Breaking Designer's Block by Setting Your Ambiance
Published on August 21, 2009 / Design Guides
It’s a late night at work and you’ve spent hours sifting though a series of online galleries hoping to land on the right source of inspiration for a new design. Your deadline is tight and your mind is flustered. Every concept you attempt to bring to life dies off prematurely in failure. You fall deeper into a problematic state as your frustrations grow stronger…
This scenario isn’t too uncommon for a designer of any medium. Designer’s block is an ugly and hindering condition that prolongs the conception stage of design. So what preparation can a designer take to avoid or limit this barrier and enable a seamless flow of ideas? The first step is to reset.
Step 1 / Reset
Begin by logging off all web apps. Frequent email checking, instant messaging interruptions, and social networking lurings can serve as distractions and should be avoided during the beginning stages of design. Cease all forms of contact. If necessary, set an email auto-responder for clients to call you with emergencies. Clear your desk and organize your work area. It is important to do this now so you’re not returning to the same conditions after resetting.
Go outside and part yourself from all sources of technology. Block out all tasks and reset your thoughts. Adjust your eyes to your new surroundings and acknowledge where you are by looking out into nature or up into the sky, if in an urban setting. Think only of your sole existence within the universe.
Once your mind is clear, slowly re-introduce one design you need to complete. Know the end result you desire, but don’t worry about how you will get there. Return to your work space and set your ambiance.
Step 2 / Set Your Ambiance
Experimentation is necessary in customizing your surrounding influences to maximize your flow of ideas. Establish and set an ambiance that allows you to think most clearly and execute most steadily.
Personally, I work best at night between 6pm and 2am. I subdue the lighting, put on a Bond film (muted), and play a Jason Bourne soundtrack on repeat. This background ambiance helps guide me through completing my design mission, from thinking of a concept to producing a presentable Photoshop mockup.
Choose visuals that motivate and drive you without distracting you. Select sounds that enable you to think effectively, hold your focus, and push your ideas further. By setting your ambiance, you will establish the tone of your work flow and alter your mood in a positive direction. Reset with each new design and adjust your ambiance accordingly.
Test this method before beginning a design concept to maximize results. Discover which hours you are most thought-productive and take advantage.
What is your personal ambiance?
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Haha,
I am definitely on par with you with the 6pm – 2am optimal work time.
I wish it wasn’t so… as I like have a head start before client (9-5) hours start by reading my RSS and whatnot.
I have a few bands I tend to listen to in the background: Amos the Transparent, Collective Soul, Snow Patrol, and the Doves. Sometimes I need that fast-paced energetic music to move me into gear.
Love your idea of the muted movie with alternate soundtrack… might have to give it a shot!
Cheers!
I see my doing this all the time.
6pm till 2am is the only time I have that no one interrupts me!
Cheers, RS
Marie,
I know what you’re saying with the fast-paced music. Sometimes I need some deep electronic beats to put me in a state of trance, minus the glow sticks. By the way, I dig the updates to the header graphic you made on your site!
Ryan,
Definitely less interruptions and more relaxation in the late evening hours!
Thanks for the post. I will be using some of these techniques for myself if that’s all right. I often turn off all the digital stuff and get out a pencil and a piece of paper to start back up if I am feeling blocked. I also like to go outside.
Robert,
Same here – I always begin with pencil and try to get my ideas formed on paper first before turning to the screen. Much quicker for me to concept by hand.
i like your idea… we’re on the same track! but i like hard rock/heavy metal music when i am working, like Scorpions and let’s say Iron Maiden. i don’t like people beside me while working and i also like dimmed light.
different designers, different ideas, different thoughts one goal… MEET THE DEADLINE…