In this post I write about curiosity, pursuing many paths simultaneously, perfectionism, and the challenge of finishing projects. I also point to the usefulness of documenting and reflection on the process.
Monotype tracing, exploring old hands
What do you do when you have 100 ideas and no clear direction? I’ve been working on a series of monotypes, exploring various shapes, textures, lines, and landscapes. When you create without a framework you can easily get lost in the energetic drive of your own curiosity:
Too many ideas at the same time
Curiosity creates too many directionsPerfectionism
You stop before it is finished, because you evaulate too early.Lack of an external deadline
Projects remain open and without an end point.Lack of other external factors
It becomes easy to self sabotage as soon as a tiny element of resistance show up in the process.
I find that this does’nt mean I lack the the ability to create art, it is more of a system challenge than an art problem. By adding my explorations to this page, I can enjoy the fact they they are all potential beginnings, or doors into curious paths, where something will emerge if I decide to follow it. I also find that some themes are recurring.
As I gathered the pieces and looked at them side by side, I began to notice this, specific shapes, textures, and strong lines. This made me reflect on how valuable it can be to document the process, rather than just showcasing the final results. The free and open process allows something to slowly come to the surface, if I give it time and care.
In design, more creative and original work often emerge when exploring several visual directions before settling on one. Not because every option will be used, but because the act of free flow and then comparison can lead to more authentic choices. I’m curious about how others approach this phase: How do you know when you’ve explored enough and it’s time to make a decision?
#ideadevelopment #creativeprocess #illustration #design
