The Four Stages of the Creative Process Preparation — the creative problem is investigated in all directions and in the process, related intellectual elements are referenced — out of which new ideas for a possible solution can be formulated. In this stage, the ideas are arranged to form the best course of action to reach a point of resolution; which is also done by seeking patterns in solutions that may have worked in past experiences. That point of divining plausible solutions is called Incubation . 2. Incubation — In this case, the subconscious mind is the incubator; and there are two primary forms of this voluntary abstention from more conscious work: the first of which is putting one’s conscious mental work into effect on another problem; the second is to put oneself into a relaxation state, at a distance from all conscious mental work. The former form of Incubation economizes time, and is therefore often preferred in the problem solving process. It is often b