“Photographers should be looking for new ideas, new themes, breaking new ground, looking for things that are happening.” J. Bruce Baumann, Associated Press Guide to Photojournalism (Associated Press Handbooks) by Brian Horton

Big Ideas

• A BIG IDEA is a life-centered issue.• It can be examined from many disciplines.• It has relevance for people in their lives.• It is NOT about art skills or techniques.

Examples of Big Ideas• Identity • Spirituality• Time/Aging• Family• Power • Materialism• Social Justice• Culture• Conflict/Change• Dreams/Nightmares• Relationships

Make a Plan

• Investigate your big idea • List key concepts• Brainstorm Ideas/what does it mean to you?• Previsualize what you will need• Try your ideas• Evaluate the results• Try again

Resources

• You can draw your own images, use photos, cut outs from magazines, greeting cards, fabric, etc.

• Combining words and images is a powerful tool for self expression.

• Write your thoughts or feelings. Include a quote, poem or definition. Create doodles and Zentangles.

Technique

1. Start with a background color-paint or paper2. Create a border3. Glue on or transfer images4. Add lettering, doodles, zentangles5. Outline, draw, stamp, shade6. Add more color-pastels