# data[].attributes.body
Find the “opposite” of your original image's subject. For example, what is the opposite of a landscape? Find 2-3 images. Juxtapose these against your starting point. What happens?

Find an image that has a similar subject to your initial starting point, with a contrasting art element (line, space, colour, shape, texture, form, etc.). For example, if you are starting with a spacious landscape image of an agricultural area on a bright sunny day, which element could be contrasted? Find an image to juxtapose your starting point. What do you notice?

What is your understanding of the meaning behind your selected image? How might your image be interpretted by others? Consider cultural, personal, political, or social interpretations that might vary for people from varying contexts. Juxtapose your original image with one image that challenges contextual perspectives. Analyze the new meanings that are produced through this contrast.

What is the history of your image? Conduct some light research to pair and contrast this with image from an alternative historical perspective. What interpretations might an outsider perceive through this combination?

After exploring the above prompts, try to discover some other juxtapositions on your own terms and through your own questions. Some additional juxtapositions could include:

Past vs. Present

Stillness vs. Movement

Contrasts in mood/atmosphere

Contrasts in art materials or techniques

# data[].attributes.headline
snake oil salesman product pitch/creation

# data[].attributes.subject
snake oil salesman product pitch/creation

# data[].attributes.headline
How to bring more conceptual depth to your work-A presentation that Ms Blair made and presented at ARWAE

# data[].attributes.subject
How to bring more conceptual depth to your work-A presentation that Ms Blair made and presented at ARWAE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ARWAE_Bringing More Conceptual Depth to student Art works

# data[].attributes.headline
Artful thinking-research about CT and strategies to read

# data[].attributes.subject
Artful thinking-research about CT and strategies to read

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Make a Mark Studios " a blog for art teachers and art makers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
One of my favorite topics to teach in my art class, no matter what the age or skill level, is divergent thinking.
What is divergent thinking? One of my favorite videos to introduce divergent thinking to my students is the lecture by Ken Robinson.
Divergent thinking is the a bility to come up with multiple solutions to one idea/prompt. This skill is the opposite of convergent thinking, which would be one solution to a problem (2 + 2 = 4).

Divergent thinking is such an awesome skill for individuals to foster. By teaching divergent thinking, we can help students to deepen their brainstorming process and awaken parts of the brain that may be sleeping. Did you know that research has shown that adults perform WORSE on divergent thinking prompts than children? Many of my students would always say that they feel the school system focuses more on passing high stakes tests than fostering any type of creativity. While that is heartbreaking in some ways, it's not definitive.
So what can we do as teachers to help foster divergent thinking skills in our classroom?
Here are four quick, easy, and fun games that you can play with your students to help to foster divergent thinking skills that your students will LOVE.
#1- Open ended prompts
This is one of my favorites! Ken Robinson's prompt example was "how many uses can you think of for a paperclip?" Here is how it works:

1. Get students into groups of 4-5. Collaboration is key to divergent thinking. The more brains, the better!

2. Add some competition! This will help your students get engaged, especially the ultra competitive types. Tell them that the group with the MOST solutions will win. I gave bonus points to the winning group.

3. Set a timer. I usually did about 10 minutes of total brainstorming.

4. Give them the prompt and let the divergent thinking happen!

Some of my favorite prompts:

You have to get from Earth to the moon in one day. You cannot use a spaceship. How will you get there?

How many uses can you think of for a flower pot? *warning- you will immediately get students saying they will use it a potty*

You have to build a city on the bottom of the ocean. What is your city made out of?

#2- Finish the shape drawing activity
This one is pretty straightforward. You draw a shape on the board and instruct students to complete the shape. Another version of this is the 'circle challenge' which I've seen circulating. Here is an example showing the prompt shape in the middle, surrounded by the many divergent solutions transforming the original shape into something new.

#3-Collaborative story
For this activity you will get students into partners or small groups. One piece of paper will be pass among the team. Each person will write one word and pass it to the next. The possibilities and pathways this story can diverge are endless. Some of the "rules" I give with this activity is that the sentences can be bizarre, wacky and weird but they must be coherent and school-appropriate.

#4- Collaborative drawing game. Draw. Pass. Collaborate. Repeat.
This is a great activity to transfer divergent thinking skills into drawing output. For this each student is given a paper and colored pencil of their choice. Students each draw for 1 minute then pass it. Next, they'll add onto their peers drawing quickly. I encourage students to draw within 10 seconds of receiving the paper (to avoid over thinking it), draw simple shapes if nothing comes to mind, and draw the entire time until I say pass. By the time they get their original paperback, they're amazed to see what it's evolved into.

I have students give the final work an art gallery name. You know, something really pretentious. They love this 🙂

#5- Random object drawing challenge

For this drawing challenge, you will need:

A bunch of random small objects around your classroom (scissors, fabric, paintbrush, clips, cups, tape rolls, etc)

White boards & dry erase markers -OR- paper and pencil

Students were given random objects and had to creatively drawn in and around the object. The random objects take on a whole new life in these spontaneous drawings and really challenge students to think outside the box. I paired students up to encourage collaboration

I hope you found something useful here that you can use in your own classroom. Feel free to comment below if you have any feedback or feel inspired to share. Thanks for reading! Go out and make your mark!
-Stephanie Villiotis, art teacher and creator of Make a Mark Studios

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fun Games to Foster Divergent Thinking Skills in Your Class " Make a Mark Studios

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of my favorite topics to teach in my art class, no matter what the age or skill level, is divergent thinking. What is divergent thinking? One of my favorite videos to introduce divergent thinking to my students is the lecture by Ken Robinson.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A collection of 4 sets of thinking routines.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Art Think: Ways of Working - A Creative Approach for Students of Art

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Booklet created for students based on strategies from Nicholas Roukes' book "Design Synectics: Stimulating Creativity in Design."

# data[].attributes.headline
Surrealism Creative Thinking Jam board that Rachel Made

# data[].attributes.subject
Surrealism Creative Thinking Jam board that Rachel Made

# data[].attributes.headline
Harvard Project Zero Project. Visible Thinking Strategies

# data[].attributes.subject
Harvard Project Zero Project. Visible Thinking Strategies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PZ's Thinking Routines Toolbox | Project Zero

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Toolbox organizes the Thinking Routines into categories that describe the types of thinking the routines help to facilitate. Some routines appear in more than one category, and some routines have different versions that offer modifications for specific age groups or more specific conceptual challenges.

# data[].attributes.headline
A Grade 7 and Grade 9 task that I do to develop creative thinking strategies

# data[].attributes.subject
A Grade 7 and Grade 9 task that I do to develop creative thinking strategies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
7 VA Creative Thinking Strategies that could show Before and After?

# data[].attributes.headline
My Friday Wellness Activities-Pushing your Creative Thinking

# data[].attributes.subject
My Friday Wellness Activities-Pushing your Creative Thinking

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Creative Thinking with Ms Blair

# data[].attributes.body
Creative Mind Map examples

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Last Updated on April 2, 2023

Many art students begin the year by brainstorming possible ideas, topics or themes for their art projects. This article features creative mind map examples and other visual brainstorming illustrations to inspire high school students.

Sometimes coming up with ideas for an Art project takes place within the classroom - an interactive discussion between students and teachers; on other occasions students formally document ideas within their sketchbooks. Humans have a tendency to think in a multi-dimensional way - that is, with lots of things occurring simultaneously, triggering further ideas. Rather than attempting to record thoughts in a sequential, linear fashion (i.e. writing these down in lists or paragraphs), students can find it helpful to collect, record and organize ideas graphically, using visual diagram such as a mind map. If this brainstorm is submitted as part of assessment material, it is essential that this is presented well.

What is a mind map?

Mind map creator Tony Buzan coined the term 'mind map' to refer to a diagram that has a branch or root-like structure radiating from a central image on the page, and which uses lines and color to show relationships, groupings and connections between words, ideas and images. A mind map helps students think clearly and ensures that a range of possibilities are considered, encouraging thinking outside-the-box.

How to make a mind map

Tony Buzan's recommendations include: using a landscape format; starting with a central image to represent your topic or theme; using curving lines to add main branches to the center and then connecting these to smaller branches; using single words and images; and adding colors for aesthetic and organizational purposes.

It should be noted, however, that when your Art teacher asks you to begin creating a mind map, they are almost always happy with any visually pleasing representation of ideas - such as a tree diagram, spider diagram - or even just a splurge of thoughts on paper, as long as it documents a range of ideas and possibilities connected to a theme (or a set examination topic). The examples below, therefore, contain different visual brainstorming methods, not just those that are official mind maps.

Guidelines for Art Students

When brainstorming ideas for a high school Art project, remember that:

Single words are unlikely to express an idea adequately. As you think though possibilities, it is likely that you will want to jot down whole phrases and brainstorm possible ways of beginning or approaching a subject. Intentions and possibilities should be clear to someone else who reads the mind map at a later date;

Images should be sourced first-hand (i.e. drawn or photographed yourself) or clearly referenced, and should be integrated within the mind map in a visually pleasing way;

The appearance of the mind map is crucially important. This is likely to be one of the first things an examiner sees when opening your sketchbook - first impressions count.

Creative mind map examples and visual brainstorming ideas

Please note that although some of these presentation methods are more complex and time consuming than others, this not does mean they are better. Sometimes a quick, expressive splurge of ideas upon paper is all that is needed.

Take a beautiful photograph to place in the center, as in this example of a mind map by Dave Tiedemann:

Use painted areas to contain text, as in these creative examples by artist Martha Rich:

Draw lots of small pictures to illustrate ideas visually, as inspired by this map of London reimagined as the human body, illustrated by Nicole Mollet:

Use collage to make a mixed media mind map, as in this example by high school student Chloé Zinn:

Integrate a mind map with an 'incomplete' image that extends across the page, inspired by this digital illustration by Alex Plesovskich:

Collage torn images, textures and surfaces together, as in this example by Brittney:

Create mind maps from flowing painterly forms, as in this amazing example by artist Ward Shelley:

Draw over an abstract watercolour ground, as in this artist mind map by Roberta Faulhaber:

Create a simple mind map using text, with circles and dots for emphasis, as in these examples by Lia Perjovschi:

Record a stream of consciousness using handwriting and images, as in this journal by Sabrina Ward Harrison:

Brainstorm ideas using chalk on a blackboard or whiteboard and photograph it, such as this mind map by Julien Muckensturm:

Make a mind map on small pieces of paper and cardboard, inspired by the road map created from multiple sketches by strangers, compiled by Nobutaka Aozaki:

Attach images and notes to a pinboard, as in the 'Capturing Memory Mind Map' by Red Biddy:

Hand write ideas over a photograph, as in this example by Stefan Sagmeister:

Create a mind map online using free mind map software, a mind map app or any other digital drawing tool, as in these bubble diagrams by Leoni Wharton:

Make a textural collage of ideas, as in this GCSE Art mind map by Jessica Rump, while studying at King's Lynn Academy:

Produce a sprawling hand-drawn mind map, as in this example by Tlemermeyer:

Use illustrations and colors to communicate and emphasize ideas, as in these sketchbook pages by Eva-Lotta Lamm:

Integrate observational drawings, as in this example by high school student Laura Viruly:

Organize ideas visually in a grid formation, as in this illustration by Grid London:

Add a painterly splurge in the center, from which ideas extend, as in this Year 11 exam example from Bishop Luffa School:

Integrate text within an artwork, as in this example by Julia Lewis-Thomas:

Use multiple colored pens, as in these examples by Asiphe Sinari and Elà Aguiar:

Use a ruler to frame images and text, as in this example by Annie Richardson:

Once you have selected a presentation method for your brainstorming, the next step is to actually generate some ideas! Please read our guide to selecting a great Art project idea.

You may be interested in our new book: Outstanding High School Sketchbooks. This book has high-resolution images so that fine details and annotation are clear, making it an excellent resource for students and schools. Learn more!

Need more help with your high school sketchbook?

This article is part of a series we have published about high school sketchbooks. You may also be interested in viewing our other sketchbook resources:

This mind map collection is continually updated. Please bookmark this page so that you can return to it when needed! If you would like to submit your own mind map for inclusion, please contact us. ????

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Make a Mind Map: Creative Examples for High School Art Students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This article features 23 creative mind map examples and other visual brainstorming illustrations to inspire high school Art students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Art of Brainstorming Creative Ideas: 10 Killer Tips

When coming up against a creative block, brainstorming can offer the perfect solution for generating creative ideas. Whether a person is brainstorming alone or with a group, it is important to come up with as many new ideas as possible within a specific period of time. Therefore, the following tips are offered to help anyone who is in need of some inspiration.

Embrace Strange

Creative ideas are often borne from the strangest of thoughts. Therefore, it is important to unleash all boundaries before beginning the process of brainstorming. This will ensure that no idea is left off of the table.

Invite an Outsider

Creative blocks can often occur with a group that has become too familiar. Sometimes, an outsider's perspective can be the impetus for change

Avoid Judgment

It is important to remember to avoid judging any idea until brainstorming has ended. This can help a person to avoid become sidetracked and stopping the creative process.

Use Images

Photographs, drawings and other images can provide a powerful way to stimulate the brain. By placing images around the room, a person can focus on these while allowing their mind to wander and discover new ideas.

Take a Break

Serious brainstorming sessions can lead to mind fatigue that can hamper creativity. Often, taking a break and coming back to a problem will allow a person's mind to continue to work on the problem without pressure.

Switch Positions

If a person normally works while sitting down, then assuming that position might help signal their mind that it is time to work. However, other people may need to walk around. If a person gets stuck, simply changing positions can often have an impact upon their perspective.

Do Some Research

Creativity can also come from other sources. Therefore, a person may find that some research can spur many new thoughts. However, this does not mean that research has to be boring. Depending upon their problem, watching a movie, viewing art or other creative activities can help a person to generate new ideas.

Change Environments

Stepping outside can offer a change in perspective as can visiting a nearby venue. Sometimes, stepping out of the office or studio can help a person to renew their inspirational spirit.

Expand on Current Ideas

Once some ideas have been generated, then using these ideas to find new ones is an effective brainstorming technique. Simply move through each idea on the list and expand upon them until no new ideas come forth.

Keep a Record

After coming up with ideas, it is important to have a way to remember what has been brainstormed. By using an online printer, a person can keep track of new ideas so that they can be remembered. Additionally, this method will enable a copy to be offered to everyone who has participated in the brainstorming session.
Hayley is a freelance blogger residing in California. Away from the office she enjoys spending time with her beautiful daughters and husband.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Creative Brainstorming Tips | 10 Tips for Brainstorming

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When coming up against a creative block, brainstorming can offer the perfect solution for generating creative ideas. Whether a person is brainstorming alone or with a group, it is important to come up with as many new ideas as possible within a specific period of time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We call this game The Brainstorm Game and it's fabulous for encouraging children to think creatively, developing brainstorming skills and divergent thinking ability. And all you need to play is a collection of common, household objects!

Providing regular opportunities for children to think creatively encourages them to be receptive to innovation and invention, and to be open to alternatives when learning, solving problems and facing new situations.

The Brainstorm Game
Here's how to play:
Provide your child with a simple object from the list below - I suggest you start with a cardboard tube first off. Let your child explore the object themselves first. The first time we played Immy immediately began pretending the cardboard tube was a telescope. As her initial interest in the tube began to wane I said, "I have been watching you using the tube as a telescope, it looked like you were having so much fun. Which made me wonder, what else could you imagine it to be?"

In no time at all she had come up with ten different potential uses, each accompanied by an enthusiastic demonstration of how the cardboard tube would indeed function in its new role. She came up with;

It really is a very simple, spontaneous game and it can be lots of fun - don't be afraid to give it a go yourself. Be sure to actually give the child the object to hold and move with as they play. Be open to all of the child's responses, no matter how out there they might appear (I am still not quite sure what a teeth sharpener is!), and be aware that (depending upon the age of your child) you might need to join in with a few suggestions as they get used to the idea of the game.

For older children add a time pressure, "In one minute show me as many different uses as you can for this _____" or suggest, "Can you think of five/ten/twelve different uses for this ____?"

Here is a list of other common, household objects that you could easily put to use for some creative brainstorming fun;
What else could you imagine a cardboard tube to be? You may also enjoy:
Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.

Read more of Christie's adventures at https://childhood101.com.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Brainstorm Game: Teaching Kids to Think Outside the Box - Childhood101

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We call this game The Brainstorm Game and it's fabulous for encouraging children to think creatively, developing brainstorming skills and divergent thinking ability. And all you need to play is a collection of common, household objects!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Artful Thinking: Using Art to Promote Thinking in the Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Artful Thinking program takes the image of an artist's palette as its central metaphor. Typically, a palette is made up of a relatively small number of basic colors which can be used and blended in a great variety of ways.