Design as Creative Therapy

Catie-Reagan Palmore at UXDX Community: The Mental Health Side of Creativity. Video: https://youtu.be/lGQ5dDbaChc

Readable transcript: edited from the recording's captions for readability (fillers and false starts removed, punctuation and section headings added). Wording is the speaker's own. Timestamps are positions in the video. Names marked [?] could not be verified against the audio.

Introduction

[00:00:00] I want to take you back to a time when I experienced deep mental distress. I was overwhelmed, burnt out, and I was struggling to find purpose in my work. It was during this challenging period that I discovered the therapeutic potential of design. It was engaging in the creative process that helped me to expand my imagination. It reignited my passion and was also nurturing for my well-being, and I was using design as a form of therapy that could unlock this world of possibilities. Thank you.

[00:00:42] Thank you, Lori. Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining me today for this talk on design as creative therapy. Just to introduce myself, my name is Catie-Reagan, and I'm excited to share a little bit of my work with you all. Right now I am the managing editor at the Metropolitan University's journal, and I am also a therapeutic art instructor at an eating disorder residential treatment center. What that looks like as a therapeutic art instructor is that I utilize various artistic mediums to teach students different life skills while also providing opportunities for reflection and self-expression.

[00:01:27] I recently received my doctorate in learning and organizational change from Baylor University, and before that I did my master's at Parsons School of Design and undergrad at Virginia Tech. My research focus is on interdisciplinary arts integration, design thinking and visual culture. So now, straight into the presentation.

Design as a source of healing

[00:01:55] As you might know, we have all been living through a time of mental distress where we can find ourselves feeling very overwhelmed and burnt out. During these times it's essential for us to explore new tools and techniques to support our well-being. Today we're going to look at how design can become a powerful form of self-care, and how it can also be a catalyst for personal growth. So let's dive in.

[00:02:25] I want to take you back to a time when I experienced deep mental distress. I was overwhelmed, burnt out, and I was struggling to find purpose in my work. It was during this challenging period that I discovered the therapeutic potential of design. It was engaging in the creative process that helped me to expand my imagination. It reignited my passion and was also nurturing for my well-being, and I was using design as a form of therapy that could unlock this world of possibilities.

[00:03:01] Now I want you to imagine a world where creativity has the power to heal, to inspire and to transform all of our lives, regardless of whether design is your discipline, folks. As designers, we're into the potential of design to communicate ideas, to evoke emotions or inspire action. But I think we often overlook the therapeutic benefit that design and art can bring to our own lives outside of work.

[00:03:34] Design and art have the power to expand our imaginations and provide inspiration. In the midst of deadlines and client demands, it can be really easy to become disconnected from the creative spark that started us pursuing a career in the arts in the first place. When we engage in artistic practices, whether professionally or personally, it can rejuvenate our creative energy and also reignite our love for design.

[00:04:04] Exploring new techniques, maybe experimenting with different artistic mediums, and also just pushing the boundaries of what creativity means to us and what creativity might look like, can lead to fresh perspectives and some awesome breakthrough moments. Design and art then become catalysts for renewed inspiration and innovation in our professional work.

What mental distress and burnout look like

[00:04:38] I think we need to explore what mental distress and burnout look like. Burnout, by definition, is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion that is caused by prolonged stress. It can affect our overall well-being, and it can also hinder our ability to cope effectively.

[00:05:00] In the fast-paced and often demanding world of design, we can often find ourselves pushing the boundaries of creativity, striving for perfection and trying to meet super tight deadlines, which can then cause us stress. While these qualities often define what our profession is, they also come at a cost to our mental well-being, which then inhibits us from being able to perform in the way that we want to. These demands and expectations can leave us feeling drained, anxious and often disconnected.

[00:05:37] The design industry is known for its high-pressure environments. It's known for demanding clients and the need to keep up with ever-evolving technologies. We can often find ourselves juggling multiple projects simultaneously, maybe even working multiple gigs at once, competing with AI instead of utilizing it to our advantage, or working late nights. We're sacrificing personal time to try to meet often self-imposed, unrealistic expectations. And this relentless cycle of deadlines, revisions and critiques can leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed and burnt out.

[00:06:16] Mental distress and burnout are not only affecting our emotional well-being, they're also a hindrance to our creativity and our productivity. When we're exhausted and emotionally drained, and our cup is not completely full, our ability to think outside of the box and generate new ideas really diminishes. We become trapped in this endless cycle of repetitive thinking and a struggle to find inspiration.

[00:06:48] Often in the design industry, and also in all sorts of industries, there's this culture of perfectionism that really just exacerbates the issue. We're constantly comparing ourselves or our work to others, or fearing that our work won't be good enough or that we're not going to be relevant. This constant self-criticism, and the pressure to fit inside a box while also trying to think outside of the box, can be suffocating. It creates a breeding ground for anxiety and self-doubt and, ultimately, mental distress.

[00:07:25] But I think it's important to note that mental distress and burnout are not signs of weakness. Rather, they're a symptom of an industry that often fails to prioritize the well-being of its professionals, and it's time for a change.

The role of design in self-care

[00:07:45] Looking at the role of design in self-care: how can design help us practice self-care and overcome that burnout, so we can get back to doing what we're passionate about? When we look at design itself, in its essence it's problem solving with creativity. It involves intentionally creating something new, whether it's a physical object or a digital interface or just an artistic expression. Engaging in the design process can stimulate our imagination. It can allow us to escape the pressures of our daily life and also dive into ambiguity and endless possibilities, which is going to be very exciting.

[00:08:31] But designing also requires us to be fully present in the moment. We have to focus our attention on the task at hand, and a lot of times people would describe this as mindfulness. This mindful engagement with the creative process helps us to cultivate a sense of calm and relaxation. As we immerse ourselves in the design and the creativity, we start to enter a state of flow where time seems to stand still and the voices from outside are quieted. Our worries and our stressors start to fade away.

[00:09:09] The aesthetic nature of design can allow us to really immerse ourselves in beauty and seek inspiration from our surroundings. Whether it's creating visually pleasing compositions or appreciating the aesthetics of existing designs, design can uplift our spirits and bring a sense of joy and inspiration. I think it's important not to underestimate how surrounding ourselves with aesthetically pleasing designs can positively impact our mood and overall well-being. Just think of color theory, and how a color has the power to change our mood or the way that we're thinking.

[00:09:56] Design itself can also provide us with the opportunity to customize and personalize our environment and our belongings. By incorporating our unique style and our preferences into our designs, we're creating spaces and objects that reflect our individuality. That sense of ownership and personalization can foster a sense of comfort, of familiarity, and most importantly, belonging. All of these are really important when it comes to self-care.

[00:10:32] Engaging in the design process can encourage us to explore new ideas, to experiment with different techniques, to go outside of our comfort zone and use a growth mindset to try new things. It can push us to step outside of those comfort zones, to take risks and to learn from both the successes and the failures, especially finding value in the failures and how the failures are then going to inform future successes. This continuous exploration and growth can contribute to our personal development and also help with our overall sense of fulfillment.

[00:11:17] By recognizing and harnessing the power of design, we can integrate it into our self-care routines, and this will allow it to become a source of nourishment and rejuvenation, not just for our minds but for our bodies and our souls. The three are all interconnected. Design gives us permission to play, to imagine and create, and provides a holistic therapeutic approach to caring for ourselves, to avoid those times of mental distress and burnout and to work through them.

Expanding imagination and self-discovery

[00:11:59] Design as a creative therapy can offer a really unique opportunity to grow our imagination and fuel our personal growth. When you're exploring different mediums, whether it's graphic design, interior design or even fashion design (I often consider picking out what I'm going to wear in the morning as my first act of creativity for the day), through whatever medium you're using, we can challenge ourselves to think outside of the box and push the boundaries of our creativity and our capacity to be creative.

[00:12:38] The act of designing becomes a form of self-expression, which allows us to communicate our thoughts, our emotions and our experiences visually, and to process them in unique ways that resonate with us. Design can encourage us to think beyond the limitations of what already exists. It prompts us to imagine new possibilities, to explore unconventional ideas and challenge the status quo. By pushing the boundaries of our imagination, we can unlock new perspectives and solutions, which is what I encourage my students to do in the classroom.

[00:13:17] It can also provide a space where we can tap into our inherent creativity and embrace playfulness. It creates a space where we can experiment and take risks, which in the corporate world a lot of times is seen as not a great thing. But it creates a safe environment where we can explore that childlike curiosity, where we can embrace our inner child and develop a more open and imaginative mindset.

[00:13:51] Engaging in the design process offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery and reflection. Through the act of creating, we gain insights into our own preferences, our strengths and values. Design becomes a form of self-expression that allows us to communicate our identities and explore our inner worlds, and that self-awareness can then help us align our actions with our authentic selves.

[00:14:16] Design as a creative therapy not only can expand our imaginations, it also challenges us to grow. Design becomes a transformative journey of self-discovery, which enables us to reach new heights. So in that direction, how can we integrate design as creative therapy into our lives as design professionals? First and foremost, we need to make a commitment to prioritize self-care and actually carve out time for creative processes outside of our paid work.

Practical ways to bring design into self-care

[00:14:53] Now that we understand the potential of design as a tool for self-care, let's explore some practical ways to incorporate it into our lives. The first one is to start with small projects. Begin by engaging in simple design projects that align with your interests. This might look like sketching or painting, or even rearranging the furniture in your living space. The key is to just start somewhere and build that momentum.

[00:15:24] The second thing is to embrace experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Explore different design mediums and techniques to find out what resonates with you. It's important to remember that there are no right or wrong answers in the realm of creativity. It's just a space of possibilities.

[00:15:48] The third thing is to create a dedicated space. Set up a designated area where you can immerse yourself in the creative process, where you can clock out of work, clock out of home life, and just be creative. It gives you a space that's free from distractions, if you can have that. Allow yourself to focus entirely on your design projects and build a sense of sanctuary.

[00:16:20] The fourth thing you could do is to practice mindfulness. Use design as an opportunity to be present in the moment and engage all of your senses as you're working on your project. This is paying attention to the textures, the colors and the sounds around you, and letting this process be a form of meditation and being present.

[00:16:45] The last one is to connect with others. Join design communities or find other like-minded individuals who share your passion for creativity. Engaging in discussions, sharing ideas and collaborating on design projects can build a sense of belonging and inspire further growth.

Conclusion

[00:17:06] Design as creative therapy offers us a unique avenue to navigate mental challenges or mental distress, to practice self-care and also to foster personal growth. By embracing the power of creativity, we can tap into our inner strength, we can expand our imaginations and rediscover the joy and purpose that brought us here in the first place. So I challenge you to take this opportunity to unlock the transformative potential of design in your life and use it as a tool to support your well-being.

[00:17:42] To conclude, design and art have the power to transform our experiences in the design industry, both professionally and personally. By embracing them as a form of creative therapy, we can find solace, self-discovery and renewed inspiration in our professional lives. So let's prioritize self-care, let's cultivate a community of support, and let's engage in the process of creation with openness and childlike curiosity.

[00:18:13] Design and art are not just tools for communication. They're vehicles for personal growth, for well-being and fulfillment in our journey as design professionals. I'll leave you with this: remember that the act of creation is not only a remedy for your soul but also a catalyst for personal growth. Thank you. Are there any questions?

Q&A

[00:18:38] Host: Thank you very much, Catie-Reagan. That was really good. I resonated with the energy that I get from creativity. I find personally that being creative gives me energy, like exercise: I'm tired, but when I exercise I get energy, and it's the opposite of what you'd think. So thank you for sharing that. As Catie-Reagan said, if you have any questions, please do post them on whichever platform you're on and we'll put those through to our presenter.

[00:19:07] Host: I'll kick it off. You mentioned a dedicated space. Working from home, one of the challenges I've had over the last few years is that it's hard to carve out a work space and have the rest of my family life going on. How do you separate out an even further space? And what happens if you genuinely don't have that space in your house?

[00:19:32] Catie-Reagan: Right, that's one of the hardest ones to implement. It's a lot easier said than done, because a lot of us don't have the space to separate work and life, especially if we're working at home and have families. For me, a lot of times it's visual cues to get me into that headspace. I might be using the same desk that I work at during the day, but clearing it off, bringing out my creative materials and creating an aesthetic environment. Even though it's physically the same as it was earlier in the day, these visual cues can bring me into a different creative state. That's where rearranging your furniture, or just being mindful of the colors you're using in a space, can be really important: cueing your brain to turn off work and turn on fun and creativity.

[00:20:33] Host: That actually ties in. Ricardo has just sent in a question: how do you separate the design work from the design that heals? I guess if you're doing design all the time, it's similar to what you said, but is there anything more you can add there?

[00:20:47] Catie-Reagan: Yes. That's where I really encourage folks to switch design mediums. If you're primarily doing graphic design, maybe try painting on an actual canvas. For me, pottery has always been something I appreciate from afar, but I am not good at it. Sometimes it's doing something with my hands that's different from what I normally do day to day that gets me into a different creative headspace.

[00:21:17] Catie-Reagan: Even if it's not perfect, the goal is just to do something creative, and it doesn't really matter what the end product looks like, because I'm not giving my clay sculpture to anyone. I'm not going to sell it; nobody's going to buy it. Knowing that the end product doesn't matter, that it's not transactional, can help me take risks or try something different. And that will activate a new space in my brain, so that the next day, when I go to work and I'm looking at the graphic design project I'm working on, sometimes I get a new perspective or a new inspiration because I've been creative in a different way.

[00:21:59] Host: I love that. It resonated with me, with a lot of the hustle culture where you have to turn your hobbies into an income stream. I love the "nobody's going to buy this," because that's not the purpose of it. Ricardo, hopefully that answered your question. I think you sent in this follow-up, but the way Catie-Reagan answered it will hopefully have covered it.

[00:22:27] Host: I think that brings us to time. If you do have any other questions out there, and I do apologize for the delayed start, please do post them in here and we can share those on our community Slack group, and I'll invite Catie-Reagan to come and answer any questions you have there. Thank you very much for sharing.

[00:22:47] Catie-Reagan: Of course.

[00:22:49] Host: Thanks for tuning in with us today. We genuinely hope that this video sparked some fresh insights and ignited inspiration for changing the ways that you work. But as with all things product development related, there is no one-size-fits-all, so please do share your thoughts in the comment section below and let's keep the conversation going. Finally, if this video resonated with you, please do us a favor and hit that like button and subscribe to our channel. This not only keeps you up to date with all of our latest content, but it also helps us with the YouTube algorithm. Lastly, if you want to keep learning, we have a couple of videos suggested here, but otherwise, until next time, take care and enjoy the rest of your day.