Element #2:

The Creativity CrusherS

or "Learned Symbols"

Avoid these basic and overused symbols you learned in kindergarten.
Use reference objects or photographs - not another artist's artwork.

Stored Symbols

What does "clichè" mean? The dictionary defines it is "a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays original thought."
Below you will find the Creativity Crushers. These are symbols you were taught to you around your Kindergarten or pre-school days. You can thoughtfully create original and unique drawings now that you are older.

Avoid The Creativity Crushers:

A corner sun or a "squished spider" sun, cotton candy clouds, "V" birds, "M" mountains, scribble trees with "squirrel holes", stick figures, "W" grass, and a shack on a cliff.

*Try to avoid these cliche symbols as they are not your ideas, they are not original or thoughtful.

How can you change them to make them your own ideas?
Can you add humor or express emotion with your work?

Reference Photo Examples:

Use photos to help you find realistic details

Make your own reference photo!

What a reference PHOTO is NOT:

Copying someone else's artwork

Be inspired by other artwork, but copying it and claiming it as your own is considered plagiarism.
Artists can copy artwork as a practice exercise, but this should not be a final piece of work to hand in as your own.
Always give credit to your sources.