The purpose of this study has been to investigate visual art teachers’ experiences of using pre-exercises in art class, and to what extent they promote the students’ creativity and interest for creating. In order to limit the study, focus was directed at the introduction of new art assignments, and how the teacher presents the task. The study aims to contribute with knowledge and guidance for art teachers who seek to encourage students to work creatively, and to invoke greater interest for creating. The study has its foundation in the socio-cultural perspective on teaching and development, including its communicative processes. The method was qualitative in character. Eleven art teachers were interviewed, in order to get empirical knowledge of their experience of introduction and pre-exercise in art projects.The results showed that the teachers’ experience of working with pre-exercises had several aims and goals. One of those goals were that the exercise would provide students with tools for getting started with the creative process, and promote their creativity. A challenge mentioned was lack of time, and the teachers experienced that pre-exercises were frequently skipped because of it.