If you're an in-house designer feeling stuck in a cycle of repetitive tasks, you're definitely not alone. Many creatives hit this wall where the work that once excited them starts to feel like going through the motions. It's that familiar feeling of being on autopilot, where your brain switches off and you're just getting through the day rather than feeling genuinely engaged.

This is actually a completely normal part of any creative career. Our brains are wired to crave stimulation and challenge, but when we master something, it naturally becomes less engaging. Think about learning to drive: terrifying at first, then satisfying as you improve, and eventually so automatic you barely think about it.

This question was answered by Ash King, a psychologist and cyberpsychology researcher at the University of Sydney who specialises in helping creatives manage their mental health and find purpose in their work, and Simon Lee, Chief Creative Officer and joint owner of The Hallway, with over a decade of experience leading creative teams and understanding the challenges of maintaining creative satisfaction throughout a career. The discussion was hosted by Andy Wright, founder of Never Not Creative and CEO of Streamtime.

Talk to your manager about new challenges

The most direct approach is having an honest conversation with your team leader or manager. As Ash points out, "this could be an opportunity to speak to your manager team leaders, asking for some work that might offer a greater challenge for you that might be a little bit more stimulating."

Don't feel awkward about this conversation. Good managers want engaged team members, and they'd rather know you're feeling understimulated than have you quietly disengage. Come prepared with specific suggestions: perhaps you could take on a different type of project, mentor a junior designer, or contribute to strategy discussions.

Find creative expression outside work

Simon's advice here is particularly valuable: "I would really look at that, look for creative expression outside outside of the day job and I mean to be honest that's something that at certain times of my career has been the thing that has kept me sane and healthy is actually my creative side projects."

He shares his own experience of making a film while working full-time: "I was doing my day job and then I was sitting in a studio all night with an editor, editing this film but it was one of the most creatively stimulating things I've ever done."

The key is finding something completely different from your day job. Simon suggests various options: "whether it's like I play a lot of guitar not particularly well but you know what I'm not getting the satisfaction from that brief, I'll just go and jam for a few hours or you know do ceramics, paint something."

Don't expect your job to fulfil every creative need

This is a crucial mindset shift. As Ash explains, "we place a lot of pressure on our jobs to kind of serve all of these needs that we have... because we feel like we should be so fulfilled and nourished by our jobs and it's amazing when we are, but also people can find stimulation and challenge in hobbies."

Your day job doesn't have to be your only source of creative satisfaction. In fact, expecting it to meet all your creative needs might set you up for disappointment. Simon puts it bluntly: "to try and demand all of your creative satisfaction from the day job is actually asking a lot."

Accept that some repetition is normal

Ash offers an important reality check: "there needs to be a space where we also recognize that things like routine and repetition are also enmeshed in work and life... sometimes it will be a bit of a grind, sometimes we will need to keep coming back to something over and over."

This doesn't mean settling for soul-crushing boredom, but rather understanding that not every day will feel like a creative breakthrough. "To get good at things sometimes we do need to do some things over and over," Ash notes.

Find small challenges everywhere

You don't need to make a film or take acting classes (though Simon's NIDA experience sounds brilliant). Ash mentions people who "talk to me about giving themselves challenges to make new and interesting meals for dinner and experiencing sort of stimulation and mastery there."

The goal is to activate that part of your brain that craves learning and growth, whether through a challenging yoga practice, learning a new skill, or setting yourself creative constraints in your personal projects.

Connect with other creatives through NNC Circles

Sometimes the best way to rediscover your motivation is by connecting with other creatives who understand exactly what you're going through. Never Not Creative's Circles are peer support groups designed specifically for creatives facing challenges like yours. These small, confidential groups meet monthly to share experiences, offer mutual support, and help each other navigate the ups and downs of creative careers. It's a space where you can be honest about feeling stuck without judgement, and learn from others who've found their way through similar situations.

When to seek additional support

If feelings of demotivation persist or start affecting other areas of your life, it might be worth speaking to a professional. Sometimes what feels like workplace boredom can be connected to broader mental health concerns like depression or anxiety. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for professional help – there are many resources available specifically for people in creative industries.

You're not stuck forever

Remember, feeling unmotivated in repetitive work doesn't mean you're ungrateful or lacking ambition. It means you're human, and your brain is doing exactly what brains do when they're not being challenged. The good news is that this feeling isn't permanent, and there are practical steps you can take to reignite that creative spark, whether within your current role or alongside it.

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