Why Your Creativity Feels Stuck (And How to Fix It)

Ever sat down to design your brand with all these ideas in your head, knowing exactly how you want it to look, but somehow it just doesn't come together?

You can design for everyone else all day long, but for your own brand? Blank screen. Stuck.

Friend, I'm so guilty of this. Here are the four reasons why (and how to fix them).

Reason #1: You're Starting with Design Instead of Direction

Here's what's wild: as creative service providers, we wouldn't dream of designing for a client without a detailed questionnaire. We dig into their why, their mission, their vision. Then we design.

But for ourselves? "It's all in my head. I've got it."

And then we start designing... and it feels off.

The brief comes before the design.

The Two Foundation Questions

Ask yourself these and actually write down the answers:

1. Who are you serving? (Be specific, not "everyone")

2. What transformation are you leading them toward?

From these answers, write one clear sentence about who you help and how. This is your brand message.

I had to learn this the hard way, treating myself like any other client and writing it all down.

Reason #2: You're Focused on What Instead of Who

The problem: designing for yourself or "everyone" instead of your specific person.

Your brand isn't about you. You're creating it to help other people. What do they need to see? What helps your message get across?

Get Specific About Your Transformation

Instead of "I help creatives," try:

• Coaches who are overwhelmed by Canva

• Authors ready to self-publish but don't know how

Here's where "niche" has been misplaced. You don't need to only do one thing. Niche down in your messaging to who you're calling in.

Ask yourself: What does this person need to feel when they see my brand?

If it's an author ready to self-publish, I want them to feel: "She knows what she's doing. She can help me."

Design flows naturally when you know who and what you're speaking into.

Reason #3: You're Trying to Design Your Way to Clarity

The problem: thinking if you just pick the right color or font, it'll all make sense.

This happens because design feels more doable than the copy. We don't want to answer all those questions about our avatar.

But then you start designing and feel like you're chasing something, without knowing what.

Write It Out Before You Design

Write your transformation answers. Your elevator pitch. Your core message.

Design amplifies your message. It doesn't create it.

Reason #4: You're Comparing Your Chapter One to Someone Else's Chapter 20

If you're on social media, you're guilty of this. Today we're breaking the cycle.

The Core Problem: Doubt

Scrolling Instagram, feeling like your vision will never measure up. But what they're doing has nothing to do with what you're called to do.

You're looking at their chapter 20. You might be in chapter five.

Build what God placed in your hands, not what He gave someone else.

A Word About Comparison

Jenna Kutcher once said: if someone's social media makes you feel less than, unfollow them.

There was a season where I was so hurt that I compared myself to everyone. I felt like I should be further along. I unfollowed people, and it helped. The Lord was working on me to guard my eyes and ears and focus on Him.

That's what I've been doing for two years. And this is why I finally have the boldness to do this podcast, to help you.

The Scripture That Changes Everything

Habakkuk 2:2

"Then the Lord answered me and said, write the vision and engrave it plainly on tablets so that the one who reads it will run."

Write the vision plainly so that those who read it will run to you.

Don't you dare start designing until you have the plain plan.

Your Next Step

Download the free worksheet that goes with this post. Answer those two foundation questions:

1. Who are you serving?

2. What transformation are you leading them toward?

That transformation question? That's your foundation. Build your plan from there, then design.

Ready to Learn how to create clear, consistent graphics using tools you already have? Stop overthinking and start designing. Start Design with Confidence today. My training for brand owners who create their own brand content.