Picture the scene, you’ve been given a project to lead the creative on, you’re ready and raring to go, but the designer’s block hits you. As a professional web designer, you may know all too well the frustration of staring at a blank screen, waiting for inspiration to strike. Designers are expected to come up with something extraordinarily new every time, so when you hit a creativity block, it can be a struggle. However, it’s one that can be combated.
In this blog, we dive into six effective strategies to help you overcome creative blocks and empower you to keep those ideas flowing and bring your designs to life.
1. Get away from the screen
This may seem a little counter-productive, but one of the most effective ways to fight a creativity block is to simply get away from the screen. Whether you choose to step outside for a breath of fresh air, take a short walk, or engage in other avenues of design, it’s all available to you and can sometimes inspire something completely unrelated.
Sometimes, designers can get stuck in a mindset when they live their entire career behind a screen. But by exploring other mediums of design, like drawing or painting for example, it can inspire fresh perspectives that reignite your creative streak. Give yourself permission to disconnect from technology for a short while and let your brain reset – this could potentially lead to more innovative solutions when you’re ready to return to your project.
2. Talk to your team
If you’re lucky enough to be part of a team, be sure to utilise it. Talk and share about your ideas as it can spark and inspire creativity. When designer’s block hits you, it may be a case of being too close to a project and you begin to nit-pick at everything you do. Talking to your team gives your project a fresh pair of eyes and potentially brings different viewpoints to the table.
Whether it’s through a casual brainstorming session or a more structured meeting, talking about your ideas can often help bring clarity and motivation. Plus, bouncing ideas off your teammates can create a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking, making it easier to overcome the mental hurdles of creative stagnation.
3. Think laterally
Have you ever heard of the phrase “think laterally”? Essentially this means, don’t take the obvious route. Your first idea is probably everyone’s first idea, and the magic often lies in the second, third, or fourth idea you have. By taking this approach, it can encourage you to step outside the conventional boundaries of your design process and explore ideas from different perspectives.
For example, a designer working with American Express could have focused on the usual benefits of owning an American Express credit card – accepted worldwide, great perks, and so on. But instead, they wrote “American Express is not for everyone”.
That one line reportedly led to over a billion dollars in revenue because it sparked curiosity, created exclusivity, and stood out by doing the unexpected. By broadening your thought process and allowing yourself to play with concepts that aren’t directly related to your project, you may discover something completely wonderful.
4. Remember, inspiration is everywhere
Keeping your eyes open to inspiration in even the most mundane of places can sometimes help you strike gold in a creativity block. From the colours of a sunset or patterns in nature, to the architecture in a nearby building or colour combination of a billboard, everyday things can help provide fresh perspectives and ideas for your web designs.
You might also want to consider a variety of different mediums for your source of creativity too, such as books, art, TV, and even popular apps like Pinterest. All of these can inspire you to think differently and provide a wellspring of inspiration.
5. Put your phone down and try something new
We touched on this earlier but a great way to overcome creative blocks is to try new avenues of creativity. Putting your phone down and stepping away from your computer screen can help you clear your mind and open up new streams of inspiration that might not have been noticed before.
Try something completely different to what you’re used to – whether it’s picking up a paint brush, experimenting with a new craft, or trying out a new hobby. Engaging in activities outside of your usual design routine can spark fresh ideas. Plus, it gives your mind a much-needed break, allowing your subconscious thoughts to process and potentially lead to those “aha moments” when you get back to your project.
6. Attend a casual meetup
Attending a casual meetup is a great way to combat designer’s block. Websites like Meetup allow you to find informal and relaxed environments where you can connect with fellow creatives, share ideas, and gain new perspectives. It’s also a good way to learn new skills and take advantage of a valuable experience where you’re surrounded by likeminded people.
Whether it’s a local focus group, a public speaking event, or a co-working space meetup, connecting with fellow designers in a relaxed environment not only takes the pressure off attending a formal networking event, but can inspire new thoughts and approaches to your work. Many meetups are often free, so you really have nothing to lose and a lot of valuable insight to gain.
Speak to us for your website design
These are just some of the many ways you can combat a creativity block. Just remember, designer’s block happens to many professionals, so don’t panic if you find yourself struggling, you can overcome it, especially if you practice our above tips.
If you’re looking to elevate your online presence with a stunning website, we can help. Whether you’re launching a new site, or revamping an existing one, our web design specialists are dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to learn how we can design a site that not only meets your needs, but also captivates your audience.
