The creative process is highly individualized and there is no one right method for developing a visual story. What works best for one artist may not work for another, and the key is to find the method that works best for you.

Steps to Help Get Started

  1. Inspiration: Many artists draw inspiration from their surroundings, personal experiences, emotions and observations of the world around them. They may be inspired by nature, people, art, music or other forms of creativity.
  2. Research: Some artists may conduct research into a particular subject matter or style of art that they are interested in. This can involve reading books, studying other artists or visiting galleries and museums to gain inspiration.
  3. Sketching and experimentation: Sketching and experimenting with different techniques and materials is a common way that artists develop their ideas. This allows them to try out different compositions and ideas before committing to a final piece.
  4. Collaboration: Collaborating with other artists or creatives can also be a way to develop ideas. This can involve bouncing ideas off each other, sharing techniques and materials or working together on a joint project.
  5. Brainstorming: Artists may also use brainstorming techniques to generate new ideas. This can involve writing down all ideas, no matter how unconventional, and then selecting the most promising one to pursue.
  6. Revision: The creative process often involves revision and refinement of ideas. Artists may revisit their work multiple times, making changes and adjustments until they feel satisfied with the final product.

Ideas to Help Set the Story

  • Subject Matter: What the artist chooses to depict in their work, and how they frame it, can communicate a story.
  • Composition: The arrangement of elements within the artwork can guide the viewer through a visual journey. Placement, balance and focal points can all contribute to storytelling.
  • Color Palette: Colours evoke emotions and can symbolize different concepts. Artists often use specific colour schemes to convey mood, time or themes within their narrative.
  • Symbolism: Artists frequently use symbols and metaphors to add layers of meaning to their work. A simple object might represent something deeper within the context of the story.
  • Style & Technique: The style and technique an artist chooses can also be part of the narrative. For example, a gritty, abstract style might convey a different story than a smooth, realistic one.
  • Perspective: The viewpoint from which the scene is portrayed can influence how the viewer interprets the narrative. Different perspectives offer different insights into the story.
  • Repetition and Patterns: Repeating elements or patterns can create a sense of continuity or rhythm in a visual narrative.
  • Context & Environment: The setting and background details provide context to the story as they can establish a time and place and contribute to the overall atmosphere.
  • Character Design: Characters can play a crucial role in storytelling. How they are portrayed—facial expressions, body language, attire—can reveal a lot about their role in the narrative.
  • Series: Some artists create a series of works that collectively tell a story. Each piece contributes to the larger narrative, forming a visual arc.
  • Mixed Media & Collage: Combining different materials and elements in a single artwork can create layers of meaning and add depth to the storytelling.
StorytellingDownload

How did they tell their story?

Find a visual story that relates to or represents the issue you are exploring. It doesn’t have to be the same medium that you are thinking of using.

  1. Do some research and determine how they may have came up with their idea and the process they took to develop their visual story.
    1. Did they do research?
    2. Did they interview an expert?
    3. What is the background story, or what do you think it is? Were they passionate about this issue before?
    4. What events were happening in the news when the visual story was created? Do you think that had an impact on the story?
    5. How did they get their message across?
    6. Was this piece meant to target a local audience/issue, or a national audience/issue?
    7. What elements and principles of design helped to convey their message?
  2. Determine what image development strategies they employed in their story (see the infographic Image Development Strategies for help).
  3. Now note down how you want to tell your story. What question might your visual story seek to ask or answer? What mood, colours, elements and principles of design do you want to use to get your message across?
  4. Make a list of image development strategies you think would be effective in helping you tell your story. Why would they be effective (think about the mood, impact and the scale you want to convey)?