Be crazy and creative – 12 amazing tips for Graphic Designers « Graphic Design Blog – An Ultimate Resource for Graphic Designers

		Be crazy and creative – 12 amazing tips for Graphic Designers
		16 Comments

I still remember my short experience of working as an assistant to a fashion designer. I was so thrilled for the first working day to arrive that I couldn’t sleep the night before…the glamour, the shoots, the colorful draperies just made me too excited. No doubt it was fun but later I was literally convincing myself to go to the office

Most of the time, the stress and workload made me run out of creative ideas and the charm started to vanish. I think most of you will relate to this situation and question how to keep oneself creative when hit by the infamous “zombie” mode.

Despair no more – the help is on its way. Last month I stumbled across this amazing post where I found the real solutions to keep the creative juices flowing during any looming deadline. Although, the title of my post suggest these tips to be for Graphic Designers but trust me they can work for everyone, especially the working-from-home people.

Here are few ways to keep your energy and momentum charged up to balance work and play in every part of your life.

Gear up with an energy drink:

I really agree with this easy-to-follow idea as it surely works. I think getting addicted to this tasty way, to increase our creativity level, is not a bad idea. This time when you go for grocery do buy lots of energizing drinks in your favorite flavor…it is a bribe to get you at your desk.

One minute exercise:

Sitting still in front of our PC’s for unlimited hours, urges to run away somewhere. So, instead of running you can try a one-minute geek exercise to straighten your back and limbs. Try to relax your body and mind with this short exercise, who know’s it may take you to Alice’s wonderland.

Cut the crap for a nap:

Oh…you goanna love this one. It is the most effective but dangerous of all to help you cope up with your tasks. I am not sure if I am helping you or misguiding you providing this tip because if you fell asleep…..

The scary alarm:

We all know that a sudden shock can get anyone back from hell. Set your alarm to random durations of your working hours and raise its volume to maximum. As soon as you start daydreaming it will scare you to get back to work (Heart patients are excluded of this tip)

Order a spicy pizza:

Sounds yummy…doesn’t it. I don’t want to torture you all to keep you working but researches have proved that spices help speed up our mind. So friends, spice up your imaginations with a delicous slice of pizza.

Be a rockstar:

Don’t let your work stress kill the bathroom singer inside you. We all can swear about the wonders of music. Either your involvement with music can make you miss your deadlines or it can speed your processing system. I think the later happens most of the time…what’s in your case?

Scientific Fact :

After enjoying this energy drink, coffee and Spicy Pizza, its human nature to answer this scientific call…you got it right. Whenever you feel the urge to get to the rest room, run as fast as possible (bumping into someone on the way will do much good.)

Magical Matchsticks:

I am sure this idea originated from the cartoon series of “Tom & Jerry” where Tom is always trying to keep an eye on Jerry despite all the drowsy pills he has taken. Please don’t think I am offering more of torturing tips to keep you working but at times you need to try such stunts, trust me.

Gossip-Break:

Now comes the most addictive and common quality of human nature. Universally, gossip is claimed to be harmful but I think at times it could be useful as well. To save yourself from the side affects of non-stop working you should be having short gossip breaks in between.

A cold shower:

Yeah, I remember to recommend you to freshen up once between your busy schedule but I would like to add a little change here. Rather then opting for a warm, soothing bath go for a cold shower. The colder the better.

Time to You-Tube:

Never has it happened that you visit the YouTube factory and don’t come across anything exciting. I think permitting oneself with an half –an-hour browsing on you tube would be enough to freshen up your mind. Watch out…don’t forget to get back to work.

Sneak a peak:

To ensure that your legs are still part of your body you can take a short walk around your house. I mean just peeping in to check your spouse in the kitchen or feeding your pet dog or making a quick goal with the football playing kids, will make you feel better.

Many high achievers we studied also believed in breaking up the workday schedules with moments of fun. Albert Schweitzer found his fun in keeping a fruit orchard and playing the organ; Georgia O’Keeffe took long walks and gardened while Thomas Edison took frequent quick naps at his desk to revive his energy and played music with his team members to keep them working for long hours.

So guys, do you think these crazy tips can really help you meet your deadlines? I know many of these ideas are quiet foolish and hazardous but there are countless people who try crazier things than this.

I would like you all to share your crazy stunts with us and tell which of the above given ideas have been working amazingly for you until now.

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16 Appreciated Responses

Anna Green On April 14th, 2009 at 10:43 am

Some of these tips do actually work. Although by and large i do not advocate the drinking of energy drinks, on occasion when my mind refuses to focus in favor of drifting off in to nothingness and staring at walls, I have been know to purchase certain performance enhancing drinks. And they work a treat! They really do help me to focus all my attention on my work. Music is also a great tool, sound tracks with lots of energy can really spur you on. As well going for a good old walk is also a winner. Give it a go, i say!

mike On April 14th, 2009 at 12:34 pm

content of your blog is great, but would like to see if you can adjust the code for safari as well. the site overlaps it self.

Chris Collins On April 14th, 2009 at 5:23 pm

Always listen to music! I get so pumped up for art. Depending on the mood of the music I listen to, the art I make changes.

Paul On April 14th, 2009 at 8:35 pm

I just wrote out a similar list for myself around what are the things i do to keep myself energised during the day as a work at home designer.

I use similar things like dancing round the room to my favourite song, listening to music the whole time i work, rebounding on a mini tramp rebounder for five minutes (this works wonders). taking breathing breaks more oxygen more energy, drinking plenty of water(this over bad bad energy drinks, actually works better and is better for you!) and setting the time i work ie working for 3 hours have a half hour break then work for 4 hours have another half hour break etc.

A really good thing to do as well is tackle the thing you dont want to do the most first as after completing this you will feel wonderful ecstatic even and the rest will be even easier. I always try to answer emails straight away and read anything straight away as otherwise it becomes a chore!

Silver Firefly On April 15th, 2009 at 6:18 am

I realise the nature of this post but you do not need energy drinks. They are very bad for you. Instead of energy drinks, try a healthy and balanced diet filled with grains, nuts, fresh organic fruit and vegetables, organic red and white meat, and of course, plenty of fish. Steer away from processed foods, take a multivitamin each day if necessary and get some exercise and fresh air. It takes less time than you think and you’ll feel a million times better for it and your creativity will improve.

Anna Green On April 15th, 2009 at 7:24 am

Silver Firefly makes a very good point here, all of us who use computers for large amounts of the day need to make an effort to get off are seats! That why i just brought a bicycle .

Tracey On April 15th, 2009 at 2:24 pm

I don’t see “5 minute dance break” on this list. Turn up the music and shake your groove thang! Enough to get out of breath! In with the love, out with the jive.

Charlie B. Johnson On April 15th, 2009 at 11:57 pm

Hey all,

Tracey…I think you are right…I missed the “5 minute dance break” It can really get us charged up.

Anna Green, i am sure you are going to have great fun riding your bicycle…it will really make you feel better after those hectic working hours.

Silver Firefly…thanks for sharing some healthy tips to keep ourselves active. I take your tip for taking lot of meat and fish but don’t you think it will make us gain lots of weight too.

Paul, I really liked this tough strategy of yours saying that try to do those things which you don’t want to do. I am sure after completing the task we will feel more relaxed.

Mike, I have fixed the Safari preview problem of my blog…now you can enjoy it on your browser.

Chris…dude, you seem to follow my tip of keeping our batteries charged up with music. I just can’t think of taking off my hdphns

So guys, lets see if other readers can come up with more crazy tips

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Ovi Dogar On April 24th, 2009 at 2:22 am

He,he…nice tips!

Keep up the great work!

Ovi Dogar

jesusege On May 21st, 2009 at 5:51 am

Casi todo vale con tal de que llegue la inspiracion…
Almost anything goes as long as it’s inspiration …

Madalitso Banda On June 4th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

hey! what can i do to use graphic design to start my own business… i am really in love with graphic design

Nick On June 11th, 2009 at 8:45 am

I’m surprised that not a single person mentioned taking a walk.

One of the most refreshing things I can think of while designing is getting myself out of the frame of mind I’m in.

Getting into a new environment, IE walking outside, does wanders. If you haven’t talked in a while, call someone for 10 minutes.

For me, it’s all about switching up the stimulus. If I’ve been staring at a computer listening to jazz for 6 hours, it does wonders to take a stroll outside to go buy a bottle of water.

Dallas Designer On September 14th, 2009 at 1:43 pm

I am the biggest abuser of taking 20 minute power naps when I get worn out or overly stressed. Though, the power nap is usually for when I get worn out or start feeling uncreative. Cold showers are an amazing stress reliever for me.

I will also just get up and take a 30 minute break (or visit the blogosphere), and usually snack in the morning and save lunch time for when I just need to get away.