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robertm
13,570 PointsHow do you deal with designer's block / discouragement?
I'm currently am working on a website layout for a client and in my head the idea seems great, I sketched it out and did some wireframes too, but when I get to mocking it up on Photoshop, it just doesn't meet my expections for some reason and I tend to get really discouraged by this. Makes me feel like I can't design anything good.
How do you deal with this when you're in the situation?
Thanks, Rob :)
Jane Marianne Filipiak
7,444 PointsHi Rob,
I can't give you advice re where to get inspiration from other web designs, but if it is a self-confidence issue, which relates perhaps to your own inner self, rather than design techniques, I would recommend a book called 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron. It will help to ease the knock-back effect when your creations are rejected by the client or not going as you planned. Best wishes, Jane
robertm
13,570 PointsThanks everyone for the great advice. I think one of the issues I was having was mentally over thinking the design. I took a step back and took a little break and just went back to it in bits and pieces and it definetly has helped spark new ideas.
Here are some videos that helped me, hopefully it helps someone else who is going through this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CIJqSO1JtY&list=UUyIe-61Y8C4_o-zZCtO4ETQ (Must must watch)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFDAGiPJHL8
Devtips makes these great youtube videos on design, front end development, interviews with designers/developers and more. He's pretty funny too!
Mike Locke (https://www.youtube.com/user/mlwebco) Has really good videos. I've taken a lot of advice from here as well.
5 Answers
Kim Cowart
32,918 PointsHeya Rob!
I try to give myself some morale booster shots by taking a little break away from what's bugging me with some happy distraction in things that I know will make me feel lighter in general. Movie ie, or some silly tv show like Big Bang Theory or some cooking, walking and maybe even a little SWTOR vid gaming. Just a little light break. This stuff helps with some inspiration too sometimes.
Then after I'm less annoyed with myself, and feeling a little more objective, I try to pick apart the things that are bugging me about the task one by one. Also, try just talking about what's getting on your nerves about the design with a friend or even just aloud. Alot of times..just saying it out loud helps spark answers.
That's just stuff I try and often works for me.
Hope it helps and good luck!
Shawn Flanigan
Courses Plus Student 15,815 PointsWhenever I'm beating myself up about a design, I like to revisit this excerpt from an interview with Ira Glass. Always makes me feel a little better.
robertm
13,570 PointsI love that quote. I've watched that video a few times now and sure does make me feel better.
Chuck Spidell
64 PointsTake a break and go for a long walk, ride, or in my case - longboarding. If there's enough time in your schedule, stop working on the design for a few days and come back to it later. Or even a week. You'll subconsciously think about the design while the pressure is off.
If all else fails, start over from scratch - it's damn liberating.
Daniel Pugh
Courses Plus Student 501 PointsI been there before too and I always come back to my original ideas 9 out of 10 times. Its probably just one good idea leads to another good idea sort of thing that all comes together in the end. A good design takes time, but it does help me whenever I take a good break on any project that I'm working on. After those breaks I always have new ideas. I hope your project turns out awesome.
Kirill Titov
12,119 PointsWhat Nobody Tells Beginners—Ira Glass
Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. Lint to the article
Nick Burns
4,261 PointsNick Burns
4,261 PointsHey Rob, I often find it helpful to browse company websites that are in the same industry as the client and see what general look and feel those have. From there I start sketching, then building. If I ever get stuck I look up things like 'website header ideas' etc or just browse top 10 lists of well-designed websites.
Hope this helps!