By: Vallene Kailburn
As a designer, I sometimes forget that my creativity is not a renewable resource. Constantly being “on” and asking my mind to pour out creativity puts me (and all designers) at the risk of burnout! By making a conscious effort to recharge, I am allowing time and space for creative ideas to spark. Here are a few ways I have recently recharged my creativity.
Visit a Children’s Museum
I recently took my kids on a trip to New Orleans where we did a lot of exploration into new architecture, foods and locations. One of the places we went to was the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Each time I visit a new museum, I always find that they spark creativity. From quotes to whiteboard designs to architecture, I stumbled across styles that I can incorporate into the experiential design we have been doing at OTM.
One of the best museums I have ever been to is the National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY. If you’re ever in the area, I highly suggest you visit. This one is unlike any other museum I have been to, and it will inspire even the most creative designer to think in new ways.
Adopt a New Hobby (Or Two)
I am a digital designer, but I like to challenge my creativity by taking on new hobbies. I did pottery for a while and that sparked a whole new textile part of my design that I hadn’t explored since art school. It was refreshing to recharge my brain in a whole new medium. It made me think about color, texture, utility, and design in a whole new way! I also didn’t realize how much time it takes to make one single mug – wow, I have a new appreciation for handmade pottery!
I have since switched my hobby to embroidery as I want something that will challenge me in a new medium and also be something I can do at home.
Take a Class
All creative industries are constantly changing nowadays, so it can be hard to keep up. I recommend to my design team and my creative friends to take a class to keep up with their creative abilities. I am currently taking a photography class on lighting as this is something any person who shoots for a living could constantly be improving and learning on. These classes last about a month which is just long enough to make my creativity feel fresh.
No matter what your specialty is in the design world, there are always opportunities to recharge your creativity – and you should be taking them!