How to keep creativity flowingThe dreaded block. It can hit just about anyone, at just about any time. For some people, it just takes a quick jump to get past it; for others, it can cause days, months or even years of misery. If you work in a creative industry, this can literally derail you. Sure, you could still create things - music, art, stories - but taking something to the next level usually requires true creativity.This is the "real world," not the babied world you are shielded from in your parents' house and in college. This is a cut-throat second career you are stepping into. You have to "hulk-up" and become business savvy, marketing wizard, head-honcho and almighty-guru all into one!This rings true for any marketing, graphic design or advertising professional. With all of the noise coming at consumers every single day, it's essential to create ideas, logos, campaigns and brands that are fresh and stand out from the crowd. While creativity may come naturally to many people, others rest in a miserable dark hole. What do you do when you just can't think of the next good idea? Or any ideas at all?A creative block can be terrifying - what if you can't move forward? What do you do when nothing comes to mind? There's no silver bullet solution, but here are a few basic ways to get your creative juices flowing again.1) Keep a pen and notebook with you at all times.Ideas can be triggered by anything - something you hear, something you smell, something you see. Your senses are your radar, but it's easy to lose a great idea or inspiration if you don't have something to capture it. Having a pen and a small notebook could be invaluable to remembering that great idea you had at the stoplight a minute ago. When you can, log all of your ideas and keep track of them for future reference. Remember, ideas and creativity can come from anywhere.2) Take a chill pill.Just relax and take time to sort out your thoughts and ideas. A clear mind is a must for full creative acceleration. Step back and get rid of any obstacles that could stand in the way of creative genius. Tap into past experiences, emotions and feelings that could lead you to new creative output for the current project. Once you've cleared out any mental clutter, the new ideas will take flight.3) Find your creative space - literally.Create a workplace that will inspire you and push your creativity. Your surroundings can be quite a hindrance if they don't make you feel comfortably. Surround yourself with objects that create a positive environment - photographs, art, quotes, even fragrances - anything that gets your creativeness cranking. A clean and well-organized workplace also helps get rid of distractions. Creativity comes from being in a good state of mind.4) Cater to your creative mood.Think about what makes your mind works best, and then get to that space. This might mean finding a calm, quiet place to think, taking a walk outside or putting on your favorite music. Figuring out what makes you tick can help you get your creative spark back. Set the cadence for your mood and everything else will follow in a straight line.5) Do something different.Having fun produces adrenaline, which will help your imagination take off. Try something totally out of the ordinary - go on an adventure, search Google for local meet-ups, try a new hobby. Whatever it is, make sure it's unusual and completely different from your daily routine. This can boost you out of your rut.Whether you use a few of these tips, all of them or your own special strategy, the key is to challenge the block so it doesn't immobilize you. You definitely have the power to send your imagination and creativity into overdrive.Do you have any tips or tricks to getting rid of creative block? Let us know in the comments.If you enjoyed this post, please share it! You might help someone else with creative block.--BY: Nicholas Tuma, Graphic Communicator| "Moved by passion."
