Have you ever opened your laptop to create a design on Figma, then your brain froze and suddenly went blank? Every designer deals with multiple clients, multiple designs, impromptu deadlines and more, but what is not often discussed is how designers deal with creative block. It is normal, especially in a fast-paced design system like Nigeria, where designers need to be motivated either by internal or external elements.
With recent statistics in May 2025 showing 6764 designers across Nigeria, a large percentage of these designers experience this symptom and need a certain type of drive to do better and be better.
WHAT IS CREATIVE BLOCK AND WHAT IS THE CAUSE?
Creative block, also known as artist block or blank canvas syndrome, is the reduced ability to generate creative ideas, and this often feels like your creativity has “run dry”. It feels like you can’t think, come up with new concepts, or feel motivated to start or finish anything. But what causes this creative block in designers?
IMPOSTER SYNDROME: Your inner thoughts probably whisper, “I don’t belong here; I’m not as good as they think I am; I just got lucky; I don’t know what I’m doing.” Even skilled designers have self-doubt; it means you care deeply and passionately about your skills but could stall your growth if not properly checked.
FEAR OF FAILURE: The fear of producing substandard designs or making errors while designing could be the reason why many designers experience this, or it could just be the thought of pleasing your client all the time.
LACK OF INSPIRATION: A designer could lack inspiration, which is normal, but what is not normal is when a designer always feels this way; then there is a problem.
STRESS: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Being stressed and burnt out could be the reason for this. It could be a sign to rest and resume working.
WHAT YOU NEED TO EASE CREATIVE BLOCK?
We conducted research and found out that having motivation as a designer might not stop the creative block from happening, but it could ease it. Olanrewaju, a designer, once said that he derives motivation from music and feels like designing again after listening to music. David, a PowerPoint designer, also said all he does is sleep the stress off, and this recharges his mind to continue designing. “What motivates me is the zeal to escape from sapa,” says Bobola, a designer in our community. While escape from Sapa could be a motivation, will this help curb the creative block effect?
HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR MOTIVATION AND WORK ON IT?
Your drive is your motivation, and you need to reconnect with the reason why you are designing in the first place. Here is how to fuel your motivation to ease the creative block.
1. REFLECT ON YOUR WHYS: Ask yourself certain questions, such as “Why are you a designer?” or “What makes me lose track of time?” and “What aspect of design am I good at?”
2. IDENTIFY YOUR DESIGN TRIGGERS: Music, movies or even your environment could serve as a motivation to you as a designer. Keep a “creative triggers” list and return to it when you are blocked.
3. CONNECT WITH OTHER DESIGNERS: Sometimes motivation comes from who your work helps, not just what it looks like. No man is an island of knowledge. A word or two from external parties could be everything you need to be better.
4. REVISIT YOUR OLD WINS: A look at your past design or your first logo design is a step to ease your mind, and this could also be DMs from clients saying, “I love your work!”. Document these. This proof of skill folder can reignite confidence and momentum.
WHAT WE THINK
Creative blocks don’t mean you are untalented; it just means you are human, and it is okay to be human. The key is to not panic, reflect, rest and continue finding your spark.
SOME HELPFUL READS ON BREAKING THE LIMITS OF CREATIVITY
https://ngdblog.africa/the-success-stories-of-other-designers-fuels-my-passion-for-design/
https://ngdblog.africa/4-new-morning-habits-to-improve-your-creative-confidence/
https://ngdblog.africa/must-watch-graphic-design-tutorials-to-improve-your-skills-easily/