Six Tips for Building a Habit of Creativity.

As a graphic designer, illustrator, or student, you know the importance of creativity in your work.

And as a freelancer, I know that it's important to find ways to be creative on a regular basis.

But how can you make creativity a habit?

Here are six tips to help you get started:

1. Begin by allocating time each day to work on a creative project.

Creativity is a skill. Like any other skill, it requires practise and determination to excel at it. But there's one thing that can hold all creatives back: bad habits.

These are the habits we learn as we grow up that crush the creative pathways in our brains. And like all bad habits, they can be broken if you're willing to work at them.

Creative people frequently make excuses for not being able to be creative, such as being too busy or not being talented enough; these are just excuses that prevent you from practising your creativity skills and progressing.

You need to start by setting aside time each day to work on a creative project—and then really commit yourself so that this becomes a habit!

2. Be patient and don't expect results overnight—it takes time to develop a habit.

Graphic designers often find it difficult to be patient while they wait for the results of their work. Graphic design is a profession that can take weeks, months, or even years before you see any tangible proof of your efforts.

It’s natural to want to produce immediate results and not have to wait around for something more concrete, but this isn’t the way creativity works. Creativity is a process, and it often takes time to see the fruits of your labour.

3. Keep a notebook and pen with you at all times.

Most people know that a great way to be more creative is to keep a notebook and pen with them at all times. This is because when an idea pops into your head, you want to be able to write it down so you don't forget it.

But what many people don't realise is that keeping a notebook isn't just for writing down ideas. It's also for sketching out your ideas and brainstorming new ones.

So the next time you're feeling uninspired, take out your notebook and start doodling. You might be surprised at what comes of it.

4. Be inspired by your surroundings.

It's easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to your work, especially if you do the same thing day in and day out. But one way to break out of that rut is to be inspired by your surroundings.

Whether you're at home or at work, there are always things around you that can inspire you to come up with new ideas.

For example, if you're a graphic designer, take a look at the posters on the subway or the typography on billboards.

If you're a web developer, check out the latest trends in website design.

By being constantly inspired by your surroundings, you'll find that your creativity will flow more freely and you'll be able to come up with new ideas more easily.

5. Regularly practise brainstorming and coming up with ideas.

Creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes. And when you exercise your creative muscles regularly, something magical happens: you start generating ideas all the time!

What was once difficult becomes easy, and what was once easy becomes effortless.

Practice brainstorming and coming up with ideas regularly to build this muscle of yours so it's strong enough to carry you through any project or task you may face in life—no matter how big or small it may seem at first.

What is the best way to go about doing this? Set aside some dedicated time each day (or week) for creative thinking, then pick one of these three approaches:

Brainstorm during that designated period; take advantage of downtime throughout your day to think of ideas (in the shower, on your commute, before bed, etc.); or keep a running list of ideas in a notebook or on your phone so you can add to it whenever inspiration strikes.

6. Take on new challenges and learn new skills.

To be a creative person, you have to be willing to take on new challenges and learn new skills. This is the only way to expand your horizons and come up with fresh ideas.

Graphic designers, for example, need to keep learning new software programmes and techniques to stay ahead of the curve.

And even if you're not a graphic designer, there are plenty of other skills you can learn that will help boost your creativity. Try taking a painting class or learning how to play a musical instrument. The more diverse your experiences, the more creative you'll be.

Bonus tip:

7. Be persistent and don't give up easily.

Creativity is a skill that can be learned and practised, but it takes time and effort. One of the most significant barriers to becoming more creative is giving up too easily.

Many people become discouraged after a few failed attempts and give up before they even begin. However, because creativity is based on trial and error, you must be persistent and keep trying new things until you find something that works.

The bottom line is that excuses will always hold you back from becoming a more creative person. But if you’re willing to put in the hard work and practice, then there’s no reason why you can’t become a more creative individual.

So don’t let your excuses get in the way of your creativity; start building those habits today!

If you need some extra help getting started, be sure to check out my blog for tips and tricks on how to boost your productivity and creativity.

Thanks for reading!

Gary

📚 What I’m reading right now

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson is a book about the life and works of Naval Ravikant. It covers his experiences as an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher. The book also includes a foreword by another prominent thinker, Tim Ferriss.

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant is an insightful and informative read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investing, or philosophy. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about Naval Ravikant and his thoughts on these subjects.