Step one generating ideas

Many of those who have investigated the creative process have identified a typical sequence of stages that people go through while solving problems. These are an initial investigatory stage, this is where information was collected and stored or sorted into some sort of logical sequence. This is normally followed by an incubation period where the ideas tend to mull around and then, hopefully produces an illumination stage. This is where the idea or concept comes clear in the designers mind. There is inevitably a follow on stage that is sometimes referred to as the verification stage. This is where the designer defines if and how the concept would be turned into reality.

The sequence covers a host of design disciplines and for a graphic designer the sequence still hold well.

First, in the investigatory stage, there is a problem or a desire that needs to be addressed or fulfilled. If the designer is working for a client or customer, many clues can be derived from within their environment. However if you have a desire to create something of a personal nature you need to look within yourself or the environment that you inhabit.

I would suggest that you obtain a sketch pad or a notebook that you can carry easily. You may also want a larger pad that you can have in your workshop or home for specific work. The small pad is ideal for making notes as thy come into your head as you pursue your daily business. You may simply see something that interest you or you may have an idea that comes out of nowhere. Jot it down or draw a simple diagram to embed the thought into your memory. You do not need to be an accomplished artist... Simple stick figures will do. The point is that it means something to you. You can keep this is a personal document only for your reference.

The larger pad, or Visual Diary has a slightly different purpose. This is for specific exercises.

I would suggest the following: Get some magazines or photographs and create a page or pages with items that create an emotion with you. Thing you like, things your don’s like. This can be as abstract as you like. You may then want to move into other areas such as collecting items from nature. Flowers, leafs etc.

Once you have done this stage making notes on the pages. Ask yourself why you like them or not as the case may be. How do they make you feel? From here you could start to think about what else you could do with the object or image. This is the point where you are beginning to break away from mearly accepting that an image or an object is there to exploring where this object could lead.

There are a number of techniques for making this jump.