Design Professionals thrive on their ability to create new and refreshing designs for their clients. At times, finding inspiration for new designs can be challenging, especially if you don’t know where to find it. No matter where you are in your career, “designer’s block” may become an issue at some point. Here are some tips to help boost your creativity:

Collaborate With Your Peers

Sometimes it helps to just talk things through. One of the best ways and most effective ways to generate new ideas is by speaking with your peers and hearing different perspectives through conversation. You may find that talking through some of your design frustrations with a friend or colleague may spark up some new ideas and solutions. The thought of discussing your designs with others may seem taboo for some (especially if you’re a single-person business), however, the best way to move the design industry forward is through collaboration and teamwork among design professionals. 

Revisit Old Photos or Design Work

There are tons of design images you can reference, whether your own or from other designers and publications. Maybe it’s time to revisit some of those old photos to gather ideas. You can also try looking at past vacation/travel photos to see if there are any interesting designs and decor from places you’ve visited. Many designers draw inspiration from their international travels and incorporate these ideas into their design work. This is also a great tool for clients who want to integrate their past travels into their current decor. Design is all about creativity, so don’t be afraid to use all the resources available to create your vision.

Relocate to a Different Setting

Are you doing all your work in the same location? Sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need to get the creative juices flowing. If you’ve been in the office (or wherever you work from) for an extended period of time, try temporarily switching your location to see if it helps. Try visiting your local library or a nearby coffee shop/restaurant and see how that works for you. Also, be sure to analyze your surroundings to see if there’s anything that stands out to you. You may find inspiration in unlikely places. 

Get Organized

If you’re not able to move to another environment, you may benefit from improving your current surroundings. If your working space is cluttered or unorganized, consider putting in some time to tidy up and get things in order. As Albert Einstein famously pointed out, “a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind,” so taking some time to put things in order may help to move things along.