I approach each project in a similar way, whether it’s commissioned or self–initiated. My working method is straightforward: I think of all the logical steps and practical production methods that I know will work. I tend to mull things over and work out problems subconsciously. If you give an idea a few prods and prompts, eventually potential solutions float to the surface. That way you can let problems work themselves out - don’t try to overthink them. If you complicate things too much, then the first spark of an idea can become overworked and lose its spontaneity. Trust your first reaction - try hard to hang onto your initial creative impulse. In order to fly, an idea has to feel satisfying on lots of different levels - what fonts or colours to use, how to make it, working with collaborators. All these considerations have to feel complete and ‘right’.
2. If you feel uninspired, give yourself breathing space
Creativity isn’t a constant dependable resource, it needs to be cared for and nurtured. There’s nothing worse than feeling uncreative, it can become difficult to deal with and very hard to unblock. Giving yourself breathing space and being careful not to overwork is a good way of keeping your creativity healthy. Sometimes the most effective way of working is not to do any work. When I’m feeling ‘design fatigue’ I find it hard to get excited about things that I’d normally be interested in. I take that as a sign that I need to have a break for a few days and give myself a complete rest from work. After a couple of days I find myself thinking about getting back and slowly the creative urge starts to grow again.