Just like Writers and Writer’s Block, Designers can get much the same. I find myself lost for ideas sometimes, and I am sure that many of the other designers out there that find this happening too!There are some simple and effective ways to bring these ideas to your head. These are just some of the things I like to do when I’m stuck, but I am sure that I’d share my techniques with some other fellow designers.
Design Galleries
One of the very first things that I’ll do is dive into some good ol’ design galleries, just some that I suggest out of the hundreds upon thousands of them would be:
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| CSS-Heaven | CSS Elite |
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| CSS Drive | CSS Vault |
Walking
Walking
Walking can be great to clear your mind and get inspiration. Try going for a walk near a river or a nice park. Walking can be a great way to get you a green-eco oriented design, or can also bring inspiration for any other sort of design; this all depends on when and where you go walking. I myself go to a nice park near me with a large lake and bush land at around 4pm in the afternoon when I’m in need of inspiration.
Music
Music
Listening to some music is a good way to feel the grooves, But in terms of design and inspiration Music makes the mind flare! This is one of the very first things I do when I’m lost for inspiration. This may not work on all people, but choose your genre carefully as this can impact on what you inspire in or design.
Resting
Sleeping
Taking a rest from designing or sometimes sleeping can assist in gathering inspiration, as your not trying to force yourself to think of an idea. Taking a break for designing for an hour or two will do the world of good for your inspiration in most cases, then allowing you to return back to the process with a fresh start.
All in all, there are many different ways that people gather inspiration through web galleries, nature, exercise, music, hobbies, sport and even conversation! Even though here I’ve just listed a few, Why don’t you share your ideas by leaving a comment with what you do.
Share the Love
Fire G
February 1st
Nice Post Andrew, I agree whole-heartily with all of your suggestions.
I personally find an incredible amount of inspiration in Techno and Instrumental Music.
James
February 2nd
Very good post Andrew, however the music one would not be a inspriation to me, as the music genre I like gives off no inspriation what so ever. So if I was to be designing and opening my playlist up, I'd most probably start head banging instead!
Death Metal Baby! <3
p0rky
September 20th
I've got no idea how i stumbled across this page but I just had a quick read of what you've written above about the 'designer's block' you're exactly right!
It's always good to see fellow freelance designers/artists and read what their opinions/suggestions on common issues.
=) Cheers!