The Creative ProcessASM 30

The Process OutlineThe creative process comprises several

stages:challenging and inspiring imagining and generating planning and focusingexploring and experimentingproducing preliminary workrevising and refining presenting and performingreflecting and evaluating

Inspiring and ChallengingIn media arts we address this stage in the

new techniques and skills we develop on specific programs such as Garageband, iMovie, Protools, Final Cut, Photoshop, etc.

We find inspiration in the world around us.Media Arts allow us to perceive and reflect

on emotions, or events in the world through technology.

Inspiring and Challenging ContinuedExample #1 – Sand Art – inspired by the following

quote: "Our Man is sitting in his office, worn down by the weight of

life in this hustling, bustling city...He dreams of the simple life and nature, peace and tranquility.One man's short dream and then . . . back to reality.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEgSoTCgvgA&feature=relmfu

Example #2 - Inspired by the following quote:"Home is where the heart is" "Seeking adventure and danger, he leaves his dearest ones behind, knowing that if he is ever in trouble, only they will be the ones who will save him.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jfS2rybDOg&feature=relmfu

Imagining and GeneratingIn this stage of the process, we are now have

an idea of what we want to accomplish (thesis) and we ‘sketch out’ (often on loose leaf paper) the sequence of events for our project

This often takes time to figure out the most logical sequence in relation to our big idea

Key words or phrases that relate to our big picture idea, will help you to imagine and generate.

Planning and FocusingNow that we have a sketch of what we want

to accomplish, we work on the ‘specifics’ In particular, we decide on specific sounds,

images, videos, etc. that will help us to clearly articulate our thesis.

Exploring and Experimenting This is the stage that you begin to use the

computer.Even though we follow a step by step process

when learning a new computer program, we have to spend time exploring the capabilities of the program, and extensions to our learning.

In doing so you will most likely find even more creative ways of communicating your ideas.

Producing Preliminary WorkNow that you have a ‘big idea’, a sketch, a logical

sequence, a plan, and you have experimented with the available technologies, you are ready to start a ‘first draft’ of the program.

Often times, we are nervous to show others our preliminary work in fear of hurtful criticism.

It is crucial to offer ‘constructive’ criticism to your fellow classmates. This constructive criticism does not need to be followed – but the Artist at least needs to recognize the the value and importance of others ideas.

Revising and RefiningAfter considering the constructive criticism

from the teachers and peers, go through your creative process again and begin to make changes.

Questions to ask yourself: Do I agree with the constructive criticism? Can I more clearly articulate my main idea? What can I do to make my work flow more

smoothly? Can I add anything to this? Should I take something out?

Presenting and PerformingAfter all summative tasks are completed, as a

class we will enjoy presentations of each others work.

It is important to support one another as we have challenged ourselves, and broken out of our shells.

Being creative is easier on us when we do not need to reveal it. Our creative spirit grows when we are open to sharing it with others. We are by nature, self conscious.

Reflecting and EvaluatingThis is a task that we all must do at the end

of summative evaluation. For the student, use the reflection

templates to summarize your learning – both technically and artistically.

All learning should not go unwritten. Many of the skills you develop in media arts are transferrable – meaning, they will be applicable in different strands, and tasks that will follow.