Creative Process

Every creative individual has their own unique process when it comes to creating or deciding on an idea. For example, when I consider ideas for games, I draw on previous experiences from games that I have played or seen, followed immediately by considering what audio would be appropriate for the particular scene I have in mind at the time, or the general musical theme of the game. I tend to visualise a specific scene within the game and what it would hypothetically look like when fully built, and branch directly off that to different components of the game. Many find this odd, however it works for me, and only further proves that everyone is different.

Traditionally, there can be considered four key stages of the Creative Process. (Stillman, 2014). There are as follows:

Stage 1: Preparation

This is generally considered the work stage and is where we as creatives generally 'upskill' ourselves by delving directly into what it is that interests us. For example, as a game designer, I might be interested in creating some sort of gothic 2D platforming game. I would research and play as many types of games that fit this style to recognise common trends and gather ideas for how I can use this to create something of my own.

Stage 2: Incubation

Basically this is where as a creative ideas can fester within our minds, unbeknownst to us. We go about our daily lives (Or try to), without fixating on any one particular idea, freeing up our minds to further creativity. At this stage, I would record all the ideas/research that I have completed to put away for 'later.'

Stage 3: Illumination

This stage is effectively where all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place and the 'golden idea' forms and comes to our attention. This stage can come out of the blue and when you least expect it. Could be triggered at any point. Perhaps watching a film or reading a book could be the trigger that makes the light bulb snap on in your mind.

Stage 4: Verification

This is typically where a creative brings their idea to fruition in some tangible form so that it can be recognised, in this case, start making the game.

There is, of course, the actual creative process when it comes to creating work for a client or boss. Careful planning is critical to try to maintain stability of a project and stick to a timeline, and choosing the right methodology for the project/team is also key. For me I take a rather rigid and traditional planned process. I am a list person, a pen and paper person. I like to keep to timelines. This could all well be due to management work experience in corporations in the past, however it still works for me. For many, unfortunately, the Creative Process can be summed up in the image below....

(Images Above: Kaufman 2015).

References/Bibliography

Kaufman, S. (2015). The Messy Minds of Creative People. [Online Images] (Available). Retrieved on 23/10/2016 from http://www.creativitypost.com/psychology/the_messy_minds_of_creative_people

Stillman, J. (2014). The 4 Stages of Creativity. [Online] (Available). Retrieved on 23/10/2016 from http://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/the-4-stages-of-creativity.html

#GDS210