The Creative Process Spread -
Based on Eric Maisel’s Six Stages of the Creative Process
By Diane Wilkes
Eric Maisel, author of Fearless Creating and many other books, breaks the creative process down into six stages. He believes that anxiety attends every step of the creative process, and says that’s a good thing.
"If you are to create, you must invite anxiety in. But then you must manage it." -- Eric Maisel
Stage Anxiety Solution
1. Wishing Hungry Mind Appropriate Feeding
2. Choosing Confused Mind Appropriate Clarity
3. Starting Weakened Mind Appropriate Strength
4. Working Chaotic Mind Appropriate Order
5. Completing Critical Mind Appropriate Appraising
6. Showing Shy Mind Appropriate Performing
Attached Mind Appropriate Detaching
4
3
5
2
6
1 6A
The Creative Process Spread
Card/Stage One: What do I need to feed/nurture my creativity to feel I can move beyond the wishing stage?
Card/Stage Two: What choices do I need to make in order to begin my artistic endeavor?
Card/Stage Three: What will strengthen my resolve and help me to begin my creative project?
Card/Stage Four: What do I need to know and/or do to organize myself to work consistently?
Card/Stage Five: What criteria do I need to develop in order to assess my work objectively? Is there someone/something I can consult to help me when I am ready for this stage?
Card/Stage Six: Card A - What do I need to remember or learn in order to show my work to the outside world with confidence?
Card B - What will help me to remember that I am not my art, and my art
isn’t me?Spread and page © 2001 Diane Wilkes