1. Bring out that one song that will get your creative juices flowing.
Next time you’re in creative slump (and all you want to do is slap Gotham over a filtered photo), consider listening to one of your all-time favorite high-energy jams. After all, you can’t just let those $380 Beats Studio Headphones collect dust in the corner.
Protip: Getting up and dancing might will definitely help you.
2. Rack up some more stars on your Starbucks Gold Card™.
Okay, okay, we all know a pour-over using freshly ground, locally roasted beans is the way to go, but nothing brings back the power of design like a 1200 calorie beverage consisting of mayyyybe 10% actual coffee.
Protip: It’s not about the beverage, it’s about getting away from your computer monitor and actually seeing the sunlight today.
3. Read a book.
The internet is a huge source of inspiration, but your Creative Director didn’t spend hundreds on the agency library for decoration. When was the last time you picked up one of these suckers?
Protip: If your workplace doesn’t have any books, saunter on down to the local bookstore (yes, those still exist) and see if anything piques your interest.
4. Put your work up for all to see.
You know it to be true: not everything you do is going to be brilliant. However, here at TBG we’ve really developed a culture of giving feedback. We all have PTSD from that one time (when THAT professor ripped your crappy work off the wall and spat on it in front of the entire class), but your coworkers will probably be a little more forgiving. Probably.
Protip: Don’t just sit there waiting for feedback, ask around!
5. Take a 20 minute nap.
Studies have shown that a 20 minute nap can make you feel like Superman*. When you notice yourself mindlessly scrolling through 40+ pages of stock photos without knowing what you’ve just looked at…it’s time.
*Results not guaranteed.
Protip: If you can’t get away to take a nap, a 20 minute walk around the block can help too. It’s not nearly as good though. What kind of place won’t let you take a nap??? That’s awful. Damn.
6. Alcohol!
There have been many studies conducted on how alcohol affects creativity. The answer? Yes…IT WORKS! Not all places promote drinking on the job, but if Mad Men taught us anything, it’s that booze is basically our go go juice.
7. Work on something else for a while.
Sometimes, you’re just not in the right mindset to work on a particular project. Say goodbye, put it in a box, store the box in a corner of your brain and slam the door on your way out. You guys need a to take a break from each other.
8. Raid the snack bar.
Grab a buddy (see what I did there?) and head towards the kitchen for a quick snack. Get your mind off the project and focus on fighting for the last bag of Cool Ranch Doritos. It’s going to be a blood bath.
9. Cry.
Everyone does it, and it’s perfectly okay. Unless you’re our CD, Brian – in that case, emotions are non-existent and expression is achieved in the form of slapping around a punching bag.
10. Take a deep breath, tell yourself you can do it, and make that design your b*tch.
Good luck, fellow creatives. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Join in the conversation!