The Origami Forum

I consider myself pretty good at following instructions. Be it a video or diagrams, I can follow it pretty well and make the model. But how do I go beyond this?

The first thing I thought of was obviously to make my own creations. However, all of my creations are derivative. For example, I learn how to make a cube, and from the same base, I make a milk carton, tissue box, or gift box. I learn how to make a person, and from the base, I make a frog, and a knight. I think you get the point.

So what are some concepts I should learn to make myself better? Are there any math concepts I should know?

So are you more interested in starting to create your own models from scratch or starting to fold more complex models MarnelKelis?

Generally speaking, there's a bunch of things that can be considered to get better: using more «advanced» papers, go beyond diagrams by experimenting with different shaping, fold something you never dared to before... Gerardo has the right question in that it really depends on your end goal (which is often folding more complex or designing models). Since you mentionned creations, I would assume that's your aim. Most designers followed their own unique path, but started doing derivative work exactly like you do.

Regarding math concepts, it depends. Some creators do use math extensively, but I barely do for my designs. I don't see why you'd need math for someone who only want to fold from diagrams.

Going beyond, could also be moving from diagrams to interpreting and folding from crease patterns.