It happens more than often when you stare at your blank page expecting for the optimum design to draw itself. It’s also common to begin bruising your temple with your pencil, forcing concentration and just chucking every idea into the trash.

Even the best artists have frustrating days but nothing brilliant comes by just swatting it down without having any plans. Just take a breather and walk outside, noting what outfits make you feel inspired as if the world is a fashion show. In fact, attend an actual fashion show and you’re sure to leave with some ideas that you’ll be desperate to dash home and jot down immediately – not that I’m enthusing copying ideas, but one design can lead to another and before you know it, you’re the new Guccio Gucci.

But sometimes observing clothes isn’t the route people take and some people are more listening than seeing. Music can really help you move your pencil around with either rough motions or soft curves. Music and fashion are like partners and the two combined can create something extremely moving – it’s just finding the perfect music for your theme you’re pursuing.

Of course, it depends on who you are to define how you seek inspiration but it’s a good idea to leave your chair and find a way to get yourself enthusiastic about your designs rather than continuing to bruise your head. No designer started off with what they have in their sketchbooks now.

Darcy Taylor, Level 2 Fashion student