Writer’s Block: Maintaining Creativity in Communications

 

In communications, maintaining creativity is a crucial part of our job.  We are asked to recognize trends while creating new ones. Our copy must be engaging, and our imagery eye-catching. Our greatest motivator and creative obstacle? A deadline.

In my experience, there are times when the creative ideas are flowing, and I feel like I can accomplish anything. Other times, the creative switch in my brain seems to be turned off. This is known popularly as a “creative funk.” Creative funks are stressful, especially with a deadline looming. Luckily, there are many ways to rediscover your creative potential and excel.

Consume Media

When in a creative funk, I find that websites like Pinterest are great sources of inspiration. I use Pinterest to create a digital mood board; something I will refer to when I’m challenged by a project. If you are in love with words, a quote heard often in universities is “you must read good writing to write well.”  Articles, blogs, books, and podcasts are all great sources of words that may inspire your own work.  Find the sources that reignites your creative spark and use it to your advantage.

Give your Mind a Break with Self-care

Clearing your mind may be just as beneficial to maintaining your creativity. Be unapologetic when needing to nurture your mind and body. Taking moments for yourself to reevaluate your personal and professional goals will benefit you in the long run.

Here are some popular ways to practice self-care:

• Yoga, meditation, and light exercise are all ways to stimulate your mind and body. For those of us that have a full schedule, 10-minutes is all you need.
• Acupuncture and/or a massage may help to relieve physical and emotional tension.
• Foster the positive relationships in your life. Spend quality time with friends, family, and/or co-workers.
• Write down your feelings, goals, and fears. Revisit them often to track your progress and accomplishments. Personally, making lists helps me map out my life, and relieves the stress that comes with worrying about “what ifs.” Explore positive affirmations that resonate with you and read them daily to ease your mind.
• Do something that has interested you for a while, or something you haven’t made time for—like cleaning, laundry, etc. Crossing things off your bucket list or chore list will create more room for the important things in your life.

Step Outside your Comfort Zone

It is easy to fall into the same routine whether it’s our clothing, food choices, or work space. A change of scenery may be much needed when feeling creativity depleted. Experiment with your style, diet, and spaces to refresh your mind. Exploring new likes and interests may bring a new energy and passion to your work.

Collaboration

Receiving input from others you trust may positively influence your work. Sometimes we need others to say what is working, and what isn’t. In communications, collaborating with your classmates, co-workers, or other departments is necessary. My experiences in college have taught me that it can be easy to instinctively fight the idea of collaboration, or group work. Once you stop fighting it and start embracing it, you can begin to benefit from working as a group. Having others who challenge you, motivate you, and count on you can power your creativity.

The Association for Women in Communications (AWC) is a great resource for advice from women in communications. There are many willing, experienced professionals in the AWC who can provide you with resources and mentorships.

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About the Author

Melissa Ames is an undergraduate student at Towson University in Towson, Maryland. She will graduate in May 2019 with a major in Mass Communication and a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, she would like to pursue a career in Advertising or Marketing.