“Everything you can imagine is real.” ~ Pablo Picasso

THE TRANSFORMATION

A story of the transformation of a young girl into womanhood. Creating this image helped my conceptual thinking, where I chose the background first, then the figure and the story built from there.

The world of conceptual storytelling in visual arts and design – where imagination meets aesthetics, and creativity dances with meaning!

Imagine this: visual arts and design become the canvas for a storytelling extravaganza! It is like turning your favourite artwork, composite image into a thrilling mystery novel, where every stroke of the brush and every pixel on the screen hold secrets waiting to be unravelled. It is a magic show of visuals, where your eyes are the audience, and your mind is the magician!

But wait, there is more! Conceptual storytelling in visual arts and design is like a rollercoaster of emotions. It takes you on a wild ride of feelings, like a symphony of colours and shapes that play a beautiful melody on your heartstrings. You will find yourself smiling, gasping, and pondering all at once!

And here is the best part: it is not just about what you see; it is about what you feel! Conceptual storytelling in visual arts and design goes beyond the surface. It is like a treasure hunt, where you search for hidden meanings, symbols, and messages tucked away in the artwork. It is an exploration of the human experience, like peering into the soul of the artist!

You know those moments when you stare at an artwork, and your mind starts weaving stories? Well, that is the magic of conceptual storytelling at work! It is like a spark that ignites your imagination, sending it on a flight of fancy. You become the storyteller, crafting narratives that dance with the artwork on the canvas!

Oh, and let us not forget the creativity of the artists themselves! Conceptual storytelling gives them wings to fly beyond the boundaries of traditional art. They get to experiment, take risks, and create artworks that challenge conventions and redefine the art scene. It is like a creative revolution that never stops!

Imagination vs Skillset

Creating composite images is a combination of technical skills and storytelling. We need to learn the technical skills of the software program first, for me I use Photoshop to create my art, once we master the skills we then can develop our conceptual thinking skills.

When you first start the composite journey, you combine different photos, sometimes it is IMAGINATION VS SKILLSET or the other way round. Once we have the base skills, then we can develop our storytelling. It takes practice, a shift in thinking, I often say think like a creative, not a photographer, the camera is the tool to create the elements or the backgrounds. A digital artist doesn’t have to nail it in one photo. When telling a story in a composite image draw on your experiences, memories, something you have read, seen or felt.

Some of the strategies I use are:

I will either start with a background or an element or a digital texture
If using an element (let’s say a quirky character), I will then think what background would go with that element(s)
What/who is the hero and the support acts in your story
Sometimes I add little hidden gems to add a touch of mystery to the art
You don’t always have to have an idea or vision, a story can develop along the way, don’t be frightened to explore and try new things.
Most importantly have fun!

Definition of Conceptual Storytelling

Conceptual storytelling is like taking a rollercoaster ride through the depths of your imagination! It is a mind-bending, soul-stirring way of telling stories that breaks all the traditional rules and gives your creativity the wings to soar. Forget about those straightforward plots and predictable endings. It is like a puzzle, and you get to be the detective, piecing together the hidden meanings and symbols scattered throughout the narrative.

It is all about exploring abstract ideas, deep emotions, and life's big questions. From books that take you on a journey through surreal dreamscapes to films that warp time and reality, conceptual storytelling pushes the boundaries of what is possible, creating composite images is no different . It is like an artistic adventure, and you get to be the explorer, uncovering hidden gems of wisdom and insight along the way. The best part is that there are no right or wrong answers here. Your interpretation is your own, and that is what makes it so personal and meaningful.

Get ready to stretch your imagination, challenge your thinking.

Enhancing Imagination and Innovation

ESCAPE

Based on a news story in 2022 that made an impact on me. You have 5 mins to pack your possessions to escape, it made me think what would a child pack. It is what I call “Conceptual Storytelling.

Conceptual storytelling is like a turbocharger for your creativity!

Picture this: you are not just dreaming dreams; you are building entire universes in your mind! It is like having a superpower that lets you break free from the ordinary and soar into the extraordinary. You will find yourself conjuring up fantastical worlds, quirky characters, and mind-bending plot twists that defy the laws of gravity!

But that is not all – oh, no! Conceptual storytelling is the ultimate brainstorming session with your brain on overdrive. It is like a brainstorming tornado that swirls together ideas from all corners of your mind. No idea is too crazy, and no concept is too far-fetched. It is a playground where your wildest thoughts get to party!

Let us not forget the endless possibilities. Conceptual storytelling is like a treasure trove of ideas waiting to be discovered. It is a choose-your-own-adventure book where you get to decide which path to take, which idea to pursue, and which rabbit hole to dive into! Get ready to explore uncharted territories of your mind and discover hidden gems of creativity.

It is not just about building castles in the air; it is about bringing those castles to life. Conceptual storytelling sets the stage for turning imagination into reality. It is like a blueprint for innovation, guiding you on how to transform those wild concepts into tangible creations.

Embrace the fantastical, embrace the bizarre, and let your creativity take flight like never before. Get ready to ride the wave of imagination.

Stimulating Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

PERCY PANDA AT THE CIRCUS

A fun image it started with the Panda, then the background, I added the support acts to the story of the Panda (bike, cloud balloon, rat) creating a fun image is still about drawing on conceptual thinking.

Conceptual storytelling is like a mental gym for your brain!

You know those moments when you have to connect the dots, figure out the hidden meaning. That is the thrill of conceptual storytelling! It is like a Sherlock Holmes adventure, and you get to play detective, solving mysteries and unravelling the secrets the story hides.

It bombards you with riddles and challenges that make your brain do somersaults! It pushes you to think outside the box, inside the box, and even around the box. There is no box left untouched by your supercharged critical thinking skills!

But here is the real kicker: conceptual storytelling teaches you to question everything. It is like a curiosity carnival that never ends. You will find yourself asking, "What if?" and "Why not?" at every turn. It is like opening a treasure chest of possibilities, and your curious mind gets to explore every glittering gem!

Plus, it is not just about finding the answers; it is about embracing the journey of discovery. Conceptual storytelling is like a rollercoaster of "Whoa, I never thought of that!" moments. It challenges your assumptions, flips your perspective, and leaves you in a state of awe and wonder!

Get ready to stretch your critical thinking muscles and conquer the world of imagination and intellect!

Story Development and Structure

All right, let us talk about story development and structure - the backbone of any mind-blowing tale! It is like building a rollercoaster, but instead of loops and drops, you are crafting twists and turns.

Story development is like planting a seed in your mind. You start with a tiny idea, like a little sprout poking through the ground. Then, you water it with your imagination and watch it grow into a full-fledged story tree! It is a journey of nurturing and shaping, where your creativity is the magical gardener. And speaking of shaping, that is where the structure comes into play. It is like having a blueprint for your rollercoaster of emotions.

But wait, there is more! Structure is not just about sticking to the rules; it is about breaking them, too! It is like having a map for your journey, but you get to take detours and explore hidden paths along the way. It is a dance of balance, where you follow the beats of storytelling conventions while adding your own unique twist!

Oh, and let us not forget about the characters - the heart and soul of your story! They are like your rollercoaster riders, going through ups and downs, highs and lows. You want them to be real and relatable, like your best friends on this wild storytelling adventure!

Lateral thinking and divergent thought

MR PIGDEN

It all started with the quirky bird character, then I choose the elements, textures. It started out as a fun image. Then when I saw the bird with the scarf and cap, it made me think of a story I had seen about a famous footballer, who hadn’t seen his teacher Mr Pigden in a long time, when he turned and saw him he immediately took off his cap in respect. I drew on a memory that made an impact and that is why I named the character Mr Pigden.

Let us dive into the mind-bending worlds of lateral thinking and divergent thought – the funky-fresh ways of flexing your brain muscles and unlocking the door to endless possibilities!

First things first: imagine thinking outside the box. Well, with lateral thinking, you do not even need a box! It is like being a wizard of creativity, conjuring up ideas that defy logic and make your brain go, "Wait, what just happened?" It is the art of finding sneaky shortcuts and surprising solutions that leave everyone scratching their heads in awe!

But hold on to your hats because divergent thought is like a colourful explosion of ideas! It is like throwing a party in your brain and inviting every zany idea of which you can think. Picture a wild brainstorming session where your mind is a playground of crazy concepts, and there is no such thing as "too weird." It is like a carnival of imagination, and you are the ringmaster!

You know those moments when you connect the dots in a way that nobody else does? That is the power of lateral thinking at play! It is like being a genius detective, putting together puzzle pieces that seemed unrelated, and ta-da! You have got a eureka moment that makes your brain do a happy dance.

But wait, there is more! Divergent thought is not just about finding one answer; it is about finding a bazillion answers! It is like taking a million detours on the way to a single destination. You explore every nook and cranny of your imagination, uncovering hidden gems of brilliance along the way.

Oh, and let us not forget the fun in being a rebel! Lateral thinking and divergent thought give you the power to challenge the norms, question the rules, and invent your own path. It is like being a rule-breaking, trailblazing rockstar of ideas!

Hey, hey, hey! Let us talk about the cool cats of thinking – associative thinking and pattern recognition! These brainiacs are like the dynamic duo of creative problem-solving and making connections that blow your mind!

YELLOW

Inspiration came from a song I liked “Yellow” by Coldplay. I listened to the words and based it around the colour yellow and adding elements from key words in the song.

Associative thinking and pattern recognition

So, first things first: associative thinking is like a treasure hunt in your brain. It is the art of linking ideas that seem unrelated, but when you connect the dots, bam! You have got a brilliant "aha!" moment that lights up your mind like a disco ball!

Imagine your brain as a party with all these funky ideas dancing around. Associative thinking is like playing matchmaker and introducing ideas that hit it off and create awesome combinations. It is like having a mental mixing board where you blend different flavours to create a mind-blowing smoothie of creativity!

But wait, there is more! Pattern recognition is like having superpowers of observation. It is like being Sherlock Holmes, spotting hidden clues and solving mysteries with just a blink of an eye. Your brain becomes a master puzzle solver, connecting the dots faster than a cheetah on roller skates!

You know those moments when you see a familiar face in a crowd? Well, pattern recognition is the party trick behind that magic! It is like having a mental database of shapes, colours, and sounds that help you spot familiar patterns in a sea of chaos. Cue the fireworks of "I know this!" moments!

Oh, and let us not forget the fun in being a detective of ideas! Associative thinking and pattern recognition are like the dream team that unlocks new ways of looking at the world. You will find yourself making connections you never thought possible, and suddenly, your brain feels like a genius on vacation! When you blend associative thinking with pattern recognition, you become a creative ninja, slicing through problems, and producing mind-blowing solutions!

UP

Inspired by the movie UP where I created this image with elements in my “stash” library. A fun image!

It’s your story!

Sharpen up your conceptual thinking skills when creating composite imagery to tell a story or be inspired by a movie, book, memory, experience. It is your story to tell.

Another BLOG you might find interesting to help you on your journey The Benefits of Self-Expression & Creativity in Image Making

What is Conceptual Storytelling? ~ Blog