Navigating Designer's Block: Embracing Imperfection in the Pursuit of Creativity
As designers, we've all encountered the well-meaning advice to "step away and come back to it later" when facing a creative roadblock. Yet, the reality is, when a project's on your mind, it's like a constant companion, popping up in the shower, interrupting your sleep, until finally, that lightbulb moment hits. So, instead of pretending we can simply take a break from our creative minds, what can we actually do to shake off designer's block?
Designer's block is that frustrating sensation when inspiration seems to have taken an extended vacation, leaving you staring at a blank screen. As designers we slip into the pit of perfection which can leave us being our own competition. As Anthony Wood noted in his article on designer's block, "There is a lot of pressure on us to constantly generate great work for our clients, so we’ve built up an intolerance towards anything that feels incomplete or uninspired." It's a relentless battle against the inner critic, the voice that tells us our work is never good enough, that we'll never measure up to our own expectations.
But with this internal struggle lies the potential for growth and discovery. "Neurologically, creative block may be linked to reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex—the brain region responsible for creative thinking and decision-making," as Anila Hasnain insightfully pointed out. So, in the thought that designer's block neurologically may be out of our control, instead of viewing it as a sign of weakness, we can choose to see it as an opportunity for self-compassion and creative exploration.
I can admit I've found myself thinking, 'I'm not good enough to be a designer, why am I even doing this?' So, how can we break free from the shackles of perfectionism and rediscover our creative spark?
Here are a few simple but helpful ways to get you out of your own way:
Reframe your perspective: It's easy to get stuck in the rut of 'the block' and want to scrap the project completely, but it's important to remember why we chose to be designers in the first place and even reflect on some of the pieces we consider our spark or simply projects we are proud of. For me, I always look back on the first graphic art I sold. Even today, it hangs in my room, serving as a reminder of my capabilities. So, when faced with challenges, let's draw inspiration from our past successes and remind ourselves of the passion that drives us forward.
Use your inner child: As suggested in the article by Architecture and Design, one effective approach is to experiment with unfamiliar tools in design software like Photoshop or Illustrator. Personally, I've found that some of my best ideas are by accident, simply from trying new tools without fear of making mistakes in my designs. It may sound unconventional, but sometimes, letting go of structure and embracing our playful side can lead to unexpectedly brilliant outcomes in our designs.
Embrace seeking inspiration: Sometimes, I wonder if scrolling through sites like dribble.com or Pinterest is like taking a shortcut. But really, why share our work if it doesn't spark inspiration in others? Exploring the work of others often helps us grow; it's like collaborating with countless designers in a virtual space. So, don't be afraid to experiment with ideas you stumble upon from others because it's all about discovering and navigating your own path through the boundless sea of creativity.
It's important to find what works for you, but ultimately, we all encounter some form of 'block,' regardless of where we are in life or our level of expertise as designers, so be easy on yourself and remember your creative spark will come back.
Hi! I’m Brooke Barber.
As a graphic designer I find joy in sharing my thoughts with other creators and the world. My work is a reflection of my education and personal growth over the years and I hope you enjoy both my written and visual pieces.
