20 Ways to Avoid Graphic Designer’s Block

Published by neil under dangerous place to be, music on August 26, 2008

I found this article via stumbleupon and thought it would be amusing to share. Credits to Black Phillips, author of the article. I’ll list it down below. I think it applies to all who are in the creative field, whether visual, musical, or performing arts. Click the link below to read the whole article.

I have taken the liberty of answering personal insights to each tip Mr. Phillips has provided.

20 Ways to Avoid Creative Block When You are a Graphic Designer

by Blake Phillips || Art Director || Vibra Design

1. TAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Ah, yes photography. I’ve started December 2007 and still in the process of learning. And yes, it does help a lot.

Compare so you can learn. Do not judge on the basis of who is better. Pride destroys you before you even get started.

2. CALL A FRIEND

Uhmm… I don’t usually call a friend anymore. Maybe I should do this more often.

3. FLIP THROUGH DESIGN BOOKS

Does design websites apply?

If you have the focus of staying in one before one of your other interests pop in your head, go ahead. Otherwise, nothing beats the old, hard copy print of a design book while lying in bed or taking a dump.

4. READ TUTORIALS

Want to learn how to do an effect? Google is your friend.

You need patience though. Lots of it. If you’re like me who can’t wait from step 1 to step 10, practice patience. That’s the opportunity for it. Don’t ask me how I’m doing.

5. VISIT INSPIRATIONAL WEBSITES

If you’re up for some great photographs and captures, there’s a lot of them in flickr and some other sites.

6. CREATE ART FOR PERSONAL USE

Don’t forget what started you in this field in the first place. Interest. Go and edit your favorite celebrity or crush or whoever you want. If you’re so vain, go and edit your own face.

7. SPEAK WITH COLLEAGUES

Connecting in real life is more important than connecting in the web.

8. WATCH A FUNNY MOVIE OR VIDEO

Be wary of NSFW kind of videos especially when the boss is just behind you. He may be after your behind.

9. DOODLE IN A SKETCHBOOK

Do not, for any reason, draw your boss. If you cannot resist, make sure the shredder is nearby.

10. LISTEN TO MUSIC

If your laptop has the extra juice while running Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Firefox, go and list. If it can’t, buy a new laptop!

11. FIND A SEPARATE HOBBY

I’m sure you have something more than graphics design and the internet and music.

12. TAKE A STEP OUTSIDE

Taking a walk helps when you can’t find the creative universe anywhere near.

13. WRITE POETRY OR PROSE

Make fun of words and write sarcasm and ill comments about life, the goverment, work, your dog, or whatever. Of course, words of adoration are welcome. Just don’t lie.

14. LOOK UP SYNONYMS OR ANTONYMS

Uhm…yeah.

15. GO FOR A DRIVE

If you have the gas that can allow you to leisurely drive to wherever, go. Here in the Philippines, you’ll have to cry sweat and blood before the average earning single individual can drive leisurely.

16. VISIT THE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP

This helps when your concentration is high and you’re meeting a deadline. Do not look at the cute barista. No, don’t even try to approach the lonely cute girl accross the table. And please buy something to drink. Don’t use wifi for the sake of using it for free.

17. WORK IN PUZZLE BOOKS

I love Sudoku.

18. SLEEP ON IT

I love this more.

19. LOOK FOR INTERESTING OR NEW FONTS

In my experience, having it on print is better than looking at it online.

20. STRAIGHTEN UP YOUR OFFICE

I’d like to straighten up my officemate instead. Does that apply?

Again, this is the link for the more serious article:

20 Ways to Avoid Creative Block When You are a Graphic Designer