Creative Summer : How to be Creative

Gather inspiration and generate initial ideas.

• Conduct research and gather materials to spark new ideas
• Brainstorm by letting your mind wander freely
• Write down any ideas that come to you
• Draw on your knowledge and past experiences to generate original ideas

Let your idea incubate and develop in your subconscious mind.

• After gathering inspiration and initial idea generation, take a break
• During this break, don't consciously think about your idea
• Your subconscious mind will keep working on the idea
• This incubation period lets your idea "marinate" and develop
• When you return to your idea later, it will have progressed

The "Aha!" moment - your best idea emerges

• After gathering inspiration, generating initial ideas, and incubating your idea, a breakthrough occurs
• This is called the "illumination" or "insight" stage
• The "Aha!" moment happens when new connections are spontaneously formed in your mind
• All the information and ideas you've gathered come together to present a solution
• Your best idea strikes you suddenly, overcoming any creative blocks you had

Critically evaluate and develop your best ideas

• After your initial illumination or "aha!" moment, evaluate your idea critically
• Ask yourself if this idea is worth pursuing
• Consider honest questions about your idea
• Gather feedback from others you trust
• Collaboration can help build upon and improve your idea

Produce the final work. This involves the hard work of bringing your idea to life and creating your final product:

• Finalize the design of your product or work of art
• Build or create your product, using the medium appropriate for it (e.g. writing, painting, composing music, etc.)
• You are giving concrete form to the idea that sparked your creativity
• Sharing your creation!