In almost any creative profession you will, at one point or another, face a wall. As a designer, this may happen literally. Try as you might, you can’t seem to shake the metal block and may feel as though you’ve lost your mojo. Sometimes a creative block will last no longer than a few minutes while some stretch on for days.

However, when your livelihood is at stake, there’s no time for dwelling. Here are a few handy tricks for getting back to your sweet spot.

1) Take a break. Designers know that inspiration can happen in the most unexpected places, and non-stop working can often result in less time exploring the world around you. Sometimes all you need to get back your creative touch is to step away from your work and do a little discovery. Take a walk in your neighborhood or outside your office, get some fresh air. If necessary, take an entire “mental health day” to recharge and clear your mind.

2) Go somewhere new. When you see the same things day after day, week after week, you begin to glaze over the details. It’s hard to find new inspiration in the spaces and resources you’ve already exhausted. Instead, switch things up. Take a different route home, check out a different restaurant for dinner or stop by a new boutique on your lunch break.

3) Check out the work of your peers. Authors sometimes read a book to escape their writer’s block while a painter may visit an art gallery. It’s not so they can steal ideas, but to remind themselves that great things are possible. Exploring the work of other people in your industry can rekindle your passion and desire to create. If you’re feeling stuck, check out some photos of great design. Who knows? You may even stumble upon one of your own old masterpieces.
Photo Credit: Kyle Jeffers