Being a full-time Creative can be a difficult, toiling, and ever-changing life and lifestyle.
At times we can spend hours, days, or even weeks staring at a blank canvas for one project and then on another you may have a burst of inspiration that enables you to knock out a two-week of project in 24 hours.
If only there was a magic formula to get your creative juices flowing all the time…! And although there isn’t a formula I’ve found some very “uncreative” ways to keep my brain on the edge of creative juice.
Check these out…
1. Get Out of the Office!
It’s a scientific fact that fresh air, and the vitamin D you get from the sun can give you a burst of energy.
Sometimes that’s all it takes to come up with the perfect layout, or solve the snippet of code that was throwing your script in an endless loop. So take a 10 minute break, walk around the building, stroll through the park.
You will also find your eyes will feel less stressed because they get to focus on things other then a monitor 15 inches from your face.
2. Check Out a Bookstore
Maybe your stumped on designing the branding for an upcoming series at your church. Head down to your nearest Barnes and Noble, Borders or a library and check out some of the latest magazines, or look up a few books under the subject matter.
Or check out some books that have NOTHING to do with the subject matter.
3. Hit a Gym!
I know John touched this a few weeks ago. I have to agree with him 100% I have been hitting the gym almost every day and I can not say enough how much it helps me with work.
Yes your first thoughts may be “It will make me tired…”, “I just don’t have time to do that”.. I have noticed on days I find myself going straight to work instead of going to the gym I am much more non productive. On the days I do go to the gym I have much more energy, I’m able to gather my thoughts while I’m on the treadmill and plan out my day, and I feel like I have accomplished something already.
Not to mention the added benefits of being healthy and taking care of what God has given us!
4. Rearrange Your Workspace
I have a room in our town home I have declared my “office” every month or so I like to move my desk around, change some artwork and move my lights in different areas. I always feel so inspired after doing this, not only do I have a clean office but it feels new.
Your environment can distract or urge you to work differently. Maybe it’s not going as far as rearranging your whole office, sometimes a new notebook and some office supplies can do the trick. If you don’t have an office space and you work on the couch… try moving your setup to the dining room table.
5. Get Out of Town!
We all get stuck in routines, we drive the same routes we see the same stores and come across the same people. Take a weekend, go visit a nearby state/town/country. You don’t have to go far but being able to experience new environments and cultures can do a world of good to your creative mojo.
Take some time away from your project and if your anything like me, after a few days you will be itching to jump right back in.
Don’t lie to me! We all do it. We will sit at our desk for hours staring at a overworked mockup going back and forth between minor details the client will not even notice.
Take a break and try one of these, see if it makes a difference. If it doesn’t I will buy you a Quad Core iMac… ehh no I wont.
How about you?
Like I said these are things I have personally found helpful, but we are all created different. So what gets you going?
Brian Hirschy says
I rearrange my workspace all the time w/ the intentions of getting into a new ‘creative groove’
I also eat a lot of hot sauce, I find that helps.
Marcus Williamson says
Good points. I like the last one, haven’t heard it before.
Marcus Williamson says
Forgot to answer your question. Playing video game actually help me out a ton. Call me crazy but I enjoy it!
greenhornet79 says
I love the illustrations.
Adam Lehman says
Great ideas. Hitting the gym is always incredibly refreshing for me.
I once read that changing your clothes can help you break out of a rut, i now do it pretty often.
Jared Erickson says
haha yeah i try to do that at least ones a day….