⚔ You will overcome creative block after reading this · The Bunker #49

So far this year, I have completed several websites, I would say about 2-3 per month.

But well, let's not focus solely on web design because we can apply this to various aspects, even content creation.

Creative block is something that is always there, and it happens to all of us.

This is the first thing I want to make clear to everyone. It's something that happens to all of us.

That said, let's begin.

Why do I start this way? Well, apparently, there are people who believe that creative block is something that only happens to them, which is far from reality.

We are all human beings, some with more experience than others.

Why do I mention the word "experience"?

Basically because it's the only way to overcome certain creative blocks.

When something serious happens in life, especially if it's the first time, the impact will be much greater.

When it happens to you a second time, it might still hurt, but you approach it differently.

The same goes for the third time. And when it happens ten times, it's the same. And when you've been dealing with it for ten years, it may even become non-existent.

The same applies here. Creative block is something we all experience, and it's like a little demon that's constantly hovering over our heads, trying to attack.

It's up to you to decide whether to let it attack or not.

So, what should we do?

First, don't let it attack.

Second, if it attacks, we leave.

In other words, the first thing we need to do is work on our mindset. If we stay positive, it's difficult for creative block to appear.

If one day, because we are tired or for whatever reason, it does appear, then we pack up and leave our workspace.

Yes, literally, we pack up and leave.

We need to distance ourselves from the area that is causing us stress, which is likely the area where we are working.

That's why it's important to take a walk.

Don't close what you're working on and do something else; you need to get out of that zone that is blocking you. It's not the program, it's not the creativity, most likely, it's the environment that is causing you stress.

Still, we will associate that zone with creative block, so go get a coffee and take a walk. You'll see that when you come back, you'll be in a much better state.

I really like taking a walk and listening to a podcast.

Now, let's focus on the other part:

First, if you experience creative blocks, it's probably because you don't have the right mindset in some way. And this is likely due to point number 2.

Impostor Syndrome: Let me tell you another secret. We all have it too.

You probably feel creatively blocked because deep down you feel you're not capable. Who are you to come up with new things?

We all feel this way. And we can't always create new things, that's true. Some days, our bodies just won't allow it.

And here, I introduce the next point: Always try to work on projects with enough time in advance. Why? Because we never know when we might get blocked. It may not happen, it doesn't always show up, but what if it does? It's always good to have 2 or 3 days of margin.

Usually, with my clients, I tell them that I'll take between 4 to 5 weeks to deliver the material, knowing that I may take 3 weeks or less.

Why? Because of unforeseen circumstances in life.

Besides, if you tell the client it will take 4 to 5 weeks and then deliver in 3 weeks, they'll be super happy.

Finally, I want to mention the topic of inspiration.

In my case, and as I always say (and I hope you already consider that what works for me may not work for you, and what works for others may not work for me), when I feel creative block, it's usually because I haven't gathered enough references. When I start a project and have many references, execution is usually easier. When I'm limited, it's probably because I have collected too few references, and I should spend an extra 30 minutes collecting more references and inspiration.

In summary:

1. Always try to stay positive. Avoid impostor syndrome. We all experience it. You're not alone. If you maintain a healthy mindset and accept that there may be days when things don't creatively flow well, you'll prevent creative blocks.
2. Try to have enough time to do things (whatever you need), as creative block may be triggered by the stress of deadlines.
3. Find enough references. Remember that we are only as good as our references.
4. You can have many references, but of low quality, and therefore, they may provide little inspiration or not give you much to draw from.
5. You can have few references, but of high quality, and you'll have many sources of inspiration.
6. When you experience creative block, don't panic, accept that you may not be sufficiently inspired. Leave the room or the place where you are, get yourself a coffee, take a walk, listen to music or a podcast, and when you return, spend an additional 30 minutes gathering inspiration before getting back to work.

Keep going!

Until next time,

Cheers, Jordi Espinosa.