Creativity exists in everyone — somewhere
It’s amazing how many times a day I hear:
“I’m not a creative person.”
“I wish I was creative.”
“You’re so lucky to be born with the creative gift!”
Many people think creativity is something that you have or you don’t.
It doesn’t help there is a great deal of mysticism and misinformation perpetuated around the act of creativity.
And, yes, it is true artists are creative and, in most cases, abundantly so, but everyone has the ability to become creative.
Creativity is all about finding new ways of solving problems and approaching situations.
If you’ve ever wanted to boost your creativity, these tips can help.
• Prepare to develop your creativity: Sounds silly but, like anything in life, the first step is commitment.
Do not put off your efforts. Set goals and put time aside each day to develop your skills.
In order for artists to paint, they must spend many hours thinking about the painting.
That might involve taking a drive or setting up a studio, making sure that they have the tools that they need.
This can translate to any form of creativity.
• Ask questions — lots of them: One common roadblock to developing creativity is the sense that curiosity is an indulgence.
It’s not.
Curiosity is a sign of intelligence.
Take time to think about an idea. Take notes and explore different possibilities for your idea.
Allow the thoughts to flow and carry them with you even when you are doing something mundane, like the dishes.
Being engaged in menial labour is a great time to think creatively.
I think very creatively when I am building my stretcher frames.
• Enjoy the process: When you finally have that moment of clarity, when the creative thought comes through you, revel in it!
Take a moment and write it down, paint it out or sing it through.
Creativity is about process — don’t worry if it’s good.
That doesn’t matter. What is important is the joy of the eureka moment.
• Make mistakes: When it comes to building your creativity, take risks and follow your intuition.
Playing it safe won’t get you anywhere.
Push the limits of your imagination.
Ask what if?
I make tons of mistakes painting and that’s OK. Usually, I can bring the painting back and, if I can’t, so what? I’ll just make another one.
You will be amazed at how many happy accidents lead to some of the greatest creative moments ever.
• Don’t be afraid: Lots of people poo-poo new creative endeavours.
There is a whole class of individuals that will sit in their chairs and tell you are doing it wrong.
Don’t listen.
The only way to avoid criticism is to do nothing and, even then, you can be criticized for your lack of creativity.
Insecurity will suppress creativity, which is why it is important to build confidence.
Surround yourself with positive influences — and don’t worry about the armchair critics.
• Make time for creativity: Waiting for inspiration doesn’t work.
If I only wrote when I was inspired, you wouldn’t be reading this column.
Schedule some time each week to concentrate on some type of creative project.
You will find that, once you get into something, the creative juices start flowing and you will start to do good work — and have fun doing it.
• Have fun: Expressing yourself creatively can be extremely rewarding, healing and is known to boost a person’s intelligence.
It is an important part of our lives.
How many people out there have gotten rich just from one or two good ideas?
And, how did those thoughts come to them?
Probably in a flash of creative brilliance.
Creativity is important and beneficial in our everyday lives at home, at work or at play — our thoughts pass back and forth, processing and cross-referencing information.
Once you train yourself to trust your thoughts and the connections they make, you will become more open to your own creative genius.
Who knows where your creativity will lead you?
Karla Pearce is an
artist, teacher and is the owner of Karla Pearce Art Gallery,
607 Victoria St.
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