A Designer's Guide to Managing Creative Restlessness
"If you’re a creative soul, you were born restless" - Bonnie Glendinning
Designers often find themselves in a constant dance with creativity—exploring, experimenting, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of design trends. But what happens when the exposure to new ideas and styles triggers an almost compulsive urge to shift your own design approach? Welcome to the world of creative restlessness!!
What is Creative Restlessness?
Creative restlessness is a phenomenon where designers feel the need to continuously change or refine their design approach, often influenced by exposure to new trends, styles, or the work of others. This feeling can be invigorating, pushing you to explore new horizons. However, it can also be overwhelming, leaving you questioning your current style or approach.
For instance, you might identify as a minimalist designer, but after encountering bold, maximalist designs, you start questioning if your style is “boring” or outdated. This can lead to an internal tug-of-war between staying true to your foundational design principles and experimenting with new influences.
Why Does It Happen?
Exposure to Trends: The design world evolves rapidly, and as professionals, designers are constantly exposed to new trends through social media, portfolios, and showcases. These trends often resonate with their mood at the time, making them seem more appealing.
Temporary Moods vs. Established Styles: What you feel drawn to at a particular moment might align with a fleeting mood rather than your overarching design philosophy. Your established approach, on the other hand, is the result of years of experimentation, adaptation, and growth.
Self-Doubt and “Design Envy”: Seeing exceptional work by others can sometimes lead to “design envy”—a sense of inadequacy about your own work. This can spark a desire to emulate what you admire, even if it doesn’t align with your true style.
Creative Curiosity: Designers are inherently curious. The desire to explore and understand new styles is natural and often necessary for growth. However, this curiosity can sometimes spiral into restlessness if not balanced.
The Pros and Cons of Creative Restlessness
Pros:
Fuels Innovation: Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can lead to breakthroughs and innovative solutions.
Adaptability: Experimenting with different styles makes you versatile and better equipped to handle diverse projects.
Keeps Your Work Fresh: It’s a way to avoid stagnation and keep your portfolio dynamic.
Cons:
Overwhelm and Burnout: Constantly chasing trends can be mentally and creatively exhausting.
Lack of Consistency: Shifting styles too often can make it difficult to establish a signature approach.
Diluted Vision: Overindulging in trends might cause you to lose sight of your original design principles.
How to Navigate Creative Restlessness
Recognize Temporary Influence: Acknowledge that the trends or designs you’re drawn to might reflect your current mood rather than a need for a fundamental shift in your approach.
Blend, Don’t Replace: Instead of completely overhauling your style, consider integrating elements of what inspires you into your existing approach. This allows you to evolve without losing your identity.
Revisit Your Foundations: Remind yourself of why you adopted your current design style. Reflect on the journey, experiments, and growth that shaped it.
Experiment Strategically: Use personal projects as a playground for exploring new styles. This ensures your professional work remains consistent while allowing room for creative exploration.
Seek Feedback: Discuss your thoughts with peers or mentors. An external perspective can help you see the bigger picture and prevent impulsive decisions.
Stay Grounded: Remember that trends are fleeting. What’s considered cutting-edge today might be outdated tomorrow. Focus on timeless principles that resonate with your values and vision.
The Balance Between Inspiration and Identity
Creative restlessness is not inherently good or bad—it’s a natural part of being a designer. The key lies in finding a balance: embracing the inspiration that comes from new trends while staying true to your core design philosophy.
Your design approach is a living, evolving entity, shaped by years of practice, learning, and introspection. It’s okay to feel influenced, and it’s equally okay to resist the urge to constantly reinvent yourself. In the words of legendary designer Paul Rand, “Design is so simple, that’s why it’s so complicated.” The complexity of your journey as a designer is what makes your work unique—and that’s something no trend can replace.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling restless, take it as a sign that you’re actively engaged with your craft. Use this energy to fuel intentional growth rather than impulsive change. In the end, the goal isn’t to follow every trend but to design with purpose, authenticity, and a touch of your unique perspective.