Let's say that the 'juices are flowing' and I decide I am inspired to create. Since I am like many creators, there are many outlets to express that creativity. I have paints, canvas, wood, sewing machine, papers of all kinds, photo stock, brads, ribbons, fabric, heating guns, stamps, jewels, masks, buttons, models, flock, etc. The point is that I have so many tools to create that even if I have found the inspiration to make something, I then am caught up in deciding what I want to create.
I have to determine how I want to turn that inspiration into something tangible. Sometimes it is really easy. I see a moving photograph and I want to show my version of it on canvas. That's easy. But, when I am itching to create something amazing, I can get caught up being indecisive about what I want to do - wasting my time and motivation to express my creativity. That can deflate me and leave me depressed over the eventual decision to do nothing. Humanity can get no-where if they fail to ever act.
So how can you get past the immobilizing indecision of what to do?
Pick a project and plan the project from the end to the beginning. Yes, you read that right-plan it from the end, to the beginning.
Here is where I take a page out of Jay's book of thought. He has a degree in project management. I thought one of his courses was very fascinating and it helped me determine how to be more decisive and in control of the projects I want to do. In planning a project, there is a program that breaks down every small detail of the project in it. To summarize it, you start from the end of the project and then work your way back to the beginning of the project.
This allows you to understand what vision you have for the final project and then work your way back, helping you to anticipate the challenges you may face along the way. It also gives you a chance to put together your supplies, create a timeline, and really flesh out the details of your creative venture. Plus, this allows you to seek out advice or do research into parts of the project that you may lack knowledge about.
After all, the final project is what really inspired you in the first place. So figuring out the details before you even begin, will help you lead to a successful project void of unexpected issues that may stall your work. Becoming discouraged before you start or halfway through a project, won't help you get anywhere in completing a project that makes you beam with delight!
For example, when it comes to a canvas painting, I have 5 solid steps:
1. Sketch and color the image (Here I get the idea down on paper. I always sketch in pencil so I can erase lines and perfect how I want the image to appear. I also have the ability to play with shading. I will color this image, as well, just to make sure I'm happy with the base colors I have in mind.).
2. Draw the image on canvas (The difference between drawing on paper and drawing on canvas can be significant! The scale is one issue that you can run into, but it can be overcome. The grid method is a great way to transfer your original image, but I prefer freehand.)
3. Add basic colors, but do not get into detail (Add a thin coat of paint for the largest regions of color. This is treated as a base coat and most of the paint will get covered as you paint more.)
4. Adjust the color with shading (This is where some creativity really starts to come out. Here you are taking that base coat and expanding out with shading, tone, shadow, light, and dark. You can really see the depth of the painting start to come out.)
5. Add details (Finally, this is where you start to add fine details, still following steps 3 and 4 to help really give you that 3D effect and shading that makes your painting pop.)
That's it!
Working my way backwards, I may realize that I'm completely out of certain colors of paint. So then planning to go to the store to restock on supplies needs to be added to these steps. As you work through the plan, it may also occur to you that the subject matter is new. Perhaps you decide that you want to do a little research on how a subject is drawn or painted to get the structure correct. All of these small issues determined early on, will help you have an easier time completing a successful painting.
The advice on how to make a plan for any project has a huge impact on the success of it. Let the logical-minded folks out there help us creators be more successful in our ventures. Once we know how to do what we are going to do, then it will definitely get done!
And if it doesn't quite work out this time...
Don't let indecision immobilize you, instead let planning and execution empower you!
Let me know what projects you have been inspired to start? What has prevented you from starting? Tell me about it.
