3.3 Developing Ideas

Depth over surface

A strong investigation develops ideas with depth — pushing a concept further, exploring variations, and responding to discoveries, not just changing subjects.

Connecting materials and meaning

The best work connects materials, processes, and ideas: how you make something reinforces what it means. Media choices are expressive, not arbitrary.

Reflection

Ongoing reflection — asking what's working and why — steers the investigation. Each piece can raise a new question that leads to the next.

Key terms

Depth

developing a concept further, not just switching topics

Materials + meaning

how you make it reinforces what it means

Expressive media

media choices are deliberate, not arbitrary

Reflection

asking what's working and why

Momentum

each piece can raise the next question

Try an AP-style question

Developing ideas means…

1. repeating the same image again
2. extending and deepening an inquiry over time
3. switching topics every single week
4. copying the work of other artists