Creativity on demand

It’s not easy for designers to work at 9-5 agencies. There will be times when you’re drained of all inspiration but still need to deliver ideas on a deadline, and there are times when you’re bursting with energy and passion to do stuff but there just isn’t a whole lot going on. Creativity-on-demand is something that CEOs and managers have simply come to expect from an experienced designer, but it can be tough to deal with for the younger designers.

The most useful strategy I’ve found to be able to consistently execute good outcomes is to not rely on your job as the sole output for your creativity. Do stuff outside of work in mediums that are completely different from your work. If you’re a web designer, try painting still-life objects. If you’re an interaction designer, dabble in illustration. I’m currently doing mobile design at work, so I’m an avid pencil-sketcher and photographer outside of work.

The important thing to realize is that it doesn’t have to be design-related. Writing, for instance, is still a form of creative self-expression. Having a blog and putting posts on there is still you unleashing your ideas in written form. Playing an instrument is a deeply human and gratifying act which still requires you to intentionally think about melody and tone. Even activities like editing a video involves choosing the right shots, selecting the proper framing, and creating a cohesive narrative for the audience.

As long as you’re creating and not simply consuming, you’re adding value to yourself as a designer. It doesn’t even have to be good. You simply need to be prolific about the amount of work you do. This way, your brain is always active and your neurons are firing in new pathways. Being well-rounded in various creative mediums can only serve to benefit you when looking to draw inspiration or ideas from past experiences.

The next time you’re on a slow project or when you’re just not able to ideate rapidly enough, all these varied projects will serve as a strong foundation from which to pick and choose applicable concepts. Or if you’ve got a lot of enthusiasm and energy to do great work, you can channel it towards these other mediums for some cool portfolio projects. You’re going to end up with amazing outcomes either way, whether it’s for work or personal use.