This will have you saying bye to creative block!
Cindy Shontan
Senior Product Designer | UI/UX Designer | Design Mentor | Speaker | Designing experiences for B2B B2C SaaS and Public Sector | Open to Global Oppportunities
Are you currently experiencing creative or design block?
One thing has become clear to me as a Product Designer and Product Leader over the years, and that is: creativity isn’t a constant flow—it’s a process. I was reminded of this during a recent mentorship session with a young product designer. She asked, "How do I tackle creativity block?" I couldn’t help but chuckle because, let’s be honest, we’ve all been there—staring at the screen like it holds the answers, waiting for that “Eureka” moment.
Here’s the thing: creativity doesn’t always strike like lightning. It’s often sparked through reflection, self-awareness, and, most importantly, documentation. That’s where journaling comes in.
Why Journaling Works
Think of journaling as a conversation with yourself—no judgment, no deadlines, just raw thoughts flowing onto the page. The process is therapeutic, but beyond that, it’s a fantastic tool to track progress and inspire creativity.
You can document challenges, breakthroughs, random ideas, and even what you had for breakfast (trust me, sometimes that can spark an idea!). More importantly, when you hit a creative block, flipping through old entries can remind you of how you overcame past hurdles. It’s like leaving yourself breadcrumbs to find your way back to creativity.
Tracking Progress: The Designer’s Time Capsule
I asked the young designer, “Have you ever looked back at your old designs?” She nodded, but I could see the hesitation—maybe they didn’t like what they saw. That’s where journaling comes in handy. You can look back and see your growth not just in design but in how you approach problem-solving. It’s like a time capsule of your thought process, showing how much you've evolved over time.
Journaling is like a personal time capsule, capturing your growth and creative journey, helping you see how far you've come even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Inspiring Creativity: Unblocking the Design Block
When we talk about creativity, the first thing that comes to mind is inspiration. But inspiration doesn’t just come from grand ideas; sometimes it comes from the mundane. Documenting small thoughts—random sketches, incomplete ideas—might not seem groundbreaking, but revisiting them later often leads to the next great solution. Journaling helps you keep a library of those “almost-there” ideas that might just need a second look.
领英推荐
The Mentorship Moment: Tackling Design Block
During the session, I told the designer, "Creativity block is normal, and journaling can help you tackle it head-on." I shared how I often journal when I hit a wall—scribbling down what went wrong or what’s missing. It’s amazing how putting things into words (or even doodles!) can unlock new ideas.
This Isn’t Just for Designers
Now, before my friends in engineering, marketing, or even finance feel left out—journaling works in every field. Whether you’re tackling a stubborn code, facing an ad campaign gone wrong, or working on a business strategy, journaling lets you dissect problems, identify patterns, and come up with creative solutions. It’s not about the form—whether it's a notebook, app, or even voice memos—it’s about the habit of reflection.
Feeling stuck in your design journey? Struggling with creativity block or unsure of your next step? Let's change that!
I’m offering free clarity sessions to help you gain focus, spark creativity, and build confidence in your design career. Whether you need guidance on projects, portfolio tips, or navigating the industry, I’m here to support you.
?? Book your session now and let’s work together to unlock your full potential! DM me or Click the link to schedule your free session today!
#DesignMentorship #ProductDesign #CreativeClarity #UXDesign #UIUXMentorship #DesignThinking #CreativeBlock #DesignCommunity #CreativityUnlocked #ProductDesign #DesignCareer #CreativeInspiration #InnovationInDesign #UXCareer #DesignGrowth #CindyShontan
Product Designer | User-centered design for growth| Marketing Design Associate | WTF'23
5 个月This is helpful and insightful
The World's Best CMO || Ex-CMO @ Cardify | Ex-Opay | Ex-Alerzo
5 个月Thank you, I needed this.!