The creative process
By looking at some of the preliminary components alongside final illustrations and published versions, we gain a deeper appreciation of the work that goes into producing a book for children.
Jeannie Baker, Hidden Forest, Endpapers, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-971313378
Jeannie Baker, Hidden Forest, Endpapers, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-971313378
May Gibbs, Greeting, gumnut baby amongst forget-me-nots, 1926, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1088255831
May Gibbs, Greeting, gumnut baby amongst forget-me-nots, 1926, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1088255831
Learning activities
Understanding the creative process helps students to successfully create their own literary texts. Breaking down the stages of the process will help bring it to mind when students are asked to work in this way.
First, discuss the definitions that make up the term ‘creative process’.
Creative: relating to or involving the use of the imagination or original ideas to create something, having good imagination or original ideas.
Process: a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.
As a class, map out the steps involved in creating a work. These might include:
- groundwork or preparation - storyboarding, sketching, mind-mapping, conversations, discussions, debates and so on
- cultivation of ideas by using the imagination, for example, using multimedia to create audio-visual items attached to ideas
- articulation of the work through drafts and prototyping
- production of the final work through edits and revisions.
More to learn and do
Kathy Weeden reading her book Phonobet, illustrated by Kim Drane and published by NLA Publishing, at Enlighten at the Library 2024
