BTS: The Creative Process
Have you ever wondered how creative people come up with their brilliant ideas? How do they tap into their imagination and produce works of art, music, or literature that leave us in awe? The answer lies in the creative process. In this blog post, we will explore what the creative process is, how it works, and how you can harness its power to unlock your own creativity.
What is the creative process?
The creative process is a series of steps that individuals go through to generate new ideas, solve problems, and produce original works. It involves a combination of imagination, inspiration, and hard work. While the exact steps may vary from person to person, the creative process generally includes the following stages:
1. Inspiration
Every creative endeavor begins with inspiration. It could be a thought, a feeling, a visual, or a sound that sparks your imagination. Inspiration can come from anywhere – nature, art, conversations, or even dreams. The key is to be open to the world around you and allow yourself to be inspired.
For me personally as a designer and artist – in addition to nature, art, conversations, or dreams – (1) there's other people's work (without copying) whether it's online on Pinterest or Behance, etc. or around the neighborhood like cute shops (2) books! I love the Book of Symbols for finding meaning, self-discovery books, quotes, etc.
I always keep a notebook or sketchbook on me incase inspiration hits at any moment and you don't want to forget it! Or I dump it in a notes app on my phone named "Ideas > Brain Dump". Inspiration won't always come to you willy nilly so you need to force it a bit sometimes by just going on a walk or sketching, creating for yourself for a little bit. When you do get it, it's elating!
"Look for what you notice but no one else sees."
2. Preparation
Once you have found your inspiration, it's time to prepare yourself for the creative journey ahead. This stage involves gathering information, conducting research, and developing your skills. Whether it's learning a new technique, studying the works of others, or experimenting with different materials, preparation is essential to fuel your creative fire.
3. Incubation
After the preparation stage, it's important to give your ideas time to incubate. This means stepping away from your project and allowing your subconscious mind to work on it. Take a break, go for a walk, or engage in a different activity. Often, the best ideas come when you least expect them.
4. Illumination
During the incubation period, your mind continues to process the information and ideas you have gathered. Suddenly, a moment of illumination occurs – a breakthrough. It's that "aha!" moment when everything falls into place, and you see the solution or the creative concept you've been searching for.
5. Implementation
Once you have had your moment of illumination, it's time to put your ideas into action. This stage involves turning your vision into reality. It may require experimentation, revision, and refinement. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or take risks – they are often the stepping stones to greatness.
6. Evaluation
After completing your creative work, it's important to evaluate and reflect on the process. What worked well? What could be improved? This stage allows you to learn from your experience and grow as a creative individual. Remember, creativity is a journey, and each project is an opportunity to learn and evolve.
By understanding and embracing the creative process, you can tap into your own inner genius. Whether you are an artist, a writer, a musician, or simply someone looking to bring more creativity into your life, the creative process is a powerful tool that can unlock your full potential. So go ahead, embrace your imagination, and let your creativity soar. Also remember that you don't always have to get it right the first time. And, that it only has to make sense to you. This is YOUR creation, and that is amazing.
