The creative process moves through five stages.

It begins with Preparation—an analytical time when the basic information or skills are assembled.

It continues on to Incubation–a more intuitive and subconscious time in which you connect the dots in a default state.

If you stick with it through Perspiration, this process will eventually lead to Revelation–the eureka experience when you literally feel the tumblers of your mind click into place and you say: ‘A-ha, I have found the solution!’

The creative process ends with Production, a time when the insights are put into a useful form and shared with others.

(Source: psychologytoday.com)