During Creation

• 1). Make use of your journal. Begin by making sketches of things that interest you. This involves sketching objects from real life. Not only can you jot down information about drawing techniques and composition, but you might want to write about the lighting conditions and natural color. If you are working on more abstract designs, they too can be sketched and then described in your notes.
  
  
• 2). Continue with your note-taking as the work of art progresses. Some works of art, like a photograph or monoprint are created in a relatively short time period, but you might want to make notes about lighting conditions or what inspired your artistic efforts. If your art project has a longer time line, then you will need to add notes about the various stages of creation.
  
  
• 3). Use the camera to document the work in progress. This is different than using the photographic tool as a creative outlet, but having a camera available during the construction phase, may produce visual images that can prove to be important later on.
  
  
• 4). Summarize your thoughts and feelings when you complete your project. Did you experience grief, joy, sorrow or just a lot of relief that the project was over? No matter what your thoughts, you might want to record your immediate reaction, before it fades away with the passage of time.
  
  

After the Project

• 1). Write the introduction. This will be the first thing that the reader sees, so use these few sentences to explain why you chose to create this work. If the artwork was inspired by a major event or is part of a series, you might want to mention that also. This written piece should ideally run about one page, but can be longer if necessary. It should be typed up in a word processing program like Word or Office and then printed on white computer paper, so it is available with the work of art.
  
  
• 2). Describe what choices you had while making the art and why you decided to complete the project in such a manner. The art viewer may want to know about your choice of background, foreground color, lighting or any other important details. Some sort of brief insight into these decisions, may be of interest.
  
  
• 3). Write about the techniques involved in completing the project and what materials were used. Write briefly and concisely about this information, as it may be appreciated by those who view your work.
  
  
• 4). Conclude with a brief summary.