This hits. For me, I've wondered if it means that I've got growing to do, like my design eye/aesthetic has shifted but my skill level or default approach to projects has not? Different root causes and situations for everyone I'm sure, but either way, I relate to this feeling!

Thank you! I think I’ve heard a lot of negativity around my industry and market over the past year and it’s causing me to think negatively too.

The fix: ➊ don’t look at other people’s work, for like a week min ➋ go get as bored as possible. No tiktok/feeds, you’re replenishing dopamine. ➌ when you’re so bored you can’t sit still, consume other (not-your-field) creations - ideally long form

Quite hard to do all of those things, but, I don’t usually look at other people’s work in my space. Usually in other spaces. Hard to get bored as well.

Yeah, I had the same issue with making things in general and it lasted for a few years. Never happy with anything I made, it never felt worthy. It’s a nasty thing, especially when you have any amount of your professional or personal self worth tied up in ‘being creative’.

I think everyone gets it to some extent. Sometimes you need to take a break and wait it out. If you log on every day and try creating like you have something to prove you’ll dig yourself deeper. The best stuff is made when it feels like you’re at play (personally).

Yea man, I’ve been there. It’s a bummer, and makes it hard to keep pushing. For me, get away from the project helps - getting outside, trying to find inspiration in other places (food, architecture, anything outside of a web browser).

It could also be that your taste has leveled up and your execution hasn’t quite caught up. All part of the journey.

Of course. It’s natural for peaks and troughs. What works for me: taking a break and doing something completely different (not work) for a bit: a new lunch spot. A different dog walk. A new random album. Then when I’m back at work: creative iterations and free flowing ideas.

I don’t have to love all my ideas but I can still be amazed at how I’m able to create something new every day. Appreciating how awesome you are is underrated. You’ve got this Justin.