I want you to know that the picture in each Shapegram is not something that I get right the first time. I draw in multiple ways with different shapes and colors. I make big and small changes to improve the picture. I try to use as few shapes as possible. I try to make something that provides an opportunity for practice and learning new things.
I don’t get it right the first time. Or the second or third time. Creative work involves multiple iterations (versions) to construct something better. Iterating helps my design skills develop and provides opportunities to try new things.
Working through multiple iterations takes patience and persistence. I do get frustrated when a picture doesn’t turn out just like what I saw in my mind. I take a step back, take some time to think, and try again.
I designed a cupcake picture over the course of a few days. Thanks to version history, I can show you different iterations.
I was unhappy with my very first version. Does it even look like a cupcake? I knew I could do better.
I made a second drawing. I still wasn’t happy with it, but I liked it better than the first version.
I duplicated the second version and made improvements to the frosting. Unfortunately, this looked more like a dish of soft serve ice cream than a cupcake.
Adding rectangles the the cup helped make it look more like a cupcake.
I made changes to the frosting and made the picture wider. It looked less like ice cream.
I reworked the frosting and made it so the cake is showing. I was pleased with that. I was still unhappy with the rectangles on the cup.
Finally, I changed the rectangles to triangles. I was satisfied enough with this design to turn it into a Shapegram.
For me, drawing a picture for a Shapegram is like the writing process. I have a plan. I make a draft. I revise and edit. Finally, I publish. I remind myself to get creative when I feel stuck. The entire iteration path is a learning experience that ends with something I can be proud of.
Summation about iteration...
A final creation is the culmination of modification and determination.
It’s no exaggeration that there is lots of experimentation, frustration, and alteration. Before completion my illustration has undergone a transformation to make it worthy of recreation.
That’s the situation, and I hope this explanation is an education and an inspiration. 
2 thoughts on “Cupcake Iteration”
Susan pointed out that iterating can lead to happy accidents!
Write ON! I like that you shared all the versions of this drawing and comparing it to the writing process is a great way to explain your creative process. I think sometimes students hit frustration level because they don’t understand how much effort adults are putting in to achieve their intent. Thank You!