The Creativity Of Indonesia’s “Generation Z” in Drawing Illustrations

Abstract

Illustrations created by Generation-Z students of Indonesian Junior High Schools have been a hot topic among practitioners and academics because they have a high level of creativity like experienced designers. The works of the winners of the National Student Art Competition Festival organized by the Indonesian National Achievement Center have attracted the researchers’ interest in studying more deeply. The objects of research studied were the works of the top 3 winners of the National level illustration competition, including works from the East Java, West Java, and Special Region of Jakarta Provinces. Data mining in this study was carried out through observing the students’ working process, observing work product; interviewing students, judges, practitioners and academics related to the works created; and document data containing Technical Instructions for the implementation of competition, illustration works, and minutes of the competition winners stored at the Indonesian Talent Development Center under Indonesian National Achievement Center’s auspice. All data results were validated using triangulation process and then analyzed using creative product analysis matrix (CPAM) theory suggested by Bessemer and Treffinger. From the results of study, it can be concluded that the illustration works created by Generation Z, namely Junior High School students, are directed toward a cartoon illustration style with the following values: (1) novelty encompassing the themes, ideas, and creative processes carried out by students; (2) resolution including digital engineering and intended design, and (3) elaboration & synthesis including aesthetics and impact on the illustration work.