Where did my creativity go?

[reuber1]

I don't know what to do anymore. Every other weekend I am off work and that is basically the only time I get to sit at my computer without exhaustion and start working on some designs of some sort to improve my portfolio...none of it's for clients or work since I have no clients or no design job, I'm literally making up this damn work so I can just get a job because my school work wasn't really all that great (compared to my classmates it was awesome). I can't think of any work, though, to do. Everything I've done for the past three months just doesn't look that good at all, it just seems like it's rushed so I can say I got a project done before I have to go to work for the next however many days (like I am today). I just don't know if I'm cut out for this anymore. I feel that any creative bone I've had has been crushed due to my crappy job and current living conditions. I can't think anymore! When I'm on break at work, I bring my sketchbook along and half the time I just doodle some nonsense or write down something along the line of "I hate my job" just to pass the time before I realize I can't think of anything to design. When I get off of work I'm too exhausted to even try to think, and it just sucks. It's a lot easier when you have a project you have to do and there are guidelines to follow, that way you don't have a restless mind racing in 400 million directions that ultimately slows you down. I feel that I'm not as bright as half of the designers out there. I just feel like I, well, suck. I feel like a knob for going onto the Showcase areas or Web Design areas and posting critiques when I have yet to post anything myself because I'm honestly afraid to.

It's just so damned frustrating right now. I feel like I'm at a huge danger here now that there's a whole new batch of graduates out there looking for work while I'm still looking one year post graduation. There are people out there who just got out of college and already have jobs, whereas I'm still at the same hole for the past 4+ years and I can't even get internships. I hate this. I hate this alot.

[morea]

Hang in there, reuber... I think we all feel like this sometimes.

You might consider volunteering for a non-profit agency, like an animal shelter that needs brochures, flyers, and a basic website. You could donate the work, which would be a big help to them (and would sort of make deadlines obsolete), and would still get you the experience, and the pieces for your portfolio.

If you are REALLY stuck you could try some of the projects listed here: http://graphicdesign.about.com/library/portfolio/blportfolio.htm which might help un-stick your creative block because it essentially gives you an assignment.

Or you could re-read my off the wall blog about "how to be creative"
http://morealyera.blogspot.com/2005/01/how-to-be-creative.html
- which is certainly less than helpful, but might get you thinking outside the box!

Good luck, and hang in there.

[Mr_V]

Reuber, Morea gives some good advice ;)

I've been in the same position you are right now many time before, no matter whether you're working on live projects all the time, or simply doing it as a hobby, there's no easy way to work without a brief or sense of direction, and above all, the hardest thing has to be designing for yourself because when it comes to your own work you are always going to be the hardest client to please. My advice is to find a brief to work with, what sort of work do you want to do? logos, brochures, websites, image manipulation, painting? - give me an idea and I'll try and guide you in a certain direction ;)

[Patrick Shannon]

Dude, I am five/six years past college and these days I can't even get a part-time job ;)

But I know your situation all too well...at my job, the environment is just has such poor feng shui and "rushed" that I couldn't think of anything to save my life, and frankly...I just don't give a crap anymore. On the other hand, when I'm at home doing stuff for my portfolio (for roughly the same reasons you are) I find that I'm quite creative. Heck, in the situations where I have set foot in some reputable places, it was like night and day and those were places I could definitely work around.

I guess it's all about removing yourself from a bad environment, although I'm not saying you can get out of one "just like that," staying around such a place too long will rob you of your soul. These days I've become someone I don't want to be, and I'm trying with utter despiration to get out, even if that means a part time job.

The others give good advice, design for someone or something here and there. Right now, I'm redesigning my fencing club's website using an interesting "wrap" design, and this will definitely be good for my portfolio. If I can get the freelance thing going, there's some more opportunity right there.

Don't design without a purpose, make sure elements are relevant to what message you're trying to get across. A good book suggestion is (not surprisingly) "Creativity for Graphic Designers" by Mark Oldach. It goes down the brainstorming process and gives you tips to help get your mind going.

Also check out Borders for some books with designs in it. While you don't want to be ripping off other people's work, I find that flipping through them tends to pop an idea in my head that I take in a completely different direction and make it my own.

[reuber1]

Thanks for the links morea...the about one will definitely get me going somewhere (something to peruse on my break at work, for sure) and your blog on creativity gives some pretty good advice. The problem, Mr. V (and by the way, welcome to the forum!), is that I'm not sure what it is I want to do. I don't know if it's package design (book, CD, product label, whatever), identity design, advertising, etc. There's that openness with choosing a speciality thats having each one tugging me towards them and away from them, what with there different pros and cons; I could do X but I'd be missing out on Y, and so on.

I don't know. Maybe today was just a bad day; it felt like at least an hour and a half I was staring at my Freehand project thinking to myself "What the hell am I doing?", and it seems like I've been having a few more of those crop up lately and it's annoying. I keep looking back on my work and it's like my time frame is every other weekend to do something, and this weekend I fell really short of my goal. I'll definitely look at those briefs, though and probably modify them somewhat, but not a lot unless my creative juices are flowing. I did throw that book on my Amazon wish list (along with about twenty other graphics books out there that I'm wanting)...thanks for the suggestion Patrick.

[Mr_V]

Hi Reuber,

Sorry for the delay, I'm in the UK and had to go to sleep at some point. lol.

Firstly, thanks for welcoming me to the forum, everyone in here seems real friendly =)

You say that you're afraid of missing out on something (don't be), each project has its merits and there is not really one project that will ever cover everything. You mentioned: a book, CD, product label, identity design, advertising, etc. - there is certainly one project I can think of (of the top of my head) that may give you the scope to cover all of your list, plus image manipulation, digital photography, illustration, typographic design and layout etc.

1. (I know the following is mentioned a lot but it can work wonders)
Promotional artwork for a band, a band is basically a product that needs marketing, they have a target audience and therefore they can have a visual style that draws from a variety of things including culture, stereotypes, music style etc - dependant on what type of music your into you could deal with something you can relate too - although I would certainly suggest choosing something slightly more removed from your preferred norm because it will make you to develop ideas outside of your first preconceptions (beyond what you are used to seeing on the cover of an album or single). It will make you research music styles/genres plus hopefully get you out of the house and away from your computer into an environment you feel excited/inspired about, talking to people who are into what they do helps inspire creativity and ideas - band members are always into their music and generally willing to talk about what they do.

A band needs an identity, a logo (possibly just a typographic approach to the band name rather than an actual symbolic logotype), a visual style. All of which will be applied cohesively across the packaging of a CD (including booklet, traycard and CD on body), plus flyers for gigs, any relevant promotional material and on their website (possibly launched to promote the new album or single) - you may be able to think of other things to add to this list but this gives you the idea.

There are lots of bands out their, obviously some are more successful than others but most will welcome the opportunity to get their artwork design for free, they've got nothing to loose and you've got everything to gain from a client brief (paid or unpaid, it should prove useful in getting your creative juices flowing)

I suggest searching the net or local paper for local bands/gigs and check out the promotion and music of bands you find interesting, then e-mail them or talk to them directly - ask if they can send you a copy of their single/album (this in itself should get you some freebies and listening to a variety of things will help take your mind away from what you're used to thinking about - hopefully to a more creative place) - in return for the CD you like the most (and if you think you can work with it and them) ask if they mind you working on some designs. If they like them fantastic, you get a real client and job in your portfolio, even if they don't like what's produced no-one has lost out and you've gained some valuable experience (plus had the input of people who can really get their head around what your trying to do) - plus you've got some work for your portfolio (these can just be filed under PITCHED IDEAS - in my experience what we as designers feel is the best solution for the brief will quite often be overlooked by the client in view of something we feel is a lot less successful). Most design companies are proud to display work that hasn't made it into production, its usually some of their best work =)

I'm not sure what what sort of music you're into but just so you can start to think beyond the design of the standard chart based music - check out the "Nine Days to No One" artwork at http://www.davidInce.com - David is my friend and business partner, he gets involved in a lot of CD artwork and band promotion within the HEAVY METAL / ALTERNATIVE categories.
The artwork also follows onto http://www.ninedaystonoone.com - as a company we're currently involved in producing the artwork for their latest album but the information above should hopefully get you thinking about the possibilities open to you.

Also check out the Bedroom hours CD Artwork on http://www.desirefordesign.com/index.php - a little creative and philosophical thought can go along way.

I'm not sure how many design URL's you know of but I've got a lot of time for the following:

http://www.k10k.net - in the News section there's a whole list of projects you might like to get involved in. The guys who run this site also run a company called the Cuban council - theres work is pretty varied and you might find some inspiration there too:
http://www.cubancouncil.com

Also you may or may not like:

http://www.olofsdotter.com
http://www.oculart.com - takes a while to load but interesting stuff
http://www.nish.net/

And maybe you might get some ideas from some of my work? feel free to check out my homepage.

Perhaps read some Edward de Bono - the man is my hero, check out "Six Thinking Hats" - some get it, others don't, either way its an interesting read that demonstrates that the best ideas can come from the most unlikely of sources.

I hope the above helps my friend =) Good luck on your journey of creative thought, just remember, everyone goes through the same thing, I hit that point every two weeks when it comes to my own personal projects =)

And finally, if the above is of interest perhaps you could help me out by visiting
http://emotions.linesperinch.com - your help would be greatly appreciated, you never know it may even give you food for thought. Good luck =)

[Ghastly]

When I ever go through a phase of lack of creativity it is usually because I am trying to accomplish something that is easily within the realms of what I know I'm capable of..It tends to be more an action of manipulating a set of commands or tools that will arrive at the desired result by brute force. (ie..the software uses you to move the mouse for it)

The best way in my opinion to counter this, is to imagine trying to create something that with what you think is your present skill and experience...is an impossible feat. Tell yourself its impossible and then set off to prove yourself wrong. This alone will force you to be far more inventive with the tools at your disposal (be it Photoshop or the humble pencil) and it also gives you a mission...one that will motivate you further (well it does for me anyway)

just my 2 pence worth

[Broacher]

Pick up the June issue of HOW. There's some great pieces in there about creative burnout. Especially the piece by David Baker on 'Creative Addiction' and his take on 'Stimulation Deficit Disorder'. Great reading. Basicly it comes down to this: you can't heap all your stimulative expectations on your work. It's a recipe for failure, and possible burnout. Balance your life more and creativity will naturally return. Maybe not in a form you suspect, but hopefully, in a form you will get a lot of happiness from.

[Jeff Fisher LogoMotives]

"Put your hands up and step away from the computer"

Get out there in the world and get inspired. When I'm feeling a bit 'stuck" it's time to visit a museum or some galleries, get out in the garden, check out the selection at a local bookstore, head to the beach with a book I've been wanting to read or take part in some other activity not directly related to my design work.

Some other good books to help you are:

A Whack on the Side of the Head!: How you can be more creative, by Roger von Oech

Breaking Designer’s Block: 301 Graphic Solutions, by Rockport Publishers

Creative Sparks: An Index of 150 + Concepts, Images and Exercises to Ignite Your Design Ingenuity, by Jim Krause

Creative Utopia: 12 Ways to Realize Total Creativity, by Theo Stephan Williams

Designers in Handcuffs, by Pat Matson Knapp

Graphically Speaking: A to Z guide to Visual Lingo, by Lisa Buchanan

Idea Revolution, by Clare Warmke

Thinking Creatively: New ways to unlock your visual imagination, by Robin Landa

Using Design Basics to Get Creative Results, by Bryan L. Peterson

Don't put so much pressure on yourself to figure out "what you want to do when you grow up." I was a graphic designer for 17 years before I figured it out!

- J.

[Broacher]

>>Don't put so much pressure on yourself to figure out "what you want to do when you grow up." I was a graphic designer for 17 years before I figured it out!<<

And you be sure to warn us when you do grow up, eh Jeff? [g]

[Jeff Fisher LogoMotives]

And you be sure to warn us when you do grow up, eh Jeff? [g]


Oh, you're right. I should have said that I figured out what I wanted to do in regards to design. I don't ever want to be accused of growing up!!!

- J.

[Broacher]

Which reminds me-- I know that like me, you're a kid's lit fan, so would you care to share with us any new favourite titles?

[reuber1]

Wow, you guys are awesome.

I think a lot of this is me trying to force my creativity immediately into something tangible because of my limited timeframe between weekends off, and it feels like when I come up empty handed I just wasted one of two times/month opportunity. I always get Tuesdays off, so I'm using tomorrow to take care of a bunch of stuff and just pretty much attempt to enjoy the day before I have to work the following six days straight (my work routine kills any creative ideas I have, especially after days like today). Hopefully I'll start getting ideas cranking in my head.

Love the linkage, books, and the advice from all.

[Kool]

I still think a couple hits of good weed is the best way to get the creative juices flowing but alas that's really not an option for most of us anymore. :D

[paulrandfan]

I still think a couple hits of good weed is the best way to get the creative juices flowing but alas that's really not an option for most of us anymore. :D

I agree with this,...only I still do it. Reubs, you and I have been through some roller coasters this year. It will get better.

My best inspiration comes from ugly shit and new locations. Seriously. I'm inspired when I change up my surroundings a bit, even if I rearrange the god damn furniture (man I have a potty mouth today). As far as ugly shit, we live in the midwest, the hub of ugly uber-conservative redneck design. When I see ugly shit, I say "baaa, I could do that better" and then I do.

Another good source of inspiration is the unknown. What you see every day is homogenized Target design (where is the vomit emoticon?). Read a book, pursue a new medium, or pursue a topic you've always wanted to know, and visualize it in design.

And lastly, STOP thinking you aren't an artist or a graphic designer because you don't have a job in Graphic Design, I know that seems hard, but you are an artist, you have a creative and spirited mind, whether you wear a paint covered smock or red and khaki.

Where do you live in Iowa?

[keith1]

I hear ya Reuber1. I am never satisfied with anything I do. I've been planning my website for years now because I never get the time to finish or I change my mind on the name or design. (When I finally get it done it will be probably be the simplist webdesign ever.) Also I think I have awesome stuff for my portfolio and I look at it 4 months later and think it looks like crapola.

I have been working in house for a company for about 4 years now and I wouldn't put anything into my portfolio further back then 2 months ago. I also freelanced for a magazine for a 1.5 years about a year ago and I look at it now and say WTF is that? Ever since I joined this forum I found myself more into what I do and I want to get better. I've been getting inspired by looking at other's work and reading graphic design related books, subscribing to magazines and it's exciting. I think I've learned more in the last 2 months then the last 4 years. One important reason is after I found this forum I found a community of people that do or are learning to do what I do. Where I work I'm alone pretty much and it gets depressing and it's important to have that connection with others.

I always took those career assessment tests in high school and they always pointed me towards "graphic design". But I didn't decide that's what I wanted to do until like 5 years after high school. So I went to 2 years of community college for graphic design (associates degree). I would go for a bachelors but at this point I think I'll learn more in the real world. Portfolio over Degree!!! :) And now that I do it, I haven't been excited about it until lately. I don't know if it's just me or all creative types but I can't make a decision for the life of me when it pertains to myself. It takes forever. So you are not alone.

Also just because you don't have a job in design shouldn't stop you, keep at it especially if it's really what you want to do because the best thing is having an occupation that you love then it isn't really work, it's an expression of yourself. Your first job will not be your dream job, To be honest it will probably suck! It takes a while. I'm still looking. I plan on finding a cool mag to work for and if that doesn't happen it's freelance fulltime time!! I really need to get out of where I am. I've been here for 10 years (right out of high school) warehouse to office work to only lonely in-house designer. So no matter how bad your situation there is always some worse off.

I decided I can't wait until I get the perfect stuff for my portfolio, I have to just get it together even if it's only a few good pieces because I can always add to it or take out but the important thing is just getting it done. In 4 months it will all be crap but that's the way it goes, you never stop learning and you'll just keep improving if you keep at it. So get out there and get inspired!!! Just thought I'd share my story. Sorry if it's a little jumbled I just went off on a tangent there.

[reuber1]

Hey, tangents rule, don't worry about it. :cool:

PRF, I'm in eastern Iowa, right next to the Mississipi; outside my window it's right there. A nice, quiet, small (a.k.a "boring") town of Bellevue (no, NOT the mental hospital) which literally translates to "beautiful view" which isn't far from the truth since, unlike the rest of Iowa which is almost as flat and boring as South Dakota, we're on the bluff and there's a lot of rolling hills which makes for quite a gorgeous view (and for crappy driving conditions when it snows). The thing is I've lived here for 13 years, since I've been in the fifth grade and here I am at 22 still living at home mooching off of mommy and daddy, so the aesthetic of the town has worn off; that and the redneck hillbilly types here are extremely obnoxious and judgemental and make me embarrassed to live with them. I work in Dubuque 30 miles north and there it's 90% catholic so that's almost just as bad as the people here, especially when it comes to "serving" them.

"Ugly uber-conservative redneck design"...yeah, that's exactly what I thought when I saw those hundreds of billboards in South Dakota; I wanted to barf, but my brother and I (both very liberal) had more fun pointing out their fallacies. And homogenized Target design? Please, since I get to work electronics all the time now, I get inspired by the video on the TV's that plays the same annoying Virgin Mobile commercial OVER AND OVER AND OVER; by inspired I mean inspired to invite my fist into someone's face.

I just bought the June issue of HOW (very handy and I'm thinking of subscribing to that) and today just received the books "Freewave" (DVD included that contains open source of nearly EVERYTHING so they can be used on commercial and non-commercial projects for free) and "The Making of 30 Extraordinary Graphic Designers". Hopefully I can jar something loose, and I mean that in a non-bowel-move-inducing way.