Can Anyone Be Creative?

All of us as children have creative minds. We play pretend; we make up stories; we doodle; we build, etc. It isn’t until we start to hone in on our unique strengths that some of us tend to detach from our creative side. Even though you might be a science and math wizard who feels they have no creative talent, the truth is that you’re just a victim to that narrative, and you are, in fact, creative.

Pablo Picasso said "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

Short answer: yes. Anyone can be creative, even those scoffing and shaking their heads thinking about their own creative skills (or lack thereof). Are you anyone? Then you’re creative.

Let us explain.

All of us as children have creative minds. We play pretend; we make up stories; we doodle; we build, etc. It isn’t until we start to hone in on our unique strengths that some of us tend to detach from our creative side. Even though you might be a science and math wizard who feels they have no creative talent, the truth is that you’re just a victim to that narrative, and you are, in fact, creative. Pablo Picasso said "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

Let’s dive a bit deeper.

What it Means to be Creative

The textbook definition of “creative” is to create. Despite that, we as humans tend to “create” every single day. We tend to view creativity as being artsy, crafty, and everything in between. There are plenty of opportunities to be creative in every career, or at home, every single day. You might be a medical professional, but if you cook a dinner from scratch every night or have ever baked a cake, then you’ve been creative.

Creative people are regular people who’ve made a living out of producing things, tangible or intangible, from their talent. Creative jobs are copywriters, designers, advertisers, craftspeople, photographers, bakers, chefs, and more. Some creative jobs that may not fit the “bill” for being creative jobs are engineers, builders, producers, translators, and PR specialists.

Is Everyone Creative?

Like we said before, the answer is yes. We’re all born creative and are creative in one area or another. You may not be creative in a creative industry, but most likely, you create something each and every day- both in your respective field or at home.

What makes us believe we are not creative is when we judge what we’ve created. Just because  your drawing of a dog looks more like a deranged lion doesn’t mean you’re not creative. It just means that your strength doesn’t currently lie in illustration (though that can be changed with lessons and practice)!

Avoiding the “I’m Not Creative” Mindset

Everyone has their own flair of creativity that they apply to one or multiple tasks every day. Consistently saying, “I”m Not Creative” makes you a victim to that narrative, when in fact, you are. You just need to quit judging the outcome of things you’ve created that require skills you don’t have an organic talent for. You could be an amazing designer, but suck at baking, and all that means is that you’re an amazing designer but you suck at baking. Thinking you’re not creative because you suck at art or baking or things traditionally considered “creative”, traps you in your own “I'm not creative” mentality. Get the picture?

Finding Your Creativity

1. The first thing you need to do to find your creativity is to not confine it to arts, crafts, etc. Most likely, you’ll do something creative within the next hour or two; so you should be more aware and open about your opportunities to get creative.
2. You can also take a look at where you excel and think about what you produce when you’re engaging in related activities. Chances are, you frequently engage in your own unique brand of creativity.
3. Take a look at the creativity of others around you and use it as a source of inspiration. At PUNCHY our Creativity Unites Us, and there is a fundamental reason for that. Place yourself in a collaborative environment that nurtures broader thinking so we can deliver better work. Pay special attention to the unique ways in which others are creative.
4. Quit judging the outcome of what you create when you engage in creative activities you may not have an organic talent in. If your cake looks wonky or you drew a deranged lion-dog, who cares? Kids are some of the most creative beings on earth. Do you think they care that their drawing of Mommy looks more like a Slenderman? No way. And you shouldn’t either.

Bottom line –– yes. You are creative. Everyone is creative. What makes us not creative is when we believe we’re not, or we judge the outcome of our creativity too harshly. Find the creative outlet that suits you and start creating stuff!

Need help from a creative genius? We got you. PUNCHY does all things creative for your brand, so you can add a punch that’s sure to engage your audience. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone about your deranged lion. Give us a shout to get started!