Visual Creative Process

Writing & Creative Process Plymouth State University Vanessa J. Alander Intent: Creativity is defined as, The use of the imagination or original ideas, esp. in the production of an artistic work, per Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Creativity is one of those words that seem almost impossible to define, to create a definition by consensus. We attempted to in class, but is evident that each of us has our own, unique interpretation. And, thats what makes that word, creativity so interesting. In this first product, I want you to think about your own creative process. I want you to step back and out of your own head and thinking about the last time you were creative using whatever definition you decide to use. Remember what you were doing before you were creative, what were you thinking about while you were being creative, how did you feel after you were done being creative? Structure: This product requires you to create a visual representation of your own unique creative process and to make a representation of it using no more than 15 words. You will share these with your peers in a roundtable format. With only 15 words allowed, you must have some form of visual representation interpreted however you see fit. Really think outside the box on this. Try to push the edges of what youre comfortable with. Take a risk. Youll probably surprise yourself. Details: Any material you deem youd like to use, any size. No more than 15 new words. If there are words on your materials, thats ok. Must convey your own creative process whatever that is concretely enough so that others can determine the meaning without conversing with you the creator. When completed, compose a 100 word Artist Statement

What are Artists notes? Artists notes are just thatnotes form the Artist about his/her paper. They introduce the piece, describe its composition processes, and lay the groundwork for response from peers and/or the instructor. Artists notes might be anywhere from two paragraphs to a page and a half in length. Although they might seem, at first impression, to be useful only with drafts in progress, Artists notes can be very helpful to writers and reader at any stage of the process. Artists notes provide many benefits for both instructor and student. They can help the writer become more active as a participant in an ongoing writing dialogue about the writing process. Artists notes help readers focus their responses to your papers, tuning those responses to your particular needs.

What should you include in your Artists notes? Basically, there are three main elementsthe questions that follow are suggestions to help get you thinking. 1. The history of the pieceHow did you come up with the idea? What influenced your writing? What decisions did you make as you wrote the piece? How did you decide how to approach it? What did you change as you wrote it? What were you trying to show the reader? How does this draft compare to earlier versions? What problems have you encountered and how have you attempted to solve them? What challenges did you face in terms of genre, form or organization? 2. Your evaluation of the pieceWhat do you think of this paper? What do you think is working well in this piece? What lines or parts of the paper do you like? What is frustrating you? What do you think really needs work? What problems have you been unable to solve? IF you think about the kinds of pieces you have read in this and other settings, what possibilities can you envision for this piece? 3. The response you would find most helpfulWhat response do you want to the paper? What do you want to know from your readers? What arent Artists notes? Artists notes are NOT apologies, clarifications of what is unclear in the paper, defenses of your paper against possible criticism, complaints about the assignment or process or printer malfunctions. In order to usefully promote good writing and critical thinking practices, Artists notes should not succumb to these temptations. They should be more than summaries of the paper they accompany. They should help readers to understand your writing process and your intent and should start a conversation with the reader about your paper. What do readers need to know in order to be most helpful to you in response? The best Artists notes open up issues for readers to discuss in responses and expose vulnerabilities in your paper. Open yourself up to receive good response to your work.

Some ways you might use Artists notes: Ask Questions o Ask the reader questions about the effects of the text. o Ask specific questions about specific passages. Examples: I wasnt sure about where I decided to start the piece. How does the beginning set up what follows? Im not sure my ending works. I dont want to tell too much, but do I leave the reader confused? Discuss the process of composition/research/revisions o Example: I had written this completely differnly, but then decided it was too personal. I attach both versions. What do you think? Explain what you were trying to do: o Example: In this paper, I want to show how I came to realize that I was wasting my life with this group of friends I was hanging around with, but I dont want to just tell the reader that. Explain how you understood the assignment: o Example: I thought we were supposed to write about a personal experiencesI didnt think it had to be a story exactly, but it should at least relate an experience. Explain what resources you have used to complete the assignment: o Example: I took my draft to the University Writing Center and got help on my introduction and conclusion from a consultant. My roommate proofread the latest draft for me.