If you’ve ever found yourself in a creative rut, you’re no stranger to the feeling of lost motivation, writer’s block, and self-doubt. Creativity comes in swells, and it’s impossible for everyone who works a creative job or pursues an artistic hobby to be fully inspired all the time.

The important thing to remember is that when you feel your motivation begin to slip away, give yourself a break rather than try to force anything. Get up and go for a walk, get a change of scenery, call a friend — even try meditating. All your brain needs is room to breathe before you get back on the horse.

In times like these, turn to other successful creatives who have experienced the same issues you have and pushed through them. Architects are a great source of inspiration because of their ability to juggle multiple tasks and manage projects efficiently. The visual below offers 11 creative insights from world-famous architects:

Creative advice from 11 of the world’s greatest architects

Alberto Campo Baeza

“If a project is intense, valid, and has a powerful idea, its imperfections will be in the background.”

Famous work: Alghurair Alminar, UAE

Takeaway: Pursue projects that you know are worth it and don’t worry about making mistakes.

Frank Gehry

“You’ve got to bumble forward into the unknown.”

Famous work: Walt Disney Concert Hall, California

Takeaway: Keep going, even if you think you don’t have the knowledge or experience.

Zaha Hadid

“There are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?”

Famous work: Heydar Aliyev Center, Azerbaijan

Takeaway: Think outside of the box and question the status quo, especially if you work in a creative role.

Frank Lloyd Wright

“Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral.”

Famous work: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York

Takeaway: There is merit in the work you’re doing, no matter where you are in your creative journey.

César Pelli

“The desire to reach for the sky runs very deep in the human psyche.”

Famous work: Petronas Towers, Malaysia

Takeaway: Ambition is innate in all of us, so don’t set limits on your career goals.

Eileen Gray

“To create, one must first question everything.”

Famous work: Brick screen

Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to doubt the methods of those who were successful in the past, and forge your own way.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

“God is in the details.”

Famous work: S. R. Crown Hall, Illinois

Takeaway: While perfectionism can hinder productivity, there is merit in being detail-oriented. Attention to detail will make your work shine.

David Chipperfield

“The difference between good and bad architecture is the time you spend on it.”

Famous work: Neues Museum, Germany

Takeaway: Good things take time, so don’t be afraid to put in the extra hours or ask for an extended deadline for a trickier project.

Sharon Davis

“I took a risk in the design, but it fell into place.”

Famous work: Women’s Opportunity Center, Rwanda

Takeaway: Sometimes your creative path will require you to take risks. Once you embrace this as part of learning, things will get easier.

Buckminster Fuller

“When I’m working on a problem, I never think about beauty. But when I’m finished, if the solution is not beautiful I know it’s wrong.”

Famous work: Geodesic domes

Takeaway: Be present in your work and don’t worry about the outcome being perfect. Once a project is done, you can reevaluate if necessary.

Louis Kahn

“Even a brick wants to be something.”

Famous work: Four Freedoms Park, New York

Takeaway: Work collaboratively with your team and aspire to be part of something bigger than yourself.

---

Source: https://www.turbotenant.com/blog/creative-advice-from-architects/