Graphic design is a competitive field and clients want to hire only the best. To become the best, freelance graphic designers must follow the five creativity exercises discussed in this article. These exercises can inspire graphic artists to come up with new and exciting ideas.
1. Graffiti
In general, “scribbling” can be defined as unfocused drawings made when one’s attention is occupied by other aspects. Since scribbling promotes creativity while relieving anxiety, stress and tension, it is one of the best creativity exercises a graphic designer can do to get his/her creativity flowing.
Try this to start scribbling:
Empty your mind.
Let your hands be free to draw.
Set the drawing aside when you’re done.
When you’re done, look at the drawings and analyze them.
Analysis of the scribble can yield feelings or thoughts, and possibly even the solution you are looking for. If it doesn’t happen on the first try, don’t give up. Creativity takes time.
2. Visualize from different angles
In the world of graphic design, it can be mundane to see things as they are. However, seeing things as they are is much more interesting and can develop new and interesting ideas. For this reason, it is one of the best exercises for a graphic designer’s creativity.
Try the following to start visualizing from a different angle:
Select an object and analyze it.
Try to get rid of any preconceptions about the subject.
Start sketching and write down your ideas.
Try to make 3-5 sketches depending on what you show yourself.
Set the sketch aside when you’re done.
Check out what you’ve made later. You may be surprised by some of the ideas you come up with.
3. Explore nature
Nature is especially inspiring for fostering creativity. Regular visits to natural areas are considered one of the best exercises in creativity.
Try the following to get inspired by nature:
Go to the park or zoo, take a walk, wander through the woods, or just go outside and sit by a nearby tree.
Find something that grabs your attention or moves you in some way.
Draw what you see and try to figure out what appeals to you and convey that in your design.
Take a picture of what catches your eye to continue your design. This will keep it fresh in your mind.
To make this exercise useful, try explaining how you feel when you first see something that catches your eye.
4. Use random words
One of the most respected creativity exercises, this brainstorming exercise is sure to generate new and interesting ideas. Essentially, you can take a word at will and incorporate it into a design idea. The idea behind this exercise is to spark ideas that you may not have thought of before.
Try the following to start random word exercises:
Brainstorm and jot down your desired design themes on paper.
Open the dictionary and select the first word you are viewing.
Try incorporating random words into a design of your choice. For example, your design theme could be yoga and you randomly choose the word “apple.” The idea is to incorporate ideas from Apple into the yoga theme.
This exercise is often useful for graphic designers on advertising projects and/or when more out-of-the-box thinking is required.
5. Translate text to images
This is one of the most popular creativity exercises. The idea is to choose a word and create a design that consists only of that word. You can use color and/or one or two basic shapes, but the focus of the design should be on the word you choose.
Try this to start translating words into pictures:
Choose a word; or, for a more challenging exercise, open the dictionary and pick a word at random.
Try to form thoughts that contain the word and make sketches.
Be sure to limit yourself to the obvious.
While this exercise may not sound as challenging as the others, you’ll be amazed at how effective it is.
