AM Design

A clean sheet of paper. A blank computer screen. Most of the time, these are merely challenges to overcome; problems to solve. Whether you’re a designer or a writer, you may view this moment as an exciting adventure that’s about to begin. However, there are times when staring at that bright white paper or empty Word doc can cause anxiety or a panic attack. These are the times when you might need a little creative spark.

Here are a few simple ideas to help get your creative mind on track:

Get Out

Your first step would be to get away from your computer or office space. Take a break and take a walk. A breath of fresh air can do some good. Don’t try to force the idea by staring at your computer screen. Your desktop will always win in a staring contest. If you can, take a drive and go to a park, museum, bookstore or coffee shop. Some of the best ideas come from places you’d never expect.

Take a Look

If you can’t get away from your desk or office, take a break and turn a page. Read a book or magazine (i.e. – HOW or Print magazines). Read a blog – pick some creative blogs to follow and stay up-to-date with design trends, study art culture or learn various program tips and tricks. You can also follow agencies and designers on various social networks. (You can follow AM Design on both Twitter and Facebook!)

Team Spirit

If you work with a team, try to have weekly, or at least monthly, Creative Sessions. These are great for team building and can also lead to excellent brainstorming sessions. Make sure that these sessions are fun, but also applicable. For example, take your team out to a local park and have them bring their cameras (high-end or simple point-and-shoot). Then allow them some freedom to take photos around the area. This is a great way to build your company’s stock photo library with textures, environments, abstract images, etc. Keep it structured but not too rigid; entertaining but not pointless.

Listen Up

Find new music to listen to. If you’re stuck in a creative rut, branch out of your 90s grunge rock playlist and try to find some new inspiring music. Listening to tunes (with words or simply ambient music) can help you burst through that creative block and make the time fly.

Draw, Partner!

Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, pick up a pencil and paper and just draw. You can doodle, draw things around your desk, or sketch out the person sitting across from you: just draw! Sketching may help you conjure up a great idea for your next project. Another helpful creative tool is a word map. Start with your project theme or idea in the center. Next, branch out with words that are associated with that theme. Continue branching new words out from the previous one again, and again. Words will begin to connect and, hopefully, will spark a new perspective on an old idea. Once you try either, you might end up keeping a sketchbook or journal with you all the time!

There are many ways to break through a creative wall and get inspired. You just need to find what works for you and your team and go for it!