5 Check Your Knowledge: Stage 1 – Preparation

Preparation is the first stage in the creative process.

It can take both active and passive forms. In active Preparation, the creative mind is seeking out specific information or skills they know are needed in order to work on the creative project. In the passive mode, the creative mind is drawing from the many life experiences, things read, influences, impressions, and the like.

For the creative mind to be thoroughly prepared for whatever project arise, it’s important to develop a mindset of openness and engagement.

Being open to experiences, especially without knowing how or why they will be of use, is one important way to expand the neural pathways in our minds and give our creative work more ways to make new connections.

At the heart of Preparation is the work of making sure the creative person is solving the right problem and is discovering a new problem.

Concern for discovery relates to the idea of Art vs. Craft. A craft is something that can be repeated over and over, like making great bread or fine wood chairs. An art is the practice of making one singular unique thing that hasn’t been done before. This definition of Art is more in line with the creative process.