Artistic Thought Process: how artists develop their ideas
1. Generate Ideas: Use this time to stretch your mind and explore as many project options as possible. Write down all of your ideas in your sketchbook (brainstorming), even if they do not end up working for this project. You can always go back to this list later for ideas for other projects! Be as imaginative as possible. List your ideas, create mind maps, make a word web, etc.
2. Research: The purpose of research is design inspiration, studying ways of making art, and to help you make informed decisions. Observation is key to gathering ideas. This includes studying the world around you (nature), looking up images and ideas online, and drawing from your past experiences. Teacher demonstrations and online tutorials invite you to try new techniques. Take inspiration from artwork found online and in books, but remember to respect copyright laws. There is a big difference between copying(plagiarizing) and using another artist's work as a springboard for your own unique creation.
3. Visual Development: Once you have envisioned some ideas for the project, begin planning and sketching. You will need a minimum of 2-3 sketches per project. Try to sketch your idea in many different ways to explore the concept fully. You can use the SCAMPER method to help you get started or if you are having trouble developing your idea.
This time is also used to test ideas to see what will work and what won't. You can create demos (small practice pieces to try out an idea, material, or color combination). Not all ideas will work, but persistence can lead you to a better outcome. Experiment with different techniques, processes, and combinations to decide what will best communicate your design idea.
4. Final Design: It is now time to create your product! The great thing about the first three steps is that you have already worked out many of the design obstacles. Decisions have already been made about colors, patterns, textures, elements/principles, main idea, size, and the message you want to communicate. Of course there will be times you think of something to add or feel you need to start the project over. The good news is that the frustrations are normally fewer at this point because you have a good plan. Have FUN!!
5. Refinement: Towards the end of the project begin to "clean-up" your design. Do your very best checking for areas that need to be improved or refined. Always practice good craftsmanship. Check that you have followed directions, completed your process, communicated your message, and cleaned up the artwork (erasing stray pencil marks, cleaning up glue marks, etc.)
6. Reflection: During the art process, you will continually be analyzing what is and isn't working. You will also complete a self-reftection at the end of each project reflecting on the process, the final product, and the grade you feel you deserve.