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Even as a designer with over a decade of experience – I still get STUCK! And from coaching hundreds of business owners to DIY their graphics, I know you might be getting stuck too.

And getting stuck is NOT the way a business owner wants to spend their day. It wastes time, means you create subpar graphics and is honestly just a frustrating feeling!!

So what are my top tips get getting unstuck when designing? What do I do myself? That’s what I’ll be covering in this episode of the Seriously in Business podcast.

1. Centering Back into Your Why

Let’s kick things off with the most important tip of all – centering back into your “why.” It’s like the North Star for your creative endeavor. Think about why you’re creating that graphic. Is it for a social media post, a flyer, a logo, or something else entirely? Understanding the purpose behind your creation will not only give you clarity but also provide you with answers to critical design questions that arise during the process. And remember, it doesn’t have to be a fancy reason – just a solid understanding of WHY you’re doing what you’re doing.

2. Pinterest: Your Creative Playground

Ready for some fun? Head over to Pinterest for a jolt of inspiration! Whether you’re seeking graphic design ideas, logo designs, or flyer inspiration, Pinterest is a goldmine of creativity. Search for phrases like “graphic design,” “logo design,” or “flyer design,” and watch as a treasure trove of images and concepts unfolds before your eyes. You can even get more specific with descriptive phrases like “feminine graphic design” or “bold social media design.” It’s the perfect place to let your creativity run wild and gather ideas for your design to get you out of that rut. (Wanna know a secret? Even as a designer I rarely start a graphic without finding inspiration!)

3. Embrace Canva Templates

If you’re using Canva (which, let’s be honest, who isn’t?), dive into its huge range of templates. With thousands of options at your fingertips, Canva templates can be an excellent source of inspiration. Make sure to start with opening the right size of design you’re working on, then browse through the templates that align with your project. Even if you don’t end up using a particular template, it can serve as a launching pad for your own unique design.

I love searching phrases that I know align with what I need (that’s why tip #1 is so important). Whether it’s “5 tip post” if I’m making an educational social media post, or “minimal flyer design”).

4. Let Pourself Play and Permission to Fail

Picture this – graphic design as a playground. Give yourself the freedom to experiment, take chances, and yes, even make mistakes. As a designer, I can attest that the first draft is rarely the final product. It’s about playing with elements, trying different combinations, and being open to those “happy accidents.” Sometimes the best designs emerge when we give ourselves the space to move things around, mix and match, and stumble upon unexpected brilliance.

5. Strategic Social Media Scroll

When it comes to social media, you can find a lot of inspiration… as long as you don’t just mindlessly scroll. Instead, be intentional. Set a timer and strategically search for posts that align with the content or style you’re aiming to create. Whether it’s 5 minutes or 10, make every second count. Look for inspiration, analyze what’s working for others, and use that insight to create graphics that resonate with your audience. It’s like a mini treasure hunt for design ideas!

Bonus Tip: Combat Perfectionism with Purpose

Here’s a little secret – perfect graphics don’t need to consume endless hours of your time. Prioritize your tasks and understand that not every design needs to be a work of art. If it effectively communicates your message and captures your brand essence, it’s good enough. Let go of perfectionism and focus on efficiency and effectiveness. It’s all about working smarter, not harder!

Navigating creative roadblocks in graphic design is all about finding playful and strategic solutions. Whether it’s seeking inspiration on Pinterest, embracing Canva templates, or giving yourself the space to play and experiment, there are myriad ways to get unstuck and reignite your creativity. Remember, your graphics are a reflection of your brand and its story. So, embrace the playfulness, and design with purpose.

Want to learn how to design your own business graphics for free? Check out my mini (totally binge-able) video series: https://whitedeer.com.au/sibchallenge

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If you loved this episode as much as I loved sharing it with you…there is more where that came from!

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