The first step (analysis) is closely related to the second step (research). Ask yourself what your outline is. Is there only one answer? Can there be multiple interpretations? What was your first reaction? Write down positive and negative information. It is likely that after deep thinking, your reaction and interpretation will be different, especially after you start doing some research. It is important to keep an inquiring and energetic attitude.

Step 2: Research

First, find examples related to the outline. Especially the excellent works directly related to other designers. Pay attention to write down the information sources and designers. Notes, polishing and techniques related to materials are very important. Tell yourself honestly, what have you learned from this research? Show your findings in a visual way. Start building a visual reference library to store your ideas, models and formats.

Then, carry out technical research: reading and digestion. Be selective, choose relevant viewpoints and summarize the information you think is useful for your outline.

Step 3: Generate ideas and concepts.

Determine what you want to achieve and what you need to outline. Set feasible limits. After the research, some concepts will be concretized, and you may also find some undeveloped new potential areas.

Pay attention to prepare more ideas so that you can choose the one with the most development potential. These ideas can be in the form of sketches or just in the research stage. For example, we can study the connection part of a body ornament from many aspects, such as the armor part of the upper body, natural creatures, such as insects, skeletons, cloth sewing and so on. Thinking after that is very important. We need to establish some lexical connections.

It is also useful to make some summaries with brainstorming diagrams, and write down all the ideas when you do it. This can help you narrow an outline and help you pinpoint what is really needed. Leave these for reference in case you find yourself spinning around in circles, or you can use them when describing your work to others in the future.

Part four: Creative development.

This part is generally called comprehensive reasoning. You should show many ideas in an easy-to-understand way, such as painting or soft model. Because once you start comprehensive reasoning, your thoughts may become vague, disorganized or too complicated. By drawing or modeling, you can organize and reorganize ideas faster and easier.

Step 5: Evaluate

After the work is completed, it should be evaluated. Try to be objective. Look back at the original creative outline and your research notes. Does your solution conform to the creative outline? Is it creative? Is it ornamental? Economy? Is it feasible? Is it dangerous? Success or failure? Of course, the design must not be so black and white, but try to be honest with yourself. By discovering shortcomings, we can improve and find strength.

The last step: visual works

Applicants should submit a complete application form and portfolio (in the form of CD and PPT). The application needs to include academic situation, visual and practical experience.