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Overcoming blankcanvasphobia

Posted by John Lampard on Friday, 18 January, 2008 to the design and art subset

Overcoming blankcanvasphobia.

Cameron Moll tackles creative block… by comparing it with abseiling. But is what feels like “making something out of nothing” really akin to scaling a rock face?

What you’re ultimately trying to accomplish when filling a canvas is the exercise of solving a problem. In my experience, rarely have I designed an interface for the likes of which someone else hadn’t already designed something similar. I find solace in scrutinizing how others have solved their design problems, and I also find it lends guidance for solving mine. Note that I’m not talking about finding influence among the litany of gallery sites on the web, but instead learning from the mistakes and successes of others.

As terrified of heights as I am (standing on the edge of precipice sort of heights) I sometimes think descending a rock face could be easier than filling a blank PhotoShop canvas.

Once you’ve overcome the fear of taking the plunge, metaphorically speaking, you are left with the task of carefully guiding yourself to the ground. Then again design can be surprisingly similar.

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  • Hey hey
    …’blankcanvasphobia’—-I only ever heard of ‘writer’s block’ until now. I must admit designers must also go through phases like any other artists.
    Hope you overcome your blocks creatvely!

    Said Hersh bhardwaj at 9:13 am on Friday, 18 January, 2008

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