3 Simple Practices I’ve Developed to Make My Creative Process Smoother and My Life Easier

After nearly 7 years as a professional marketer and more than 12 years managing creative projects like copywriting, graphic design, video production, and UI design, one thing has become clear to me: creativity is a process—and it’s rarely perfect on the first try.

Over the years, I’ve developed 3 simple habits that give me a solid kickstart, save extra time during brainstorming, and help me catch those sneaky little errors before hitting submit. Even if you’re not in a creative field, these tips can still work wonders for organizing your thoughts and sharpening your process!

1. Brainstorming with a Twist

Yes, we’ve all heard about brainstorming, but this isn’t your typical pre-project session. Think of this as ongoing, passive brainstorming—an exercise in building a library of inspiration.

Here’s what I mean:

• Identify your go-to resources for research and creative ideas—websites, blogs, platforms, or communities.
• Take advantage of features like “collections” or bookmarks to categorize your finds. For instance, you could create folders for typography, color schemes, campaign ideas, video techniques, etc.
• Regularly save what inspires you, even if you don’t have an immediate project in mind.

When a new project lands on your desk, you’ll already have a curated vault of ideas to dive into. Trust me, having this head start can sync your vision with creative trends and save hours of frustration.

2. Concept is King

No matter how small or straightforward a project seems, start with a concept. A concept isn’t just about what you’re creating; it’s the mood, tone, and direction that guide the project.

Think of it as your creative compass.

• Begin by asking: What emotion or message should this project convey?
• Jot down a few guiding words or create a quick mood board.
• Keep everything aligned with that concept—whether it’s color palettes, copy tone, or design elements.

This approach not only ensures consistency but also helps you present your work confidently. A well-thought-out concept often speaks for itself, even during critiques.

3. The Power of a Second Look

Here’s a game-changing habit I swear by: take a break before submitting your work.

When you’ve spent hours on a project, your brain starts ignoring small errors or inconsistencies. Give yourself a mental reset:

• Grab a coffee, take a walk, or just switch tasks for 10–15 minutes.
• Come back to your project with fresh eyes.

You’ll be amazed at how easily you catch overlooked details—whether it’s a typo, alignment issue, or a missed opportunity to enhance the design. This simple practice has saved me from countless “Oops!” moments and ensures that I’m always delivering my best work.

Bonus Tip: Share Your Work Early

If possible, share rough drafts or initial concepts with a trusted colleague or friend. They might spot things you missed or offer fresh ideas that push your project further. Collaboration can often be the spark you didn’t realize you needed.

At the end of the day, every creative has their own process. But these tips—brainstorm smarter, focus on your concept, and take a second look—are universal ways to enhance your creativity and perfect your projects.

Let me know if you try any of these! Or share your own tips—I’m always looking to learn more.