I'm Stuck in This Body, in This Life

With the smell of Expo pens in the air, I know one of our graphic designers is stuck and taking it out on the whiteboard. The drawings are often humorous, thought provoking, and edgy, and usually have nothing to do with the current work load. It’s more of a way to allow a freedom back in his workflow, of pushing the boundaries around in an area he is allowed to so he can get back to the confines of the project and hopefully see it in a new light.

I wonder how different this is to my choice of walking around the block while thinking out a problem. Sometimes I purposely place it in the forefront of my mind and picture seeing the solution, but most often I just walk, watch, and listen. I let the thoughts percolate, hoping to brew a beautiful marketing design or proposal.

This got me thinking…what techniques do people use when they get stuck or feel confined creatively? There are a lot of writing tips—mapping, brainstorming, journaling, etc.—but what if the problem isn’t you but your surroundings?

How important is the place we work, live, breathe to our work, our creativity?

Secondly, what do when we are faced with a crappy place to work? We can’t always ask our bosses to move and we can’t always just get new jobs—especially in this economy.

Here are some ways I’ve found useful and some links that take you to more ideas:

Website on overcoming creative blocks

Blog on overcoming creative blocks

Second blog on overcoming creative blocks


Think about it—do you already have a process and you just aren’t aware of it? How will it help you to figure out what the process is?

How to camp

Some writers would have you believe that writing is a solitary occupation. You imagine some scrawny writer in a drafty old building crafting his or her masterpiece. Nope - not like that at all. Before I got the laptop my writing was only done at home and I think suffered as a result but now the cord is cut and I can write anywhere I damn well please - although the middle of the freeway is a definite no-no.

In the last few months Girl Ink and I have been writing in coffee shops but there are rules. First don't go for the small places, if the place only has five seats they are going to notice if you stay a long time. Second always buy something, coffee is good but maybe a cake as well. Third don't make a nuisance of yourself no loud braying laughter, risque jokes etc you want to be the invisible writer.

Our Favourites

Divas - good coffee and cupcakes. Dome can provide some really juicy material because the people on the other side of it sound so close they could be whispering in your ear. Nice patio in the Summer. Wi-fi

Mestizo Coffee - food is good, loads of comfy chairs, wi-fi, music isn't too distracting just don't sit right under the speakers.

Nostalgia - good coffee, mini's cupcakes! plenty of room to spread out and of course wi-fi.