So you’ve found yourself in a creative slump, huh? It’s a frustrating place to be, but there are plenty of ways to find inspiration and pull yourself out of that rut. Here are a few of our favorites ways to find our creativity again.

Turn to Pinterest 

When our team faces designers block, they turn to Pinterest. It’s a great place to find font inspo, funky color schemes and gorgeous photography. You can even find fun quotes, if that’s what you’re looking for. 

Put on some tunes 

One of the easiest and most surefire ways to get your creative juices flowing again is to put on some funky beats. Our team turns to a wide range of artists, from Michael Jackson to Lizzo to Alt-J. Some prefer songs they can sing along to, others like to listen to tunes without words. If you’re looking for some new stuff to add to your playlist, we have some recommendations. 

Take a walk 

If you’re able to get out of the office (and the weather isn’t too extreme), it can be beneficial to step outside for some fresh air. A change of scenery is always helpful for combating creative slumps, and getting a few steps in can bring back your motivation. Plus, you never know what you’ll see on your leisurely stroll!

Hang out in nature 

If you have a little more flexibility in your schedule, spend some quality time in the great outdoors. Being around the shapes and colors that Mother Nature crafted can influence your work, and simply being outside can calm you down and put your mind at ease. 

Chat it out 

If you’re surrounded by coworkers, use them as a constructive distraction! Chatting about things that aren’t work-related (we’re big pop culture fans) can be the perfect way to take your mind off of the work you’re struggling with. And if you happen to be a remote worker, phone a friend for a quick chat. Creatives often feed off of other people, so engaging with those around you can bring back your creative energy. 

Work on something else 

We get that work can be hectic, and you may not always be able to completely step away. If this is the case, at least change focus to another task. Staring at the same screen and the same brief can lead to frustration, so remove yourself from that situation and work on something that’s less draining. 

Scroll through Instagram 

We love Pinterest, but Instagram is also a great app for finding inspiration. With so many style gurus, professional designers and even writers using the platform to express their creativity, it’s a solid option for pulling inspo from all sorts of different creative industries. 

Take time for yourself 

Sometimes creative slumps reflect what’s going on outside of work. When you leave the office, make a serious effort to take some time for yourself. Enjoy a cup of tea, meditate, read a book, cook your favorite meal...whatever it is you love, do that! Self-care can help every aspect of your life, including your creative work.

For more tips on busting out of a creative slump, listen to Profresh Podcast.

Hoot Design Co. is a marketing, branding, and design agency located in Columbia, MO. We specialize in creating a custom and comprehensive marketing strategy centered around your business's unique strengths and educating you with the tools you need from day one. From logo design to brand identity, website design and execution, and social media marketing strategies in-person and through online courses, we're focused on your business success every step of the way.