Break it down: a simple way to improve your work

Last week I mentored an artist whose goal is to consistently make high-quality ceramic jugs.

Our conversation ranged widely, but one part stood out.

I asked her to roughly sketch a jug and label all its components. I did the same. We worked quietly, then compared our sketches.

Next, I asked her to identify 2-3 elements of the jug that could benefit from more attention, more practice, more resolution. She chose one: the spout.

Dialling in further, we explored how the spout connects to the body of the jug and tossed around some what if questions:

• What if the spout was seamlessly attached to the body?
  
  
• What if the connection point was emphasised instead?
  
  
• How would each choice change the jug as a whole?
  
  

A jug is a complex form. She wants to make better jugs. Now, she has a specific place to start.

If you want to make something better, try this:

• Break your work into its parts.
  
  
• Look again. See what else is there.
  
  
• Choose one area that could use attention and practice.
  
  
• Ask a what if question.
  
  

This process can be illuminating. Once you can see the parts clearly, you may notice something you hadn’t consciously considered.

I don’t think Eckhart Tolle had ceramic jugs in mind when he wrote, “Awareness is the greatest agent for change.” But it certainly applies.