Digital Illustration (WK4) - Creativity Exercise: "Title First"

The “Title First” Exercise
Time: 3 minutes
Materials: Paper or notes app (optional)

Steps:

  1. Write down 5–10 imaginary titles. They can sound like books, artworks, songs, posters, or exhibitions. Don’t explain them yet. Just titles.
  2. Pick one title that feels intriguing.
  3. Give it meaning. In 2–3 sentences, describe what this thing actually is (a story, product, artwork, concept, etc.).

My sentences:

  • “How to Miss a Train on Purpose”
  • “A Manual for Almost Decisions”
  • “Things I Learned From Standing Still”
  • "The Shape of Waiting"
  • "Notes I Never Sent"

My example:

Title: “A Manual for Almost Decisions”

Meaning: An illustrated book that documents moments where you almost did something (almost quit, almost spoke up, almost left), and what those moments reveal about hesitation and choice.

What I learned: Starting with a title instead of an idea flipped my normal creative process. Instead of searching for the body concept first, the title's language itself became the spark. Words can carry tone, emotion, and direction before the idea even exists.

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