The Creative Process

Written By Jonathan Catt

Creativity

Art and creativity is a way of thinking, and a way to connect to the world. Everyone is creative, and everyone’s creativity is a little bit different. There are however some general processes that can structure your creativity, and help you understand how to support others through the different stages.

Here is one way of describing the process

Explore

Investigate a range of different ideas and processes

  • This is when you get out in the world and be open to discovery! It might be literally going outside for a wander, or journeying with a book, an image, or through conversation. 

  • It is also when you play: gather materials, engage all the senses, and just become immersed in possibilities.  

Support this stage by being open and curious. Take time to reflect on what you notice.

Experiment

Experiment with multiple ways of engaging with ideas and processes

Consider the effectiveness of the different experiments 

  • This is when you really get amongst it. Try out different materials and techniques, really pushing the possibilities. 

  • If you get stuck, try repetition, set a challenge, change your viewpoint, your speed or your space.

Support this stage by being a risk taker. Show empathy to others (and kindness to yourself) this is a time to make mistakes, and again, be reflective.

Refine

Select key ideas and processes to refine 

Edit and refine work to more deliberately reflect your intention 

  • This is when you can get a bit more selective and critical. Which of the experiments work for what you want to communicate? 

  • Try combining some ideas, or editing out less successful ones. Share with a friend and get their perspective.

Support this stage by practising resilience, and co-operating with others. Remember creativity is a process, a way of making connections, communicating ideas, and is never really finished.

Share

Share ideas, techniques and feelings throughout the process

Celebrate what you have made and the stories it tells

  • This is when others get to see what we are thinking, feeling, and what we value. It can be uncomfortable, or exciting, so do it in a way you feel safe.

  • Carefully arranging or framing work can elevate it into something special, as can making it a gift. Photograph works-in-progress and temporary creations to share too. 

Support this stage by providing time and space to honour the work and the proces, share what you notice, and what it reminds you of. Ask questions rather than make judgements.


Jonathan Catt
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