TIP #101: 24 Questions that Help Kids THINK Like an Artist
I’ve talked a lot about learning to “see like an artist”, but equally (if not more) important is learning to “think” like an artist.
What does it mean to THINK like an artist?
There are several habits of thinking that artists use intuitively. And kids can learn to use them, too. To think like an artist, we need to observe closely, make creative decisions, solve problems, experiment and try new things, have a growth mindset, and reflect on our work.
How can we teach kids to THINK like an artist?
You can encourage this type of thinking in your students with the questions you ask at the end of each lesson. The purpose of these questions is to help kids internalize this way of thinking and ultimately learn to ask these questions themselves.
Learning doesn’t end when a student’s artwork is finished. After your next art lesson, try asking some questions like the ones below. The goal isn’t for students to answer all 24 questions about any one project. But thoughtfully answering a couple of questions after each lesson will help kids begin to reflect like this on their own. This is how anyone can learn to think like an artist.
Choose a couple of these questions to ask your students:
1. Observation: Looking More Closely
Artists notice things others often miss.
- What did you notice while creating this that others might overlook?
- What part of your artwork do you think a viewer would notice first?
- What is one detail you’re glad you included?
- If you looked at this subject again, what might you notice that you missed before?
2. Creative Decision-Making
Artists make countless choices as they work.
- Why did you choose the colors, shapes, etc. that you did?
- What is the most creative choice you made on this project?
- What other options did you consider?
- If you created this again, what might you choose differently?
3. Problem-Solving
Artists constantly solve problems.
- What challenge did you face while making this artwork?
- How did you solve that problem?
- Did you try anything that didn’t work at first?
- What is a problem you’re especially proud of solving?
4. Growth Mindset
Artists understand that skills develop with practice.
- What part of this project was difficult for you?
- What did you learn while creating this artwork?
- What is something you can do now that you couldn’t do before?
- What would you like to improve next time?
5. Creativity and Risk-Taking
Artists experiment and try new things.
- What creative ideas did you consider for this artwork?
- Did you take any risks or try something new?
- What surprised you while making this project?
- What would make this artwork even more uniquely yours?
6. Reflection and Self-Awareness
Artists think about their work and their process.
- What part of your artwork are you most proud of?
- What does this artwork say about you?
- How does this artwork make you feel?
- What would you like viewers to notice, think about, or remember?
Asking questions that help kids reflect is appropriate at every age and after any art project. This reinforces that art is about learning, and not only about producing finished artwork.
an inspiring quote
“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing” ~ Henry Ford
Mistakes are an inevitable part of learning any new skill—including art.
Taking a few moments to think about what worked, what didn’t, and what to try next transforms mistakes into stepping stones for growth.
This reflection is what turns a student’s experience into learning and helps them begin to think like an artist.
In the words of psychologist, Adam Grant, “Mistakes don’t make you a failure. They make you a learner.”