Creative Process

What I learned about the creative process...

UMD Rocks took me through trials of research, planning, pivoting, reiterating, and creating. Trying to fuse my own creative process with the process expected of us was one of the most challenging parts of this project. At first, I had to work to find an idea that felt right to me, knowing I wanted to pursue something I was passionate and excited about. I ended up completely changing my idea at the very last second, which led me to UMD Rocks. 

Drawing from Wallace’s four-stage model of the creative process, my preparation and incubation phases were very lengthy and, admittedly, my least favorite stages. When I finally reached the illumination phase, everything started to fall into place. My “aha” moment brought more research, planning, and reiterating, but it felt purposeful and exciting once I found my groove with UMD Rocks. 

My time management skills were definitely challenged. I was extremely happy to triple my intended number of rocks, but disappointed in myself when I struggled to find time and motivation to work on my social media page. I realized I usually stray away from planning out projects because I don’t want to be disappointed when I deviate from the plan. This is something I had to confront during this process and may be one of my favorite personal takeaways from my capstone.