As presenters, we all draw on whatever creative ability we possess in order to put together our presentation. Everything you do becomes part of your messaging. From font size and type to color palettes to storytelling–your slide deck is a creative masterpiece once completed. However, how often do you find yourself without a drive to create something special and new? Creative block plagues even the most inspired makers. In fact, the more seasoned you are in your position, the more likely you are to experience it. Having navigation tools to assist you with these roadblocks is critical. Let’s talk about three easy steps to overcoming creative block, no matter how severe.
Go Analog
I was recently at a conference for creatives and took with me a notebook that only had a few empty pages left. Since my work is largely behind a computer I figured that would suffice, and, if needed, I could always default to taking notes on my phone. Boy, was I ever wrong. The notes that I took on paper before I ran out of space were effortless, engaged and effective. The notes taken on my phone lacked a character and charm–they almost seemed to add to my creative block more than they helped me. The Writing Cooperative says this:
“Pen and paper offers the opportunity to get messy with your writing. Make lists of ideas. Doodle round the edges as you think through your ideas. Scribble song lyrics in the margin. Use different coloured pens. Ignite the playful side of yourself, and open yourself up to the unexpected.”
Finish One Small Task
Sometimes, in order to get into a groove, you just have to get the ball rolling. Try this exercise. Write a to-do list of every task and sub-task that you need to accomplish in the next hour, day, week. Try doing the easiest task first to kick-start your creative block elimination. Often, small tasks being completed lend to bigger tasks seeming easier. It’s like a game of sudoku. At first, there are so many open spaces it’s hard to know where to fill in an answer. But once more and more of the puzzle is completed, each box gets just a bit easier–and, hopefully, the final number just falls into place. After all, our brains like short-term goals. Take it easy on yourself and acknowledge each accomplishment, no matter how small.
Unfamiliar Inspiration
If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten. This is such a popular quote that the jury is out on who actually said it first. (My research on quoteinvestigator.com came up with Jesse Potter in 1981.) Nonetheless, it holds especially true for creative block. If you have a commute, try taking a different way to work. Try out a new coffee shop to work from. Take a different walk in your neighborhood–even just doing your usual walk starting in the opposite direction. Talk to a coworker you don’t know especially well. Tune into that podcast you’ve been hearing about but haven’t quite had the time to check out yet. The point is, do something new. The unknown presents wonder anew. That wonder just may be the ticket out of creative block for you.
In the end, while creative block can feel frustrating and uncomfortable, the inspired work of getting on the other side produces a thing of beauty. In order to let your imagination run wild, indulge in the imperfect, impractical, seemingly useless ideas. There just may be something that you wind up exploring after you’ve crossed it out. Whether it’s design help, content creation, or presentation services, Ethos3 is here to help as well! Reach out today for a free quote.
