After being a graphic designer and illustrator for the past three years at my university, I find sometimes my Creative drive I had in my previous years goes missing. Sound familiar at all? It’s that creative block that occurs every now and it may cause you to feel down and unmotivated. Sometimes when you work so much you become worn out. (At least for me it happens.) But eventually that passion finds its way back! 

I came up with a list that helps me find my motivation and boosts my creative passion. It may help you too! Here the top things that I do.

1.   Buy a new Creative Journal

Buying a new creative Journal can help get that mind thinking. From printing out things you find online or writing down your thoughts and new ideas that come to you. Write about that one design project you found on Instagram the other day and why it makes a good design. Is it an new color palette you’d like to use in an upcoming project? Is it the placement of type you find stunning? Print out a picture of that example and glue it to your journal. These pictures you choose for your journal can be cut-out labels you find from packaging you bought the other day. This is what I call creative scrapbooking. Write and paste every creative thought or inspiration you find. Jot down the names of graphic designers you find on the internet. And remember to ask yourself, what if I do this to my design?  What can I do better to this design? This creative journal is great to look back on and is a fantastic reference. It’s your own personal journal that will keep your mind fresh and excited.  

Here are some good places to shop for that one special journal: Art Stores like Jerry’s Artarama, Michael’s, A.C. Moore, TJ Max, and Barnes & Noble 

2.    Draw & Sketch

Sometimes sitting behind a screen all day can seem repetitive. I think that drawing something small helps my illustrative side and keeps me going. It’s time to take out those colored pencils. Even if you’re a designer and you believe that you can’t draw, it’s still so important to draw and sketch! It doesn’t always have to be a professional masterpiece; it can be a small ink drawing. These drawings can even be drawings of new layouts or wire frame options for future print and web design. 

3.    Pinterest and Behance

These are great resources to see what’s trending for designs. Make a folder on your laptop of your favorite designs. Pin whatever makes you excited to be a designer

4.  Books, Articles, YouTube Videos, & Magazine Subscriptions

There are always informational articles to read to help expand your knowledge on art and design. I like finding books online about design brainstorming. Or books on how to write calligraphy or simply hand draw type. Books that push you to be creative such as Keri Smith’s books. Those interactive activity books are super fun. Tutorials on Youtube or Lynda.com are so useful to help you expand your skillsets using the Adobe programs. Magazines from Graphic Design USA are great to use and read too! 

5.  Go to Art Museums and Antique Stores

Check out those art galleries while you still have that Student ID. Take a train to New York and see that new art show at the MOMA.Getting in touch with fine art is a great way to spark that creativity. 

6. Go watch Movies and Listen to Music

While watching movies on Netflix or TV shows, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the composition of what’s on screen. Notice the setting of the movies and the costumes that are being worn. Listen to the background music. It’s all art related, especially in movies like “Emoji” or “The Little Prince.” It’s filled with art, story, and music. Lastly, remember also to listen to music every day! Create a new playlist specifically made for inspiring you and keeping you focused.