Coming up with ideas for a project usually takes place within the classroom – an interactive discussion between students and teachers; you will record these ideas in your book. As humans, we have a tendency to think in a multi-dimensional way – that is, with lots of things occurring simultaneously, triggering further ideas.
Rather than attempting to record thoughts in a sequential, linear fashion (i.e. writing these down in lists or paragraphs), you might find it helpful to collect, record and organise ideas graphically, using a visual diagram such as a mind map. If this is handed in as part of assessment material, it is essential that this is presented well.
This page contains information and ideas first available on 'The Student Art Guide' - see the original page here.
Rather than attempting to record thoughts in a sequential, linear fashion (i.e. writing these down in lists or paragraphs), you might find it helpful to collect, record and organise ideas graphically, using a visual diagram such as a mind map. If this is handed in as part of assessment material, it is essential that this is presented well.
This page contains information and ideas first available on 'The Student Art Guide' - see the original page here.
what is a mind map?
The term ‘mind map’ refers to a diagram that has a branch or root-like structure radiating from a central image on the page, and which uses lines and colour to show relationships, groupings and connections betweens words, ideas and images.
A mind map helps you to think clearly and ensures that a range of possibilities are considered, encouraging more creative thinking and linking of ideas.
A mind map helps you to think clearly and ensures that a range of possibilities are considered, encouraging more creative thinking and linking of ideas.
some guidelines
When brainstorming ideas for your project, remember that:
- Single words are unlikely to express an idea adequately. As you think though possibilities, it is likely that you will want to jot down whole phrases and brainstorm possible ways of beginning or approaching a subject. Intentions and possibilities should be clear to someone else who reads the mind map at a later date.
- Images should be sourced first-hand (i.e. drawn or photographed yourself) or clearly referenced, and should be integrated within the mind map in a visually pleasing way.
- The appearance of the mind map is crucially important. This is likely to be one of the first things the moderator sees when opening your sketchbook – first impressions count.
examples
Some of these presentation methods are more complex and time consuming than others, this does not mean they are better. Sometimes a quick, expressive splurge of ideas upon paper is all that is needed. Find your way of working and choose the style that suits you and is relevant to your project theme.
Remember; when your Art teacher asks you to begin creating a mind map, they are almost always happy with any visually pleasing representation of ideas – such as a tree diagram, spider diagram – or even just a splurge of thoughts on paper, as long as it documents a range of ideas and possibilities connected to your theme.