1. Processes & techniques
How to Experiment to Encourage Creativity
Processes & techniques

2. Be a beginner, for ever
‘Whatever I know how to do, I’ve already done. Therefore I must always do what I do not know how to do’. Eduardo Chillida (Spanish sculptor)

3. What is an experiment?
An insight into cause-and-effect by demonstrating what outcome occurs when a particular factor is manipulated
Experiments vary greatly in goal and scale, but always rely on planned repeatable procedures and logical analysis of the results.
In the world of creative profession and professional experiment it uses a method of encouraging and enhancing creativity.
When experimenting we can do it with materials, technologies, techniques and processes

4. For something to be an experiment we have to ensure that:
We have a question, something we want to find out, or we want to prove, to test, to understand, to refute or validate.
We need to have a plan, a method (hands-on activities) we are going to use to do an experiment
We produce results of the experiment which we can analyse

5. Experimenting with materials, techniques and processes (media)
We should look at the characterises of the materials, techniques and processes (media) which you will use
For example if your take a photo of an apple, film an apple, take 3D design of an apple, make sound recording of an apple
Each of the listed media processes will have impact on final results, ideas and meanings created by use of different materials.
Experiment with view of the world (world view)

6. Experimenting with materials, techniques and processes (media)
Therefore, before you make a choice of processes or media you should experiment to:
discover what techniques different media lend themselves to
explore what effects you can achieve
explore the way in which an image, design motif or form can be changed or adapted

7. When experimenting you can use one medium to work in another
For example:
An art illustration could be transformed by using video camera, computer design, audio effects etc.
It can be further transformed by experimenting with colours, shapes, spaces, angles of view, framing, different time etc.
Genre, style or design details could be interpreted in different ways used as inspiration for new designs
When working in a medium of your choice you can further experiment with limitations and technical potential of that medium which can significantly affect the final appearance of your work

8. When experimenting with materials, techniques and processes have you:
Looked at other people’s work
tried out a range of different media?
tried out different combinations of media?
experimented with different scales and forms - large/small or close-ups, 2D or 3D?
tested different techniques of the media you use?
experimented with combining different forms of writing and editing techniques in video/audio manipulation of software?
experimented combining different materials, techniques and processes?

9. Experimenting develops your practical skills and techniques
When experimenting you should always take your skills and techniques beyond what you have already know and achieved.
Your experimentation should reflect your journey towards your final idea, as well as your increasing confidence and competence using your chosen media.
When experimenting:
Explore viewpoints and composition (different lenses, focus range, depth of field, framing, camera angles, camera movements etc.)
Experiment with different exposures and timings (aperture, shatter, rhythm, tempo, editing cats, genre etc.)
Combination of images (editing, montage, collage, green screen etc.)
Different 3d elements (models, materials, environments etc.)
Produce small samples, mock-ups, prototypes

10. Refining your ideas
The results of your experiments will be affected by the characteristics of the chosen medium or media and activities you have used
When experimenting your new results should provide evidence that you are refining your ideas.
Therefore, when you are experimenting to get new ideas you should:
used a range of different media, processes and techniques?
produce a series of studies showing your developing ideas?
practised and refined your control of your chosen media over a period of time? (show development)
made links to relevant artists and designers?
kept a record, log examples of your different approaches and experiments?

11. Experiments examples Jakob Trollback: A new kind of music video

12. Brief
Use the theme of fear and experiment with materials, techniques and processes (media) making sure you:
use a range of different media, processes and techniques?
produce a series of studies showing your developing ideas?
practise and refine your control of your chosen media over a period of time? (show development)
made links to relevant artists and designers?
keep a record, log examples of your different approaches and experiments?