Creativity is not something that can be learned, and it is not something that can be plodded along like an assembly line. Creativity is something that needs to be carefully nurtured and is conditioned by the inspiration of the moment. Creativity cannot be forced, it has to come on its own. Creativity is the mother of efficiency, but it requires a 'scapegoat'. Which one depends on the individual, so let's see what a dozen graphic designers from different fields bring to the altar of creativity.
As we can tense our muscles, we can also tense up the brain, but raw power translates into results differently than mental processes. If the solution to greater strength can always be fitness, those who swim in creative waters have to choose different and often only their own methods to make their pool of ideas do not dry. Some put their hands inside their hands, others look for inspiration in nature, and still others turn to heavy metal music. These are only fragments of findings Yevgenija Jermakov, Russian graphic designer, which since in April asks designers about theirs work habits, favorite books, career challenges and creativity, and publishes the collected answers on his Web site.
Project »5 Questions for 100 Designers" ("5 Questions for 100 Designers") is diligently growing into a once-mighty tree of inspiration, and some of his own the fruits of wisdom you will be able to consume later. These grew out of productivity issues namely "Are there any rules or habits that help you be more efficient?" As expected, something like universal formula It does not exist. Ideas grow in different heads, in different microcosms with different 'conditions and climate'. And yet he found it the lowest common denominator, a cell located in the veins of creativity - a to-do list (i.e to-do list).
A dozen of the best we summarized below.
1. Verena Michelitsch
When I'm stuck with an idea, I save the existing version and start again, because otherwise I'm constantly looking at the 'graveyard' of design options offered by the graphics program.
2. Michael Bierut
About 32 years ago, I started carrying a small notebook with me and we have been inseparable ever since. Every morning I run a few kilometers and use this time to organize the working day in my head. And most importantly, I never work on the weekend.
3. Debbie Millman
1. Have a list. 2. Write things down on a printed calendar. 3. Finish what you started before you start something else.
4. Coralie Bickford-Smith
All I have to do is spend five minutes in the morning planning what I want to do and how much time I intend to spend on it.
5. Chuck Anderson
If you work from home, make sure you leave the house every day. It is very unhealthy to wake up and work in the same room and never leave it. Treat yourself to a break, be it in the form of a walk, recreation, lunch, dinner, coffee,...
6. John Newman
Use a stopwatch. Set it regularly. Seriously!
READ MORE: Stephen King's tips on how to become a good writer
7. Santiago Carrasquilla
I prefer to work the same number of hours 7 days a week than 5 days 'excessively'. In addition, more than 8 hours in front of the screen makes me depressed.
8. Matteo Bologna
Never complain that there is not enough time. Often a very short deadline and a good dose of adrenaline are a winning combination, a combination that hides the recipe for the best design.
9. Jessica Svendsen
Listening to music, lessons, or white noise while I design maximizes my productivity.
10. Jessica Walsh
The most obvious answer is to-do lists and apps (Evernote, Clear, Sparrow, Text Expander, iCal). But I think it's more important than that to choose clients and colleagues who are friendly and open to non-conformist ideas. If you work with 'patients', ego-maniacs and slackers, no to-do list and no application will help you.
11. Wade Jeffrey
The soundtrack is important. I myself listen to music that has a lot of repetitive patterns, from black metal to techno music. On the other hand, I also like listening to talks, interviews and podcasts. Why not learn a little while you work?
12. Amanda Jane Jones
I realized years ago that I am most productive early in the morning. I usually get up at half past five. Then I know no one will bother me with an email. Everything is quiet. This is my favorite 'way' to work. In addition, I always take 'natural' breaks. Sometimes it's a walk around the neighborhood, but when the city bustle is at its peak, I just sit in front of the house. Fresh air gives oxygen to my ideas, not just to my lungs.
