Spread Porn

There is nothing more exciting than jumping into a new relationship. The initial phase of conversation, getting to know each other and creating intimacy is such a build up of infatuation. The honeymoon phase of the relationship is what keeps us interested and locks us in. However, there comes a time when you reach your next destination – stability. Though stability can be a wonderful place to be, it can also be a place of safety. It is within this phase, that the spark sort of dwindles. What once was a mystery is now very familiar – we have cracked the code. So now what?

How do you keep the spark alive between your marriage with design? Like any relationship, things can get stale and stagnant, but it is in these moments when we need to get creative within ourselves to find solutions. Just as dating the same person for an extended period of time, we all need our “me time” to recharge – the same applies to working on long projects. Taking some personal time to stimulate yourself with visuals is healthy, while some call it design porn, enjoy spread porn. This is a website I frequently visit to admire spreads from historical publications. We all have our own fetishes.

In the field of design, creativity is a muscle that is constantly exercised yet during times of fatigue it is important to rest. Nourishment is what keeps us alive and thriving. Personally, when I’m in a bit of a funk, I tend to step away from my work and come back to it later. After taking the time to think about what I do while my creative libido takes a plummet, I remembered a few key tactics that have helped me pull through.

Positions that can pull you out of your dry spell.

Cardi O

In other words, get up and make some money moves. Take a minute to step away from the screen and get active. Not only is exercise important for your physical health but your mental health as well. This doesn’t mean you need to go beast mode at the gym, but go kick some rocks, go for a hike, take your dog on a walk, or as my dad used to tell me “Go play in traffic.” Getting up to move around helps get out some frustration and anxiety. It’s important to physically walk away from your work, come back and give it another shot.

Netflix and Chill

When you have the time, take a minute to enjoy your favorite show. For me, it’s Seinfeld and it always puts things in perspective.

Mouth play –

with your peers, coworkers, family members, even strangers! Be a social butterfly for a little bit and talk to people outside of the design field. In the past, I have found great benefit from talking to people that are not in the industry to gain other perspective. Even running concepts by others who are not involved in design helps to understand how an audience perceives a concept.

The Peeping Tom

We all do this and we do this to stay on top. Take a peek at what else is going on in the field, whether it be other studios, websites of curated designers, books or magazines – they all help to stimulate our senses. Browse through designers you admire in your field, browse through design fields other than your own – see what is out there.

The Golden Shower

Take a break and run the hot water – dip into the relaxation of cleaning up. There is something about the intimate space of a shower that allows you to strike creative gold. Letting your mind wander is when great ideas begin to start to unfold.

We all have our own style of getting the creative juices flowing, these are just a few techniques that I gravitate to. What do you do to keep inspired and not grow stale?