In animation, we use our minds most of the time - creativity opens the mind and broadens our perspectives. But how do we keep it alive?
Here are tips to help you keep your creativity alive:
1. Take breaks from work and your phone
Taking short breaks can dramatically improve your ability to focus a task for prolonged periods.
You can take a five-minute break for every 25 minutes of work. Also, constantly taking short screen breaks helps you relax your mind and eyes.
2. Get enough sleep
Make sure you are not depriving yourself of the amount of sleep you need, in order for you to focus.
If you find yourself needing lots of coffee or energy drinks to stay alert during the day, you're not getting enough sleep. This may have a harmful impact on your ability to be creative.
3. Try working on different types of projects.
If you normally write short stories, try writing your own scripts for your personal projects. If you normally do 2D animation, you might be interested in learning 3D animation.
It's important to try different skills and experiences to exercise your mind. You'll also greatly benefit from new insights, which you can apply to your next project.
4. Don't get stuck on the same routine.
Lifelong learning has many proven benefits, like keeping your mind sharp and increasing your confidence. So feel free to explore different learning avenues that can introduce you to new design ideas, concepts, and hobbies.
5. Be open to new learnings.
If you ever get stuck doing the same things every day, you'll get bored and your brain will not have much new info to work with. Consider changing a few aspects of your schedule or adding something new to your routine. Try to do at least one thing differently every week and see how it works out for you.