Feb
17
2007
roadblock
For the past few weeks, I’ve been dealing with a particularly painful case of designer’s block.
I pride myself on being able to turn out good work fairly quickly. But when I can’t produce — when my brain’s not making those A-to-B-to-XYZ connections and nothing’s coming out right — frustration and (self-directed) anger take over. My inability to produce something satisfying isn’t simply an issue of being unable to meet my own standards: I also feel like I’m failing the client and jeopardizing both the project and my professional reputation.
But I can’t just flip a switch and suddenly be “Creative.” I spent far too much time today glaring at the computer screen, pushing pixels and praying for inspiration to finally take hold.
I’m going to try to step back this weekend and seek out other sources of creative nourishment. Maybe a museum outing. Maybe some photography. Time with friends. Reading. Something. I can’t afford to stay trapped in this rut.
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.morethanthis.net/mtadmin/mt-tb.cgi/1768
![[Photo]](http://photos.morethanthis.net/images/2008-09-13/thumbs/IMG_0272.jpg)
Comments
Bummer. Here’s what I’ve done - and your unsolicited advice for the day. Take one of your older designs - something old enough that you can’t really remember the choices you made - and start fiddling with it. Don’t set out to “re-do” it, just start clicking around. Turn off a layer here - add a huge block of color there - swap out the photos for something totally off-topic - you get the idea.
I find it helpful for a few reasons.
1. It’s already done, so there’s no pressure from yourself, the clock or a client, to complete it.
2. You’re not starting from a blank slate, so you’re not paralyzed by the field of white.
3. It’s your work, so your design vocabulary is already there, you don’t have to learn a new language.
Good luck. I feel your pain.
It’s so frustrating to have the desire to be creative, but it just won’t happen. I feel the same way with my writing at times, and I’m sure artists know that feeling well, too. Hope you get yours back soon. :)
If “Easy Buttons” were real, there could be no satisfaction from a job well done. (My weak attempt at being philosophical.) Hang in there girl, It’ll come back to you. Take some time off and forget about it for a weekend.
Pb
Thanks for the support, everyone. :)
The long weekend was a nice opportunity to recharge, and things were a little better on Tuesday, thankfully.
There’s more opportunity for inspiration on the way — we’re heading up to New York for part of this weekend.