Have you ever sat in front of the computer waiting to be inspired? You open up the design program, move a few squares around and nothing happens?!?! I have. I’m fooled into thinking I’m getting somewhere because I’m “working” but I don’t get anywhere except for frustrated. So then, I think it’s me. “I’m just not creative today”… ” I have too much on my mind” or “I’m just tired.” But the truth is…I’m going about it the wrong way. Design platforms such as Photoshop or Showit are not idea-makers… And in some cases they can actually stunt my creativity.
I know I know, blame it on the programs. haha. But seriously though…When I am in a design platform such as photoshop, illustrator, or Indesign I start to only do what I know how to do. My creative brain doesn’t function to the highest capacity because I am focused only on whats in front of me, the buttons I know, and the tools I am used too.
So, I have to MAKE THE IDEA MYSELF FIRST. I have to understand that I am responsible for the idea and those design platforms are there to make it happen.
In order to get my creative juices flowing, I get a pad of paper out, move AWAY from the computer and begin to use my brain to dream and design. Doing this frees up my mind from what I can and can’t do in the program. I let my mind wander, and I try new things. Then if I come up with an idea that I do not know how to do in Photoshop or illustrator… well, at least I know what to look up and research now. That’s the beauty of the internet. But if I hadn’t had done that I would have only stuck with what I know… and I wouldn’t have THOUGHT to research that technique. So now, I am not only using my creativity to the full potential… and I am also stretching my knowledge and abilities by learning new things.
If you’re planning to take a DIY approach to your business, website, or marketing materials, start with an old fashion pen and paper. Move to the computer after you have some solid concepts to bring to life.
+ - 24 comments
Mailinh - Love this post! That’s how I’ve been feeling lately, and I’ve been doing the same thing. Some times it takes the simple things in life to find that new idea. :0)
kita - I agree, when I sit at the computer its all a grid, lines and squares. I forget that not everything fits in a 960 box. If I move away to pencil and paper it all just seems to flow better.
Kelly Lane Lusk - SO TRUE! Thank you so much for the reminder! It is also reassuring to know that YOU (creative, inspiring, fabulous) go through the same thing!
Jaclyn C. - Wow…I was literally just thinking this and spent over an hour in PS and AI to get nowhere. Thanks for this. Sometimes I need to be reminded to get away from my desk and go create. So off I go to my creative room….
Stephenie Zamora - This is so true and such a great reminder for me. When I was in school I would come up with such fun and unique ideas for designs… of course in college you can DO the crazy ideas too, but in the real world with real budgets, I learned how to simplify them down to printable while still maintaining the fun concept. This isn’t something I’ve done in awhile and I will definitely take your advice and get back to paper and pencil at the beginning!
Cristina | Positively Beauty - Amen! I totally agree
If I want to create, I do the same – pencil & paper!
Jen Z - This is so true!! I remember actually having a professor in school who forced the students to create a certain number of paper/pencil sketches before starting any design project… which was a pain then, but the basic premise of getting your ideas out there first (without the distraction of a computer) is a solid one.
Besides, it’s always easier to actually get work done when you have a reference. It’s even helpful in the 9-5 design job.
All this basically to say: YES! AGREED! Spread the word! haha
anna - this is awesome! i thought it was just me…haha. i was telling my fiance the exact same thing about feeling stuck one night and he told me exactly what you posted…and he’s not a designer and swears there’s not a single creative bone in his body! hearing you say it reinforces that this is what i need to do. thank you so much for sharing!
kendra michelle - {very encouraging – thanks sister!}
Luke Copping - I cannot tell you how many times simply moving over to pen and paper, free writing, and doodling has saved me on those projects I just get blocked on. Sometimes in conjunction with an ever important change of scenery to get me out of my office headspace. It feels like getting more involved with something physically (by putting pen to paper) makes me use completely different parts of my brain and process things a little different than I do when sitting in front of the computer – which is more about process than creation.
Caytlyn - I totally agree with you! When I sit down and start to use a program I never get anywhere because of all the options I have to choose from, such as colors and fonts and I have no real direction. When I get away from the computer and sketch is when I can get all the bad ideas out fast and start to get an idea worth pursuing.
Rachel McCloud - Such a good idea to start the old fashioned way.
Thanks for this. Definitely needed to hear it. 
julie - Couldn’t agree more. Love it.
Christine - Great post! Do you have any tips for those of us who are attempting to DIY our brands, websites, blogs, etc?
Mallory Wiese - I have gotten into the habit of grabbing my sketch pad and whatever writing utensil is around first, then getting onto the computer. It has helped keep frustration away!
SARA RENEE - Amen sister!
Nubbytwiglet.com » Blog Archive » Link Love: 3.28.12 - [...] love Promise’s insights on using your creativity to its full [...]
danielle - this is one of the many reasons i love you SO much! hope that you don’t mind, but i shared a link to this on my blog…YOU are the BEST!
Required Reading 4.6.2012 — Luke Copping - Blog - [...] The big difference between using tools and being an idea-maker. | Using Your Creativity to Its Full Potential [...]
Inspire Me: Idea Makers « Beautiful Geometry - [...] is another post I read recently that has really stuck with me – we are responsible for our own ideas! A lot [...]
Kristi Bobo - Love your blog! I’ve been experiencing the brain fart all week in my design classes– I’m supposed to draw 30 thumbnail sketches for two classes, but its not going so well [as in, I have about 4 done hah]. This post inspires me to just sketch and enjoy the process of creativity rather than forcing it into a 2″ x 2″ square [or a 15" screen].
this week’s creative resources. | THE FLOOD - [...] Using Your Creativity to its Full Potential – Promise Tangeman’s fabulous article on how you are the idea-maker, not your computer, and the importance of signing off and sketching in the beginning stages of a new creative undertaking. Rate this: Share this:FacebookTwitterPinterestMoreTumblrStumbleUponEmailPrintDiggRedditLinkedInLike this:LikeBe the first to like this post. This entry was posted in features and tagged art, books, creativity, embroidery, fonts, graphic design, graphic designers, ideas, illustration, inspiration, music, photo editing, photography, type, typography by Natalie. Bookmark the permalink. [...]
Weekly Joy Feed | {joycreation} - [...] this piece of advice on [...]
TIPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR SITE » PROMISE TANGEMAN ART & DESIGN - [...] mind from what I can and can’t do in the program. Dream first, problem solve later. I wrote a blog post on this [...]