When I get stuck designing something (aka creative problem solving) I have a couple tricks to unstick me: Nap. Walk. or Shower. Pick one! Seriously. I get stuck working on something, I need a break, so I go do one of those things. The key is not to *think* about fixing the problem. I simply take a break and let my subconscious work on it. Works more often than not.

Another thing I’ve been doing lately is creative cross training. As much as it is hard to step away from those deadlines, sometimes doing something else creative can refresh your brain. Usually I turn to knitting. The repetitive nature of knitting is soothing, the fibers and colors are inviting, and it gets me away from the computer!

Something though, that I love equally is sketching with caran d’ache crayons. I’ve posted about my love of them before, how they are water soluble and turn into watercolor paints with the stroke of a wet paintbrush. Lilla speaks about doing “personal work”. Oh yeah! I almost forgot. Personal work is what you do for the sake of doing…for yourself to feed  your passion. When you run a creative business, it’s easy to forget about personal work. I mean, it’s all personal kind of, right?

And as far as cross training your brain, I think stretching yourself is a good idea, too. Maybe pick something that you are not an expert at. For me that would be quilting, painting, embroidery, etc. I can do all of those things…a little. But I’m not skilled or accomplished. The other thing I like about this exercise is that it is just practice. I am not making a *thing* or trying to finish a project, I am sketching, doodling, letting my mind wander.

I wrote about what drawing has meant in my life a few years ago. Reading that again has reminded me to keep at it, rusty or not…Draw! Sketch! Doodle!

How do you cross train your creative brain?