Dealing with Designer’s Block

Being a full time graphic designer does not mean a limitless supply of imagination and motivation – some times imagination land must close for maintenance and a little “breathing time”. I view this phenomenon as a good thing. Closing up shop for a few hours (or in some cases – days) is more beneficial than a hinderance. It allows one to look at new things, to formulate new ideas on design, process, and motivation. I use to think there was something wrong with me if I couldn’t come up with a new idea in the blink of an eye. Now that I have years of work under my belt I view the “block” as my sub-conscience suggesting a little break time. If I find my self having trouble in terms of imagination and motivation I usually step back from the computer and go do something else for a while. For me books work best – I’ll usually look through an encyclopedia or anything of interest – it’s usually a quick remedy to getting back in front of the Mac with a renewed sense of mission and a bright spark of motivation – how do you deal with designer’s block? – I’d love to know…