Though the creative process often seems like an abstract process, there’s a method we can follow in order to allow ourselves to generate more ideas and tap into our creative flow.
Scientists and psychologists have broken down a framework that includes six distinct stages of creativity, which we’ll explore below.
Before we begin creating, prep work goes into the process. This first stage is about gathering information, seeking inspiration, and focusing our intention. The preparation stage is crucial because it sets the foundation for the rest of the creative process. During this stage, we might read books, research topics, look at artwork, or brainstorm ideas with others.
The second stage of the creative process is the incubation stage. Think of this as the simmering stage where ideas are slowly percolating beneath the surface. During this stage, we’re not actively working on our project. Our subconscious is hard at work, however, making connections between ideas and sparking new ones. This stage takes time, and it can last for short periods or more prolonged ones depending on the type of project we’re working on.
After incubation, we move into the third phase: illumination. This is where we have that "aha" moment, and a brilliant idea pops into our head. According to creativity researchers, this stage is marked by neural processes linked to spontaneous insight and those ‘eureka’ moments. Einstein was known to practice something called “combinatory play” where he would go on a walk, take a nap, or do something entirely different from the project at hand, in order to get to this illumination stage. Have you ever noticed how more ideas seem to come when we’re brushing our teeth, exercising, or cooking?
Once we have a general idea,, it's time to work on it. During the fourth stage of the creative process, we begin actively working on our project. We simultaneously begin to evaluate and assess the idea critically. We might ask ourselves questions such as– does this idea work? How does it fit the brief? Is it feasible to implement? During this stage, we might need to tweak and adjust our work, discard ideas, or come up with new ones altogether. (This is all okay! It’s all part of the process.)
By the fifth stage, we’ve got a solid idea, and the hard work begins. This stage is all about bringing our idea to life, which means translating it into a tangible form. For instance, a graphic designer might sketch and create different iterations of a design. For writers, it could be the development of subplots and character sketches.
Finally, we've arrived at the last stage of the creative process. During the refinement stage, we perfect and polish our work. We might make small refinements like tweaking colors or changing the font in a design. If we’re writing, we might do a total revamp of our first draft to make it flow better or slightly tweak some words now that the whole piece has been written. This phase is about making that final product the best it can possibly be.
What challenges you most about the creative process? Reflecting and understanding the different stages of the creative process can provide a roadmap to guide our creative endeavors and remind us that there’s a process in the midst of the messiness of creation.
