Every creative has been there — staring at a blank canvas (or screen), desperately wishing for the spark of inspiration to hit. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try, your creativity just isn’t flowing. You’re mentally drained, your ideas feel flat, and you’re stuck in a creative rut.

Trust me, I get it. After 7+ years in design and branding, I’ve learned that even the most seasoned creatives face these dry spells. But the trick is to keep searching for inspiration, even when you feel creatively spent. Inspiration doesn’t always come from a flashy “eureka” moment; sometimes, it’s about intentionally putting yourself in the right place — both physically and mentally — to let ideas percolate.

Here’s where I find inspiration, even when I’m creatively drained.

1. Step Away from the Screen

It may sound counterintuitive, but one of the best things you can do when you’re feeling creatively stuck is to step away from your computer. It’s easy to get trapped in the cycle of endlessly scrolling through Pinterest or browsing design blogs, thinking that more screen time will spark new ideas. But that often leads to comparison paralysis or information overload.

Sometimes, the best ideas come when you let your brain take a breather from digital overload. Here’s what works for me:

• Take a walk: Whether it’s through nature or just around the block, a change of scenery can do wonders for your mind. Movement helps clear the mental clutter and often allows new ideas to surface.

• Doodle or journal: Grab a pen and paper (no tech involved) and just start drawing, writing, or brainstorming. Let your hand move freely without any expectations or judgments. You might be surprised by what comes up.

• Get into a hobby: When I’m creatively drained, I often turn to my side hobbies like sketching or crocheting. These creative outlets help me relax and refresh my mind, which sometimes leads to an unexpected breakthrough.

2. Look Outside the Design World

As a brand designer and creative, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the “design bubble” — constantly consuming the same type of content, whether it’s design trends, graphic inspiration, or even the same social media platforms. But inspiration can come from places outside of design.

Here are a few unconventional sources of inspiration that help me refresh my creative well:

• Art galleries and museums: Viewing art from different periods, mediums, and cultures often opens my eyes to new perspectives. I’ll find myself drawn to a specific color palette, texture, or composition that I can later incorporate into my design work.

• Books and literature: Reading a novel, poetry, or even non-fiction can spark new ideas and creative insights. The power of words can help me frame concepts in unique ways, especially when I’m working on branding or messaging.

• Music and films: I often find myself inspired by a powerful song or a visually stunning movie. Music and film have a unique way of evoking emotions, and tapping into that can help me develop more emotive, compelling designs.

3. Explore Nature

There’s something incredibly calming and refreshing about the natural world. When I feel creatively drained, I often turn to nature as a source of renewal. The patterns, colors, and textures found in nature are truly unmatched.

A few ways nature fuels my creativity:

• Photography: I like to go on photography walks, capturing landscapes, details, and even little moments that often inspire unexpected design ideas. A shot of a sunset, a close-up of a leaf, or the patterns in rocks can inspire everything from color schemes to textures in my designs.

• Nature’s simplicity: Sometimes, all it takes is looking at a flower’s petals or a calm forest scene to remind me of the beauty in simplicity. This reminder often prompts me to bring a minimalist approach to my design work.

• Mindful moments: Simply sitting in a park, feeling the breeze, and clearing my mind allows me to step back from the noise and recharge my creative energy.

4. Collaborate and Talk to Others

When you’re stuck, sometimes the best thing to do is ask for input. Creativity isn’t a solitary endeavor — collaboration can often ignite new ideas and directions. Here are some ways I tap into collaboration for inspiration:

• Brainstorming sessions: Whether it’s with a fellow designer, a client, or a non-design friend, talking through the problem can help clarify things. Often, verbalizing thoughts or bouncing ideas around sparks new inspiration.

• Feedback loops: I value getting feedback, whether it’s from clients or peers. Hearing how others perceive a design or concept often leads to fresh perspectives I wouldn’t have considered otherwise.

• Networking and events: Sometimes, simply attending a creative meetup or talking to someone outside your usual circle can trigger inspiration. Creative communities are a great source of ideas and motivation, and they help me see things from a different lens.

5. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

Creativity, like any skill, requires rest and rejuvenation. Sometimes, the best way to find inspiration is to stop forcing it. Overworking and pushing yourself can lead to burnout and block your natural flow. Instead, I’ve learned to embrace the power of rest.

Here’s how to incorporate rest into your creative process:

• Take a day off: Allow yourself the time to truly disconnect, even if just for a day. Use this time to recharge, reset, and do things that make you feel good.

• Self-care rituals: A long bath, meditation, or time spent with loved ones can help restore balance to your mind and body, which in turn helps restore your creative energy.

• Trust the process: I’ve learned to accept that creativity ebbs and flows. Some days are more productive than others, and that’s okay. Giving yourself grace and trusting that inspiration will return often works wonders.

6. Conclusion: Inspiration is Everywhere

Creativity isn’t a faucet that you can simply turn on and off — it’s a process that requires patience, intention, and sometimes, a little detour. Whether it’s stepping away from your screen, exploring nature, collaborating with others, or simply resting, inspiration is always there if you’re open to it.

The key is to keep seeking it. Inspiration can come from the unlikeliest of places — sometimes you just have to let go of expectations and let it find you.

Remember, even when you’re creatively drained, inspiration is just around the corner. It’s all about putting yourself in the right environments, staying curious, and giving your mind the space it needs to create.