How to encourage creativity

Creativity isn’t something you can force — but you can create the right conditions for it to thrive. Whether you’re brainstorming a new campaign, designing a custom form, or choosing just the right promotional product, tapping into your creative side can make all the difference.

So how do you keep the ideas flowing?

1. Create Space, Not Pressure

Deadlines are necessary, but nonstop pressure kills creativity. Make time for open-ended thinking — whether that’s a quiet walk, a sketchpad session, or even just a few moments without email. Sometimes stepping away is the best way to move forward.

2. Keep a Notebook (Yes, Really!)

We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating — ideas can strike anytime. Writing them down by hand helps you slow down, process, and explore without over-editing. Doodles, fragments, half-formed thoughts — they all matter.

3. Surround Yourself with Inspiration

Look beyond your industry. Read books, visit art shows, follow creators who do something completely different from what you do. Fresh input leads to fresh output. Even a cool coffee shop mural can kickstart a design idea.

4. Ask Better Questions

Instead of “What should this look like?”, try “How do I want people to feel when they see this?” The more thoughtful the question, the deeper your creative process becomes. (We wrote a whole post on this!)

5. Encourage Play

Sometimes the best ideas come when you’re just playing around — no pressure, no expectations. That’s why we love experimenting with new layouts, product mockups, and even design challenges just for fun. You never know what might stick.