Once you have done your research, generated your potential solutions, and incubated them, the time has come to execute. Choose your best ideas and get busy with your tools of the trade. Depending on the scope of the project and medium you are using, you will be preparing 2 to 12 proofs of concept. These might be scale models or computer-generated proofs or rough cuts. The mindset in this stage is attention to detail and excellence. You will find yourself making modifications to your ideas based on the capabilities of your materials and tools. Pursuing several variations of each idea is worthwhile. As your idea takes shape, focus on strengthening the underlying theme. Do not lose sight of your target audience. If you run into limitations or questions about the final production, call a specialist to work through the possibilities.
Some ideas that looked great on paper appear weak when executed, or just don't work for some reason. That is why you have a handful of ideas in play during this phase.
Research used the analytical left side of your brain, generation used the creative right side of your brain, and incubation used your subconscious. In the execution, you will be using both the analytical and creative parts of your brain. You will feel much more grounded than in the pure brainstorming phase, and you will be engaging the editor that makes judgments. Yet, this is still a very creative process and new breakthroughs will occur as you work. Your level of skill has a lot to do with your ability to realize a satisfying outcome.
January 28, 2010
Creativity by Quantity
One way to accomplish a creative breakthrough is by sheer quantity of solutions. Set a goal of coming up with 100 ways to solve the problem. You will quickly go though all the obvious answers and cliches, and soon enter the realm of the ridiculous. In order to reach 100, you will be forced to think creatively. Because few people will push themselves as far, you will very likely have some ideas that no one has thought of before. Furthermore, all the unique experiences and thoughts that only you can bring to the exercise will make your list of 100 uniquely different from anyone else's.
Once you have your 100, a few ideas might pop out as having the best potential. If not, you'll have to go through the list more systematically. The ideas that are the farthest out there might even be worth pursuing, so don't automatically cross them off.
Yes, this method can be time-consuming and mentally taxing. It can also be loads of fun, especially in a group.
If your destination is true creativity, don't get off at the first exit.
Once you have your 100, a few ideas might pop out as having the best potential. If not, you'll have to go through the list more systematically. The ideas that are the farthest out there might even be worth pursuing, so don't automatically cross them off.
Yes, this method can be time-consuming and mentally taxing. It can also be loads of fun, especially in a group.
If your destination is true creativity, don't get off at the first exit.
January 7, 2010
The Sketchbook
Inspiration can be fleeting. Your sketchbook is the net to capture elusive ideas as they flutter by.
Size: Small enough to be able to carry around with you. Large enough to write and draw in, and occasionally paste a tear sheet or interesting object.
Cost: Cheaper is better. You don't want to be afraid to "waste" pages. You can even bind together some used copier paper and write on the blank side. I like to use a pad of graph paper. If you'd rather have a beautiful and expensive sketchbook and will actually use it, go for it.
Depending on your art form, you will use your sketchbook in different ways. Surprisingly, many visual artists write a lot of words in theirs, and many writers draw pictures. You may enjoy using color, or a brush, or nothing more than a pencil. However, don't let the medium be an obstacle to getting your ideas down.
You don't ever have to show your sketchbook to anyone, so don't be self-conscious about what's in it. If someone insists on seeing your book, and you don't want to show it, tell them I said you don't have to.
The sketchbook is a receptacle for unedited ideas. Many or most of these will go nowhere. Some will ferment for years before coming to fruition. When using your sketchbook for the generation phase of the creative process, they will be on the fast track. Won't it be fantastic when a current project has the seed of an idea already planted in your sketchbook from long ago?
Keep a sketchbook by your bedside to record dreams, and ideas that come in the twilight of consciousness just before sleep and just before waking up.
The act of recording something in itself gives the idea staying power. It has been traced into the neurons of you brain and will be there for longer than if you hadn't written it down.
Size: Small enough to be able to carry around with you. Large enough to write and draw in, and occasionally paste a tear sheet or interesting object.
Cost: Cheaper is better. You don't want to be afraid to "waste" pages. You can even bind together some used copier paper and write on the blank side. I like to use a pad of graph paper. If you'd rather have a beautiful and expensive sketchbook and will actually use it, go for it.
Depending on your art form, you will use your sketchbook in different ways. Surprisingly, many visual artists write a lot of words in theirs, and many writers draw pictures. You may enjoy using color, or a brush, or nothing more than a pencil. However, don't let the medium be an obstacle to getting your ideas down.
You don't ever have to show your sketchbook to anyone, so don't be self-conscious about what's in it. If someone insists on seeing your book, and you don't want to show it, tell them I said you don't have to.
The sketchbook is a receptacle for unedited ideas. Many or most of these will go nowhere. Some will ferment for years before coming to fruition. When using your sketchbook for the generation phase of the creative process, they will be on the fast track. Won't it be fantastic when a current project has the seed of an idea already planted in your sketchbook from long ago?
Keep a sketchbook by your bedside to record dreams, and ideas that come in the twilight of consciousness just before sleep and just before waking up.
The act of recording something in itself gives the idea staying power. It has been traced into the neurons of you brain and will be there for longer than if you hadn't written it down.
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