pressure is never a good thing. It’s a good idea to go someplace where your computer is not. Bring a paper and a pencil, and get to sketching, You would be surprised on how much easier ideas flow when your not trying to code them, just relies them.
- Build off a design you like – Especially a good idea for beginners. Go grab some free designs that you like, and or respect, and tear them apart. See if you can take what’s there, and make a completely new, and original design, based around someone else’s. (Be sure to check copyrights before releasing)
- Channel Surf – Next time your watching TV check some of the ads on there. You will notice a lot of the trends in advertising are surprisingly similar to the current trends in web design. For example, I have seen a lot of ads with rounded corners, and reflection. So when in a rut, and you see an interestingly put together advertisement, see if you can put some of the concept into your web design, you may really like what you come up with.
- Books and magazine covers – Design is design. Just because it is often in another medium then you are working, doesn’t mean your not using a lot of the same tools. I can almost guarantee that photoshop is used in print, video, and web design as a favorite tool of choice. Don’t be afraid of experimenting with concepts that you are not used to, most likely if it makes a really amazing magazine cover, it will also make a interesting web design.
- Take some time off – There is times, when no matter how much inspiration you have, the only way to overcome a block, or slump, is to just get away. Sometime, this is the only option you have. It’s kind of like, when your trying to think of who sung a specific song, although it’s right on the tip of the old brain, it’s still just inches away from your grasp. Then an hour or two later, your ordering a double cheeseburger in the drive-thru, and all of the sudden you scream out, It was DEVO! Of course utterly confusing the poor order taker.
- Listen to music – Again, another one of those simple, mind relaxing options. Anything that can calm you down, and allow your mind to do what it’s best at and be creative is a good thing. So stop sitting in silence, beating yourself up, and listen to your favorite tune and chill.
- Exercise – Good for the mind and the body, Get the heart pumping, and when you come back, you should find your much more relaxed, and ready to get to work.
I hope these ideas will help you overcome your slump/block. I would like to thank the folks
@ opendesigns.org for the great suggestion, and inspiring a small article that will hopefully help someone else, as much as it has helped me.
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