What is
the creative process?
Learn how to explain your creative process to clients to help them understand the technicalities.
The Creative Process
There's a method to the madness—literally.
The structured creative process initially delineated by social psychologist Graham Wallace in 1926 has since become a fundamental blueprint for artistic endeavors, demonstrating its versatility and how it can be applied to different disciplines of arts and crafts.
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That said, understanding the creative process is crucial for artists across disciplines as it provides a structured framework to explain their unique processes to clients. This clarity is essential for fair compensation and treatment, as clients gain insight into the intricate and often intricate nature of the artist's work. Some artists may struggle to articulate their technical processes, as their craft resides largely in their intuitive understanding.
So to help creative professionals with that problem of not being able to communicate clearly why their craft takes time, patience, and resources, Wallace's paradigm offers a universally applicable language. It enables artists to bridge this gap, fostering better communication, appreciation, and equitable relationships with their clients.
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So without further ado, here are the 5 steps to the creative process—simplified.
Preparation
Begin by brainstorming and finding inspiration for your artwork.
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Then prepare by gathering ideas and inspirations that can be effectively shared with clients, providing them with a visual representation of your creative direction. These can be showcased through moodboards, pegs, etc.
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Incubation
Allow time for your mind to absorb and process information, molding ideas for the next step.
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Then express to clients the importance of patience in the creative process, highlighting that this phase is crucial for refining and developing ideas before production and presenting something tangible.
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Illumination
Experience the "Eureka!" moment as the idea surfaces from the subconscious to the forefront of your mind.
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Then express to clients the excitement of ideation crystallizing. Sharing this moment helps clients appreciate the transformative journey from conceptualization to a defined idea.
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Evaluation
Engage in critical thinking to acknowledge the worthiness of the idea, considering feedback, research, and testing.
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Then emphasize the importance of critical evaluation from clients, demonstrating how this stage ensures the artistic concept aligns with their vision and objectives.
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Verification
Bring the idea to fruition by creating the envisioned artwork.
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Then showcase the production process of the final artwork to clients, articulating how each stage contributed to the creation, reinforcing their understanding of the thoughtfulness and expertise behind the finished piece.
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The Takeaway
(Beyond the creative process and more...)
Again, understanding the creative process empowers artists in client communications by providing a structured framework to articulate their artistic journey. Each step, from preparation to verification, offers valuable insights that extend beyond the end goals.
Artists can leverage this process to foster transparency, showcasing the thoughtful evolution of ideas, the importance of patience, and the critical evaluation that ensures alignment with client objectives.
Beyond project completion, the creative process becomes a continuous guide, emphasizing the iterative nature of artistic development, encouraging ongoing communication with clients, and reinforcing the artist's commitment to delivering meaningful, well-crafted work.
So... don't be afraid to communicate!
External Resources
The Creative Process (Five Stages)