How to Escape from Pixeltown
At work, you are a designer of nano sites and brand collateral. In your world, the word react is not a response to a physical stimulus. One more conversation about micro-targeting users from double opt-in email lists who get lost somewhere in the funnel and don’t convert will elicit salty tears.
You love what you do, but in Pixeltown, sometimes “the bear eats you”.
#1) Go for a walk
It’s good for the body and soul to get outside and look at something besides the walls of the office and co-workers drinking their 12th cup of coffee.
While outside, I like to look around and observe the tiniest details surrounding me. Ideas are everywhere. Is there a color, pattern or texture which begs for attention? Perhaps it’s a lopsided street sign. Or maybe a peculiar looking crack in the sidewalk. Or it could be graffiti on a bland wall in an alley which makes me wonder about the artist who painted it.
#2) Draw
Being able to draw or sketch ideas out is key. You don’t have to be Picasso, simply practice good draftsmanship. Make the pencil/pen/chalk/marker be an extension of your thoughts. Being able to communicate through sketching ideas is gratifying. There are many benefits. One is a boost in your self confidence.
#3) Eat lunch outside
In an ideal world, lunch is a time to turn off devices and displace work/stress for an hour. On days when this is not realistic (most days), getting outside for a quick bite, even for 15 min is a good method for stress defibrillation. Fresh air and a change of scenery is good.
#4) Talk to someone about an idea
Connecting with old colleagues feels great. I like to call people I haven’t worked with in awhile. I like listening to someone else’s take on problem solving and developing ideas. Sometimes the path they describe is surprising. Would I consider their approach when faced with a similar situation? Brainstorming or trading notes on developing ideas helps rekindle my creative energy.
#5) Practice design and dev
Similar to drawing, Javascript has become an important tool in my toolbox. I use it to create solutions and communicate ideas. Just like good draftsmanship, writing useable code requires practice and patience.
The same holds true with design. There are tried-and-true design patterns out there which we all know and reuse. They work, but why? Deconstruct them and figure it out. I guarantee you’ll stumble across something which feels fresh.
#6) Write
Designers and developers should be able to explain their process to anyone without resorting to industry speak.
It’s likely your client doesn’t understand frameworks or why someone would use a framework. They shouldn’t have to! Part of why they hired me is so I can translate for them. I want to make it easy for my clients to communicate their ideas and process to their clients. By finding my voice through writing I can make that happen.
Whatever your go to escape mechanism is, I hope you find yourself there today. If you don’t have one, feel free to use one of mine. Or DM me and lets trade some ideas!
