Productive Ways to Snap Out of Creative Blocks
It happens to everyone, usually at the most inconvenient times. The creative block. You might be solution-searching, coming up with fresh campaign ideas or simply thinking about what to write in your next Facebook caption and BAM! It hits you right between the eyes. So how do you forge ahead and find the muse, if she hasn’t yet left the building? The solution doesn’t include Instagram feeds or memes. It’s simple. Process.
Change the scenery
Let’s start with changing our environment. Yep- Environment has a huge impact on outcomes. Bigger spaces and higher ceilings have been linked with broadened thinking. So move out of that shoebox sized study and find some space.
Be inspired by music. It may seem a little whimsical but listening to music – especially instrumental – can spark creative thoughts. According to one study, “moderate noise levels nudge people towards more abstract thinking.” So turn the volume to that optimal level and start the creative process.
Switch tasks
No time to waste? Move to a different task that forces you to use your brain in a different format.
“A study found that breaks in between tasks boosted creative performance, especially when that time was engaged in a different kind of mental activity. The change in focus frees up the unconscious.”
It’s true! Have you ever stop thinking about something and then the answer pops up out of nowhere? Switching tasks from creative to administrative can give your brain the space to subconsciously work.
Find inspiration
Inspiration is everywhere. The trick is to look. Not very tricky, hey? Draw upon the best in your field, create files with collections of inspiring work, and read different genres. Scroll through Pinterest and browse Vimeo to find inspo for your visual projects. Pull elements of strategies and messages, and rework them and create your own. And finally – Collaborate with your team! You can achieve more when you work together.
Get moving
Do you know that walking increases creativity? That’s right! Taking a break and walking around can also help you regain clarity, reduce burn out, and reset your body before you sit back down at your desk.
“Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg were known to holding meetings on foot. A study also found that walking increased creativity levels significantly, compared to that of sitting.”
So let’s get off our seats and start moving. Your creative brain and your waistline will thank you for it!
You can learn to be creative if you can harness the vibe and put in place processes. Get out of the office, do something to switch your mindset and come back with a new outlook. You might find that the answer will fall on your lap. That’s the joy of the creative mind!
Felisha Mendoza Mina is a multidisciplinary creative, teaming up with brands across Australia, North America and Europe. With 6+ years of experience across Graphic Design, Creative Direction, Videography, Photography and Marketing, she takes a highly integrated approach to media and communications that uses a breadth of technical and analytical skills to help industry leaders look better, work smarter, and create with efficiency.
