 |
Pictures
Pictures can be tremendous idea triggers. A magazine, a book of photos, even a random image search on the web can yield interesting ideas. Most people think in a visual fashion, describing their thoughts, ideas and experiences as images or "word pictures." (Have you ever said, "it was raining cats and dogs?") A picture can often convey a message or emotion that words cannot. Similarly they can spark an idea or discussion where words may lose their effectiveness.
An interesting way to use pictures as a creative technique is randomly. Start by clipping out dozens of pictures from magazines. Place these in an envelope and draw one out arbitrarily. Attempt to draw connections or applications between the picture and your project. Pictures can sometimes serve as a creative booster when other traditional brainstorming techniques begin to fizzle.
Action Steps.
- Explore the obvious first. Use simple brainstorming and discussion.
- When the flow of ideas starts to trickle, introduce pictures. You can choose pictures at random or ones that pertain specifically to the project.
- Use simple, clear pictures (no abstracts) from a wide variety of material. Newspapers, magazines and ads have great pictures.
- When looking at a picture, think about what is going on or what is implied in them. Try to form positive associations versus negative associations.
|
For Further Reading On This Topic...
