As web designers, we all have our times of total lack of creativity! When you just sit in front of a blank sheet unable to put just about anything to paper and utterly lacking any inspiration. That is what is called as the 'designer's block'.

We all know creativity and inspiration come at their own pace and leisure. However, that is not very tolerable in business environments where everything is driven on deadlines and strict milestones. One of the major mistakes designers make is to go to website design galleries and showcases for some 'instant-inspiration'. This often leads to duplication of design even if unintentionally so. You may be able to meet a deadline but you will lose all credibility as a designer.

Instead of browsing through galleries looking at what has already been designed, try to seek inspiration elsewhere. Here are some tips to invoke your creativity and design websites that are original and purely based on your inspiration.

Move Away from your Computer

Even if your computer has been a loyal companion for all this while, there are times when you need to leave it alone and look at other things as well. Remember, your computer is just a tool that lets you give face to your thoughts and inspiration. It is not your inspiration. Leave your computer and go outside your cabin/ room/ whatever. Take a notepad or better still, a camera along with you. Go out and observe things from a fresh perspective. You will be surprise at the many colors that lie before you. Make use of your notepad or camera and capture what you are looking at.

Go to the Supermarket

The supermarket is one place where you can generally find anything that you need. So why not give it a try to get some inspiration as well? There are an extensive variety of products in a supermarket. You can get ideas from the way certain products have been aligned or they color combination of things there. Take a good hard look at the various assembles and design of products. Look at the curves and corners, look at the color schemes.

Spend time with Nature

When creativity refuses to come, it is time to get back to the roots. Go to a park and take a walk. Observe surroundings. Look at the green grass, the pathway that winds through, the leaves swaying with the wind, the way the water sparkles in the fountain and so on. Is there anything that catches your eye? Get hold of your notepad and sketch what you like. I have known people who carry a sample with them back to the offices and scan it into Photoshop!

Use your Imagination

Inspiration is one thing. Imagination is the other. No matter where you find inspiration from, do not forget to use your imagination. It is very important to have a vision. Visualize things in your mind and give them shape in your designs. Trust me, they will never betray you. At the end of the day, your imagination is what makes you a great web designer.