Ask a few people for feedback. A few rounds of critique can be soooo helpful. Donât ask what they like about your workââI likeâŠâ is not helpful and too subjective. Ask what WORKS (and what doesnât work) about your design.Â
Frequently step away. Every time you make progress, take a break so when you start working again youâre looking at the design with fresh eyes. Staring too long can push you further into the rut. I often find that doing something completely different during the breaks can reset your brain a bit. Plus breaks are just nice in general we love a break!
Look at inspo! Consumeđthatđcontentđ. Taking some time to browse other designersâ work (students, peers, contemporaries, but also the greats) can give you some great ideas, though what I find most helpful is keeping mental notes or jotting down what makes each design successful. Which elements are working? How do they convey information? Even if their work isnât your personal style there are still gems to be mined.Â
The simplest solution is often the best. I believe it was Michael Beirut who said this (donât quote me on it though thereâs a good chance Iâm wrong lol), donât try to be different, just try to be good⊠or something like that. If your design is âgood,â it will inevitably be âdifferentâ because YOU are what makes it unique. You donât have to reinvent the wheel!Â
If you ever need a second pair of eyes I would definitely be down to help!Â