I recently noticed an interesting phenomenon in my world of design. When I begin a new design project, I am focused on meeting every one of the client's needs. But when I get to work, an interesting thing pops into my head: "Now what?" It's not that I feel incapable of getting the job done, but that space of time between establishing the project and getting in to a productivity groove is difficult. It's where I have to stare "creativity block" in the face and try to drum-up some ideas.

It's in this odd juncture (and you only know what I'm talking about if you've been there) that I believe we start to meet a few of our own design needs in order to satisfy the customer's. What we design, no doubt, has a direct correlation with:

• What we've been designing lately. It all seems (at least in my case) to look alike in some way. Designing with techniques that we've already figured out eases the burden to be innovative and original when we aren't in the mood (can't).
• The design techniques we're interested in refining. Be it a brush tool we're infactuated with or a programming method, we find a way to weave it in.
• The designs we've been observing. Chances are that if I've seen a cool website lately, I'm bound to copy something from it. This allows me to "dump n' dash" a little on the design legwork. Find what's good, mimmick it, and move on.

The best part about all of this is that it's okay. We can still please a client and earn an honest buck while advancing our creative credentials and sating our design curiousity. I long for the day when "creativity block" is no longer a factor, and I have ideas spewing out my ears at any given time. If anyone has figured that one out, speak up. Otherwise, I'll keep seeking drug-free ways to stimulate my mind.