Whether you’re in the graphic design industry, media production or even mass communication, creative block can happen anytime. When you’re lacking inspiration or motivation, where do you search for one?
With broad experience and strong passion for the design and media field, Alce Patricia, lecturer of PSB Academy’s Diploma in Graphic Design and Media shares with us 8 things to do when you’ve hit a creative block.
1. Find the Truth
In the postmodern era, the authenticity of the audience is important. By engaging the truth/authenticity of our society’s needs and their identity, it will not only increase their participation and appreciation of the work, but it will also introduce an interesting element of unpredictability and creativity.
Make sure to keep pursuing your creativity with passion—find new places, books, ideas, art, and people to keep you inspired. Take time to cultivate the relationship that you want to grow. Carve out a date for your creativity every week by taking yourself out to a place that motivates your imagination.
2. Get Out and Be There
Don’t just sit at your desk. Whenever you have ideas, be there to see it and feel it. Make use of your senses to interpret it, otherwise you are drawing from what is in your head, and that is probably going to be what other people have in their head. In order to get a unique insight and perspective, you need to experience it.
3. Go Beyond the Brief
Write a short list of questions the brief is asking and keep going back to them to ensure you are not deviating from it. But don’t stop there. Think outside the box, go beyond your usual creative style and stretch what you think may be the most ridiculous idea, as far as it can go.
4. Stay Curious
The media industry is constantly changing. What is trending today may not necessarily be the same in a few months’ time. Be ready to learn and expose yourself to changing trends. Keep exploring, researching, creating and networking but also remember to have fun in the process.
5. Remind Yourself How to do “Serious Play”
Serious play is a combination of humor, play and creativity. It is now commonly known that the most creative people and organisations engage in problem-solving in playful ways. “Laughter provides a train wreck for the mind, suspending thought and being in the moment, which opens the channels for innovative, creative thinking.” – Lemons G
6. Be a Risk Taker
Henri Matisse once said, “Creativity takes courage.” You never know – the most successful campaign could stem off from your craziest idea! Be confident to take risks and be prepared that in the process, you may be met with failure. So what if you fail? It takes courage to embrace failure and at least you are learning from it.
7. Let Go of Your Fear of Vulnerability
Creating something from scratch can be daunting. The fear of failure and not meeting expectations can prevent you from expressing yourself. Recognising these emotions is the first step, but do not let them take over. Be open to comments and constructive criticism.
8. Be Intentional about Creating the Career You Want for Yourself
Every dream must take the form of a plan. The old adage, “get what you plan for”, is so true. Your dream won’t just happen, you will need to sit down and plan out your strategy to achieve it. Think through the details and break down the plan into small, workable parts. Lastly, set a time frame and focus on the reliable school or people that will help you accomplish your dream.
Get Started
At PSB Academy, we offer graphic design and media courses if you are looking to chart out a career path or upskill in the graphic design or media industry. Visit the links below to find out more about these courses!
- PSB Academy – Certificate in Media and Communications
- PSB Academy – Diploma in Media and Communications
- PSB Academy – Diploma in Graphic Design and Media
- University of Newcastle, Australia – Bachelor of Communication
- Coventry University – Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Media and Communications
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About Alce Patricia
Alce Patricia graduated with a Master of Graphic Design (Distinction) from the University of Hertfordshire – School of Creative Arts. Recognised for her outstanding academic performance, Alce was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship. Being a member of Korea Society of Basic Design & Art (KSBDA) and design society, she is often invited to give a talk (in South Korea, UK and Indonesia) and showcase her work at creative exhibitions in San Francisco, London, South Korea and many more.
Her current research into temporal authorship explores the transformation of reading experience in digital media, and the extent to which virtual typographic forms mimic the properties of physical objects and texts. Specific research interests include, but are not limited to: Typography, design thinking, semiotic design, philosophy, social impact and data analysis.
She currently teaches Design Theory, Principles of Layout, Ideas Generation, Social Management, Data Analysis, Design Thinking and Experimental Design at the Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Degree levels.
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