Flow Charts and Art

Wouldn’t it be great if we could refer to a set of directives, an A to Z of how to make a successful piece? If we carefully adhere to each step of the process, we will produce the ever sought-after masterpiece. Alas, making art is not quite that simple. Following a flow chart leaves out one very important element: personal intuition.

If creative works were the product of intricate plans, how would the artist ever discover what doesn’t work? Thanks to things not coming out as planned, the necessary deviation could drive the artist to her next “style.” Aren’t we all trying to hone in on our own unique styles, only to find that it is ever-changing?

Flow charts only work in hind sight. We can easily track how we got from A to Z. Moving forward, however, must be done intuitively.