Here's how you can infuse mindfulness into your graphic design process.

Terri Schmidt Retired director of services at West Suburban Kidney Ctr, now known as Fresenius. The beginning of project is really connected to the ending of a project, and it is important to enjoy that journey.

Before you begin, ask yourself, "What do I hope to achieve with this design?" Maybe it's to evoke a specific emotion, tell a compelling story, or simply create something visually captivating. Whatever it is, you make sure your intentions are as crisp and clear as the lines you'll soon be drawing.

Incorporating mindfulness into your graphic design practice can improve creativity, focus, and overall well-being. To do this, set clear intentions, practice mindful breathing exercises, engage in sensory awareness, take mindful breaks, embrace imperfection, stay present with the process, and reflect on your work. This approach can lead to more innovative designs, improved focus, and personal growth. By incorporating mindfulness into your design routine, you can create visually impactful and personally fulfilling designs.

If fear and anxiety are present I will not be insiteful and present. Create a comfort zone, climb in it and meditate. Approach all actions with inspiration not perspireation. Wait until you feel nudged from within and the Presence of God is with you. No need to force things and no need to do it alone.

See to me, Mindfulness in graphic design is like color to a canvas—it brings depth and emotion. To infuse mindfulness into your graphic design process, start each project with a moment of stillness to clear your mind and set a focused intention. As you design, maintain an awareness of your thoughts and emotions, letting them guide your creative choices. This practice not only enriches the aesthetic of your work but also connects it more deeply to the viewer, making each piece a true reflection of mindful artistry.

Take a moment to observe your surroundings with all your senses. Notice the play of light and shadow, the subtle hues of color, the textures that beg to be touched. Allow these sensory experiences to inform your design choices, adding depth and nuance to your creations.

One thing I found helpful is that when things are really awful, remember a time when you were a hero, either for yourself or your employees. For me, it was time when I was 6 months pregnant, and the Board wanted to do something that I thought was highly unethical. I spoke with each Board member privately, and told them that if they followed through with their plan, it would mean my resignation. Boy, was I scared. And the Board agreed with me. Whenever I get worried about something now, I remember how that played out.

Sometimes when I can just feel the tension or anxiety in the group I am working with, I use hypnotherapy as I am trained in Eriksonian hynosis. A Dr Erikson would say, "use what you have". I love the sound of silence as first people come out of trance and then say how that calmed them.

When feeling stuck on a creative project, it can be helpful to step away from the problem for a moment in order to get a broader perspective on the task. Take a moment to doodle by relaxing and just letting your hand do the drawing, rather than your mind. Let the image emerge on its own without your conscious effort. By stepping away from structured thinking, and reducing stress by focusing on something other than a goal or deadline, you open up space for creativity.

Perfection is overrated. Instead try to focus on your Creativity and imagine how the project would be able to relate to each Client and let them connect with it Deeply.

It can be easy to just say "release perfection," but if you're a perfectionist (like me), you know how hard that can be! Part of mindfulness is that we do things and observe ourselves nonjudgmentally, and without a distinct goal in mind, really. We know what we want the end product to look like, but mindfulness helps us to remember that the paths we can take to get there are limitless. Try to release your grip on what it SHOULD look like, and see where the creativity takes you. Try your best to get into a flow. Whether you do some breathing exercises, mindful movement or get out into nature for inspiration, take what comes to you. If you like it, great! If not, then you can pivot at any time. It's okay to change.

Infusing mindfulness into my graphic design process involves cultivating awareness and intentionality in every step. Before starting a project, I ground myself in the present moment through meditation or deep breathing exercises. During ideation, I stay open and curious, observing my thoughts and emotions without judgment, which fosters creativity. When designing, I focus on each element mindfully, paying attention to details, textures, and colors, ensuring they resonate with the intended message. Regular breaks for mindfulness practices throughout the process help maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Design doesn't happen in a vacuum. Sometimes, the most inspired ideas come from bouncing thoughts off others. So, don't hesitate to seek feedback from colleagues, friends, or even clients. Embrace the collective wisdom and diverse perspectives that collaboration brings, enriching your design journey in unexpected ways.