Research, ideation, and concept presentation

Research

Purpose of Research: Understand that research is a crucial step in developing your proposal. It helps you gather relevant data and knowledge about your chosen topic or commission.
Sources of Information: Learn to identify and utilise multiple sources of information. This can include books, newspapers, internet blogs, industry magazines, artists’ interviews, and more.
Reliability: Keep in mind the need to check the reliability of your sources. It’s important to refer to accurate and credible information.
Recording Information: Develop an efficient way to record and organise your findings. Notes should be clear and retrievable for future reference.
Ethics: Be mindful of the ethical aspects of research, such as respecting copyright laws and correctly acknowledging others’ work.

Ideation

Understanding Ideation: Grasp that ideation is the process of generating, developing, and communicating new ideas.
Brainstorming: Learn brainstorming techniques for generating a high volume of fresh and original ideas.
Collaboration: Recognise the benefits of discussing and shaping ideas with others. Feedback can refine and strengthen your proposal.
Filtering Ideas: Master the ability to sift through ideas generated, selecting the most fitting and innovative ones for your proposal.

Concept Presentation

Purpose: Know that your concept presentation is your chance to articulate your idea and engage your commissioners.
Clarity: Learn to express your ideas clearly and succinctly, using accessible language.
Visuals: Understand the powerful role that visual aids can play in a presentation, whether storyboards, diagrams, images or mock-ups.
Practise: Practise your presentation skills. This includes creating clear slides, maintaining eye contact with your audience, projecting your voice, and handling questions.
Feedback: Be ready to accept and respond constructively to feedback, using this to improve your idea and proposal.

Note that these steps are interconnected. Thorough research lays the grounds for productive ideation, which fuels an effective concept presentation. These steps together can lead to a strong proposal that fits the commissioning brief and appeals to the commissioners.