A quick look into how I break the Design Block and what really helps me produce the work I enjoy.
So, your stuck for inspiration? Well all I know is that it happens to me far too often and finding your way out of the dry spell can be a real pain. Personally I don’t think theres any specific steps you can take to break the dreaded design block and in my opinion its each to there own in terms of how to to start finding a way out. This post is just a comprehensive overview of some of the steps I take to help me get on my way and if you find this useful, Great, but I would really like to see how you guys break your design blocks so after you’ve scanned this post please leave your comments on what you do.
Tea Anybody?
Yep, I’m struggling and the first thing I do is run away. After looking at a brief and scanning all the relevant information I head straight to the tea room. I find taking yourself away from the project after just taking all the info in gives you a chance to stand back and watch the kettle bubble while you drift in and out of possible ideas.
Design Galleries
Ok, I now have a couple of ideas for the direction in which I would like to take the design, Now I know what your thinking ( copy or rip off ) but no! What I like to do is take a look at a few of my favorite design galleries to see what layouts and styles seem to work well together and how they can then translate into the design I’m considering. By no means do I want to copy a design as that just takes a certain amount of pride away from the work you produce.
Blogs
Blogs are a great way to influence the way you design and produce your work, so we no there are a lot of, lets say slightly undesirable sites out there but find a few of the bigger names within your industry and distract yourself for a moment or two and give your brain a hit of pure design related topics to see if you can find some inspiration.
Resources
Right, usually by now I have something underway and if not, I’m getting stressed out! This is my last straw before I head back to the tea room or get some air at least. This is similar to the blogs and design galleries but taking a look at sites such as smashing magazine give me a lot more focus and motivation, even though the content may not be suitable for all the projects I produce it provide another avenue for fresh content.
This is just a small section of some of the steps I take to battle the design block but I’m always looking to add to my arsenal so if you have any suggestions please HELP!
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