Quarantine has taken a lot from us and some things we will never be able to recover. While people have lost loved ones, jobs and more the one thing I’ve seen more and more are Creatives losing their Creativity. In the beginning I was the Creative that had no drive I slowly realized I was having a creativity block. Acknowledging you have a problem is always the first step and thanks to me being a solution-oriented person I’m here to help others. Here are my 5 tips for overcoming Creative Block during quarantine!
- Keep a Sketchbook or Paper Near – Most of my greatest ideas have come at the most inopportune times. During quarantine especially with all of the downtown ideas strike at random so I’ve made it a habit to keep a pencil or pen in my pocket and my small sketchbook near. Every idea gets a quick sketch with a small note added. If you don’t want to carry a book computer paper works just as well! Fold it into a square and keep it in your pocket.
- Finish Old Projects – I’m someone that loves to start projects but at times I don’t finish them. Take WKNDHero for instance! The idea came around 2014 with a completed logo and style guide, I soft released and failed in 2018 or 2019 and finally got the courage to complete it during Quarantine. Now I’m more active with new eyes and mindset so this was the perfect time for me to complete it. Today I begin to work on my Business Card Design series to help Entrepreneurs secure a functional business card design. Think of all of the half-finished projects you have saved on your computer or in your notebook, work towards finishing one today!
- Take a Break – I know it sounds super counter-productive but hear me out. Creative Block can cause extreme frustration and the best thing to do in that moment is to take a step back and walk away for a bit. Allow your mind some time to be free then take a few moments to think of possible solutions to what you’re dealing with. What is a new way you can approach the design? Where are a few websites for inspiration? Those are just two of the many questions to ask yourself before you sit back in front of your work.
- New Eyes – Some of us have been lucky or unlucky enough to be quarantined with family and or friends. When I’m not sure about a design or decision I will usually turn to my wife to either agree or destroy what I’m working on. We don’t need “Yes Men” we need people who love us to be honest. If you don’t have anyone with you then you can phone a friend or video chat using many free services.
- Just Create – Sometimes you have to work the block out! That means you need to keep creating even if it’s garbage save it then start on the next one. Working through the bad ideas to get to something great. Ignore the rules and what you have learned and just create (Unless you have material to think about then be very diligent with this process).
I hope these tip help if so give us a follow on Instagram at @wkndherobrand
