Modern Graphic Designer: How to Boost Creativity

Do you ever feel like you're having a creative slump? Can't figure out where all of your great ideas went?

When feeling at a loss for design ideas, I like to take a break from my computer and grab a design book. No, not to copy someone else's designs(!)... but to stimulate creativity! Changing your setting or changing your media (from computer to book) does wonders for the creative process.

Here are 5 creative steps to help you out of a design rut:
1) leave your computer (but not until after you read this list!)
2) grab a sketchbook or notepad
3) start looking through design books and magazines
4) think about what you like or don't like, and
5) start doodling some ideas

If you take a break in your day to find inspiration from a different media, you'll be amazed how many new, creative ideas you can have.

Some of my favorite books and places for creative inspiration?

For sketching ideas:
Moleskine® (like the ones used for the past two centuries by great artists and thinkers like Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway). There's just something about the simplicity and basic functionality of these books...

For creative "breaks" and ideas:
The Essential House Book or Easy Living (by Terence Conran) Flipping through these classic modern interior design books makes me see things from a cleaner, fresher perspective. If you can't walk through the Conran Shop in Paris, the next best thing is flipping through his books, right?

For design and layout:
How, Print or Dwell are great magazine options or any fine art book. Even though they aren't graphic design books, when looking through books about Matisse, Van Gogh or Kandinsky, I personally find the colors and compositions always inspiring.

Online sites and resources:
A favorite book resource is Chronicle Books. Part of their mission statement is to create and distribute exceptional publishing that's instantly recognizable for its spirit, creativity, and value. Visiting their site and seeing what they have to offer definitely lifts my spirits and creativity!

Everyone is different when it comes to inspiration, but I believe the important thing is to figure out what helps to inspire you and make time for it in your day.