As a designer or creative professional, finding the perfect balance between staying productive and boosting creativity can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you are managing multiple projects or seeking fresh inspiration, maintaining a steady flow of creative energy is crucial.

In this post, I’ll share my top strategies for unlocking creativity and improving productivity, with simple changes you can make today.

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1. Create a Daily Routine with Time Blocks

You’ve probably heard me talk about time blocking before. Time blocks are incredibly effective for organising your day and getting more done. Just like batching similar tasks, structuring your day into time blocks allows you to focus fully on one type of activity whether that is brainstorming, designing, or admin.

By dedicating specific blocks of time to different activities, you reduce distractions and boost productivity.

Be sure to schedule tasks based on when you are most creative. For example, I’m more creative in the mornings, so I reserve that time for design work (Canva, sketching, commissions, copy). Later in the day, I focus on tasks like emails and meetings.

Identify your peak creative hours and block them off for your most important creative tasks

2. Embrace “Creative Breaks”

Taking breaks is just as important as working, especially if you want to maintain long-term creativity.

“Creative breaks” are short, intentional pauses from your work that give your brain a chance to recharge. Take a walk or grab a coffee to reset your mindset and help you approach your work with fresh eyes.

When you step away, your subconscious continues to process ideas, often leading to creative breakthroughs once you return to your work

3. Keep a Sketchbook or Creative Journal

One of the best habits you can develop is keeping a sketchbook or creative journal. Documenting your thoughts, sketches, and ideas regularly is a fantastic way to nurture creativity. Even if an idea feels rough, having it written down provides a bank of inspiration you can revisit whenever you’re feeling stuck.

You might forget those Ideas that come to you in a flash - a sketchbook gives them a permanent home

4. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Big projects can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially when juggling multiple tasks. To prevent this, break larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. Setting small goals keeps your momentum going, gives you a sense of accomplishment, and reduces the risk of burnout.

Start your day by listing three small goals you can realistically achieve - These wins will keep you motivated throughout the day

5. Surround Yourself with Inspiration

Creativity thrives on inspiration.

To keep your ideas flowing, regularly expose yourself to new sources of inspiration. This could mean visiting an art gallery, exploring new places, or even following creative accounts on Instagram (hint hint).

A change in perspective can work wonders for your creative mindset, sparking fresh ideas you can bring into your own projects.

Surrounding yourself with creativity in different forms helps broaden your approach to design and keeps you motivated to try new things

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