Whether you are new to working creatively or have been doing it for years, it’s important to always look at keeping your creativity in peak performance. You may be fully trained and skilled at design, writing, engineering, or other creative pursuits.
Yet, even the best creative or the most exceptional genius has a few moments where nothing seems to work. We call it ‘the blahs’ or writers’ block. We’ve got a lot of names, and sometimes a lot of excuses.
But by any name, we still need a plan of action. We have to know how to bounce back—fast.
As artists we love our creative juices flowing. This is why, when push comes to shove, there are some things that we just can’t live without.
Here are 4 things to help boost your creativity, especially when you’re on a deadline.
Great Coffee
Yes, it’s first on the list.
A cup of coffee is not just about chugging down something from the corner store. If you want great creativity, you want great coffee. Most successful creatives have a coffee ritual, such as French press coffee.
Why is this so popular? It’s easy to make. You can make it anywhere. It enables you to use fuller-bodied coffee. It’s delicious with or without milk.
And, here’s the kicker: you can use the press for darker roasts. This means more flavor, more punch, and more caffeine.
If you’re living in California or Texas, you’ll appreciate that if there’s a power outage, you just need boiling water, coffee, and your press. In recent storms, some people boiled water on an outdoor grill to make their French Press coffee.
If you are a coffee lover, you get it. You won’t let anything stand in your way.
Great Tools
We do love our tools. For some, it’s Adobe Illustrator. For others it’s Photoshop. For others, it’s Adobe lightroom. If you are in the market of illustrating, you are a stickler for choosing the best tools. That’s why you’re always experimenting, refining, and selecting the best tools for each job.
Great Objects
Every creative professional has some kind of special place. For some, it’s a moleskin notebook. For others, their favorite pen. While we are working digitally, we like to balance technology tools with objects of beauty.
Many creatives who are working in a home office have personal objects around to inspire them. Recently, I looked around my office and realized I have collected objects from various creative people. I have a set of glass spheres from a kaleidoscope maker. I have a small marble pyramid from a sculptor. I have a special set of carved pears from a woodworker.
Each object reminds me that creativity takes many forms.
If you’re working as a digital nomad, these objects may be smaller and more portable. However, my hunch is you have some important creative reminders with you. A piece of fabric, a scarf, or a paintbrush. Take a look around your workspace and see if this rings true for you.
Great Processes
Every creative person has a process for productivity. Some call it a ritual. Others refer to it as knowing what to do when. Others rely on the structure of their space to get in the flow. In creativity, we can examine the way our space invites or diminishes our creative productivity.
Perhaps you are a freelancer, a full-time worker, or an expert with classical training. Whether you are new to your field or a seasoned professional, you need to maximize productivity.
As a creative designer, you know how important it is to be organized for success. When you sit down to create your best work, you know where everything is. Everything is right where you need it.
This concept helps creative workers do their best work. You won’t spend precious hours looking for a physical or virtual tool. You won’t get grouchy from hunting for documents. You won’t waste time screaming because you can’t recall where you left off yesterday.
By refining your creative process, you can be exceptionally productive. It’s the kind of thing that helps you go from good-to-great.
Sum Up
Looking to keep your creative juices flowing? Try these four ways: great coffee, great tools, great objects, and great processes for productivity. You’ll never look back.