10 Tips for Keeping a Creative Mindset Indoors
We know the time we’re living in now is uncertain and many people are making the tough adjustment to working from home and social distancing. Unfortunately for designers, many of us thrive in collaborative environments and are seriously missing pin-up reviews. Luckily, the adjustment to the WFH lifestyle isn’t unfamiliar to everyone. That being said, our team has rounded up 10 key tips to help you stay creative during this chaotic time indoors.
1. Create an inspirational space
Set up an area that keeps you engaged and motivated. Move a succulent next to your monitor, or move your monitor next to your whiteboard. If your home isn’t fully equipped like your desk at work, move around to keep things interesting: try your kitchen island or an open garage for a change of pace.
2. Take Note
Start your morning with a sketch. Track your thoughts in your journal. Plan projects and break times in your planner. Make a checklist on your whiteboard. Writing things down is the classic way to stay creative and keep yourself organized.
3. Pick up a New Skill
Look into online courses to pick up a new skill, whether you improve your work or find a new hobby. Learning something new for the right side of your brain flexes your creativity in new ways. Here’s some fun ideas to explore for a start: painting, knitting, gardening, cooking, starting a 3D print collection, you get it. Here are some references to explore: Brit + Co, Skillshare and everything Lynda.
Painting by the talented Zoe Gomer, check out some of her work on Instagram @zoenoelle
4. Improve an Old Skill
When was the last time you watched a video from Adobe? Free online content is out there, and more than usual due to the quarantine and our compassionate community. Make time for learning in your day to maintain your set of well-rounded skills or pick up new hot key tricks. Looking for some design inspiration? Check out online mood boards! Websites such as Pinterest, Lemanoosh and Behance work really well to keep us inspired. The creative process is nothing more than a collage of all these fragments of visual information we collect along the way. When browsing on those platforms, try to focus on small details like surface transitions, patterns, CMF, etc.
5. Find Friendly Competitions
While there are many challenges going around social media, take part in one that helps boost your skills. Whether you post or not, try the weekly sketch challenge or see if you can up the last render on the hashtag. For a start, check out @weeklydesignchallenge or @renderweekly for something new every week, or look into #quarantink from @adv_des for a fun and sketchy take on the quarantine.
6. Take advantage of online resources
Museums are always a great place to go when you run out of ideas. Although we can’t physically visit any museums for a while, there are lots of museums making their online collections available. Here are just a few: Cooper Hewitt, The MET, The MoMA, The Lourve. Films about art and design are also a great way to get inspired and motivated, since they are a very light and entertaining way to learn. During the COVID-19 crisis, Gary Hustwit’s films are available online and you could also check out some of our other favorites Eames: The Architect and the Painter, Abstract: The Art of Design, and Loving Vincent.
7. Play Strategy Games
Puzzles are an obvious option when trapped in the house, but there are so many more options to explore and work the left side of your brain. Try something analog since so many of us spend most to the day looking at a screen. Logic puzzle books, brainteaser cards or board games are a good start.
8. stay Active
Gym’s closed? Look for a virtual class, find fitness influencers, go for a run or have your own dance party. Small active breaks during the workday keep your blood flowing and can lead to new ideas. Try changing into gym clothes at lunch so there’s no excuse not to do something active at the end of the day.
9. Meditate + reflect
Practicing mindfulness can mean different things for everyone. Sit in silence and focus on your breathing, have your morning coffee while journaling, go for a walk, all up to you! Meditation can be good preparation or wind-down for the day by simply taking a few minutes to yourself with zero distractions. One of the last things you could incorporate into your day is step back and reflect. Does my design adds to the experience? Should I try different approach? Taking time to reflect about your work helps to shift directions when necessary, but also fires your motivation and works as a way to find inspiration.
10. Keep in Touch
Virtual gatherings and group chats are fun ways to keep your family and friends updated during times of isolation. Set up check-in times to limit distractions during the workday. Calls don’t need to be all stress and worries, how about a game night? If you have multiple screens, set up a video call on your tv or computer and use your smartphone to play games. Some teams are hosting a virtual happy hour on Friday afternoons: BYOB. It’s important to talk with people outside your home to keep each other motivated, and also eat some cookies.
Do you have more tips for staying creative indoors? Drop a comment below!
We also want to thank everyone, including healthcare professionals, retail workers, food service workers, law enforcement officials, and beyond, who are working tirelessly to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and support our community during these uncertain times. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy, and most importantly, staying home!