Staying Motivated & Focused: Tips, Tools, and Websites Every Graphic Designer Needs
Helpful websites to help you through the day
Busy times in the studio can be hectic, these websites should help you get through it all.
Saturday 4th January 2025
As a graphic designer, you know the drill: sometimes the creative juices flow freely, and other times, it feels like you’re staring at a blank canvas for hours on end. Whether you're juggling client projects, experimenting with personal work, or simply trying to keep up with trends, staying motivated and focused can be a constant challenge. But fear not—there are ways to get back on track and reignite that spark.
In this post, we’ll explore some strategies to help you stay motivated, along with a curated list of websites, tools, and resources that will keep you inspired and productive. Ready to boost your creative energy? Let’s dive in!
Set Clear, Achievable Goals
One of the easiest ways to lose focus is to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of a project. Instead of thinking about the whole task at once, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps.
MILKO Tip:
Use a project management tool like Trello or Asana to create task lists and set deadlines. The sense of accomplishment you get from ticking off tasks will keep you motivated to continue making progress.
Trello: Great for organising tasks and visualising your workflow with boards, lists, and cards.
Asana: Another solid option for organising projects, with features for collaboration and setting deadlines.
Create a Design Routine (and Stick to It)
One of the most effective ways to stay focused and productive is to create a daily routine. Routines give your brain a sense of structure and eliminate the need to "decide" what to do next, which can be mentally exhausting.
MILKO Tip
Start your day with a warm-up project (like sketching or trying out a new technique) to get into your creative flow. Then, set aside dedicated blocks of time for client work, research, and learning. This keeps your day balanced and your focus sharp.
- Habitica: A fun way to gamify your routine and track progress with tasks, habits, and goals.
- Forest: An app that helps you stay focused by growing a virtual tree while you work. If you leave the app to check social media, your tree dies. Motivation with a side of guilt!
3. Surround Yourself with Inspiration
Inspiration can be your best friend when you're stuck in a creative rut. A well-curated feed of inspiring websites, portfolios, and design showcases can keep your creativity flowing.
Inspirational Websites for Designers:
Behance: A hub for portfolios, where designers from all over the world showcase their work. Dive into projects from different disciplines and get inspired by fresh ideas.
Dribbble: Another fantastic community of designers sharing snippets of their projects. It's great for getting inspiration from motion graphics, UI design, typography, and more.
Awwwards: Recognising the best in web design, this site is a treasure trove of beautifully crafted websites and digital experiences.
Designspiration: A platform where you can search for design inspiration by color, style, or type of project.
4. Stay Up-to-Date with Design Trends
Graphic design is constantly evolving. To stay motivated and at the cutting edge, it's essential to keep up with the latest trends. Understanding what's popular can reignite your creative spark and open new possibilities for your projects.
Useful Websites for Keeping Up with Design Trends:
CreativeBloq: Covers a wide range of design-related topics, from software tutorials to trend analyses.
Smashing Magazine: A go-to site for web and UX design resources, trends, and in-depth articles on design practices.
99designs Blog: Offers trend reports, design inspiration, and tips from industry professionals.
5. Embrace Design Challenges
Sometimes the best way to push through creative block is to step outside of your usual work. Design challenges, whether personal or community-based, are a great way to stretch your creative muscles and improve your skills.
Websites for Design Challenges:
36DaysOfType: A community-driven challenge where designers create daily letterforms or numbers, perfect for pushing your typography skills.
Adobe Creative Challenges: Adobe offers monthly challenges across a variety of design disciplines, complete with templates and inspiration.
Briefbox: A great resource for design briefs and challenges that simulate real-world client projects, helping you build your portfolio and stay motivated.
6. Build a Positive and Productive Environment
Sometimes motivation doesn’t come from websites or tools—it comes from the space you work in. A cluttered or uninspiring workspace can drain your creativity, so take some time to build a positive environment that keeps you focused and energised.
MILKO Tip:
Take breaks to step outside, stretch, or listen to music while you work. It’s all about finding what makes you feel productive and motivated in your workspace.
Inspirational Workspace Design:
Pinterest: A great place to find inspiration for organising and designing your workspace. Check out boards related to "designer office setups" or "creative studios."
Spotify (or YouTube): If music helps you focus, check out Spotify for playlists like "Creative Flow" or "Designers Desk" (or make your own). Or head over to **YouTube** for ambient background music or soundscapes designed to help with focus.
7. Stay Inspired with Learning Resources
Learning something new is a great way to stay motivated and improve your skills. Whether it’s a new design technique, a software you’re unfamiliar with, or simply keeping up with new industry standards, continuous learning is essential.
MILKO Tip:
Dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to learning something new. This could be reading a blog post, watching a tutorial, or taking a class.
Top Learning Websites for Designers:
Skillshare: Offers a wide range of courses on graphic design, illustration, branding, typography, and more.
Lynda/LinkedIn Learning: Provides in-depth video tutorials on design software and techniques.
The Futur: A fantastic resource for business and design advice, including branding, client relationships, and design strategy.
Envato Tuts+: Offers tons of tutorials for graphic designers, motion designers, and illustrators.
Domestika: Offer many design courses free and paid - for all creative hobbies or work related needs.
8. Find a Design Mentor or Community
Having someone to bounce ideas off of, get feedback from, or even just vent to can be incredibly motivating. Whether you find a mentor, join a design community, or attend networking events, connecting with others can push you to stay focused and inspired.
MILKO Tip:
Follow industry leaders on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the design world. Engage in online discussions to build connections and get fresh perspectives.
Communities to Join:
MILKO PIXEL PERFECT BLOG: Our new blog community with design related articles and insights in freelance design and client projects.
Designer Hangout: A community for UX and UI designers to discuss challenges, ask questions, and share resources.
Designer News: A community-driven platform where you can stay updated on the latest design news, trends, and tutorials.
Reddit – Graphic Design Subreddit: A place for graphic designers to share resources, ask for feedback, and find inspiration.
In Conclusion: Keep Pushing Forward
Staying motivated and focused as a graphic designer is a balancing act that requires strategy, inspiration, and a little bit of fun. Whether you’re breaking up your tasks into manageable chunks, getting inspiration from the best in the industry, or challenging yourself with new skills, there are plenty of ways to keep your creative energy high.
So, next time you feel yourself slipping into a rut, try exploring some of the websites and resources we’ve shared. And remember—creativity ebbs and flows. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and always trust in your ability to create something amazing.
Happy designing!
Until next time…
Sonia Harris