My Creative Process
Of course, I can easily describe the creative process that I use, but without my creative mind and specific tools it cannot be reproduced.
I have developed this process because it works for me, time and time again.
By creating this article, I want to give my clients some insight on my work, and perhaps some inspiration to anyone struggling with a creative block.
With that out of the way, let me get into how I jump-start my creativity so that I can always create something wonderful for the next project.
Step 1: Create Understanding
Understanding, as I am describing it here, refers to a combination of Inspiration & Research. To get my spark of inspiration, I need to immerse myself in the company culture, the audience’s mind, the industry standards, and many other parts of the project.
This creates the core message behind the project, which drives my creativity and catapults the project forward.
Step 2: Create The Concept
In order to involve clients in the process, I like to start the brainstorm process with them.
During these sessions, ideas are thrown onto the wall, explored and refined. The few that stick are then developed.
My role is to guide the discussion while encouraging abstract thinking, and identify the most promising concepts.
Step 3: Create The Composition
The hardest part of the process is already done. The idea is always the hard part. Once we know what we want and what we like, I execute the ideas into reality.
Ensuring each project stays true to the original concept is easy with this style, as any extra steps are removed. I prefer to save time for more important things, like family.
Step 4: Create Collaboration
Sometimes I work closely with other designers, illustrators, videographers and other creative professionals.
Other times I just work with my clients and their teams.
Effective communication and leadership are essential to get any project off the ground. I prefer to work with a team for more creative input and innovation, but it’s not always necessary.
Step 5: PROFIT!
The only step left is publication, releasing our work into the wild to see how it performs. The level of sales usually determines the level of success, but that is not always the case. This is where we get to see if the public perception matches our vision and work. If not, there may be one last step.
Bonus: Create Reflection
Projects are often judged by the success in relation to the stated goals. That does not always mean sales numbers, but most times it does.
Here is where I can update the final if needed, or make adjustments for the next round.
The search for mastery and true success is never-ending.