What is creativity? There’s a common misunderstanding about who can call themselves “creative.” There are many types of creativity out there. You don’t have to draw or paint to be considered a creative person, so don’t underestimate yourself if you don’t. I run a brand creative agency and have learned that being creative and claiming the title of ‘Creative’ involves much more than just drawing or painting. Over the years of managing a creative agency with graphic designers, web developers, photographers, and writers, I’ve seen various creative personalities, but they often fit into a certain creative type. Here’s my casual list of identifiers for creative types.
Which one (or two, or three) best defines you?
The ‘Artiste’: Reliable and tested, these creative individuals are what most people picture when they think of “creative.” They can be artists, sculptors, glass blowers, graphic designers, animators, art directors, illustrators, and painters. They work with various tools, ranging from paintbrushes and easels to computers and software like InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, among others.
The Physical Artist: Born to perform, these artists are actors, comedians and yes, even musicians. They are at the forefront of their creative expression…. seen on TV or in the movies and can be found in local bars and theatres.
The ‘Conceptual’: Give these people a brick of information, add to it restrictions and rules of what can be done and what can’t be done… and leave them alone. They’ll come up with ideas that speak volumes and words that rock your world. Their thinking is organized, concise and rational. They’ll be creative directors, writers and art directors.
The Stylists: These creative types are visual. They use material (from fabric to brick) and colour… and understand lines and space. They’ll be your Fashion designers, architects, interior designers and interior decorators.
The Imaginative: Creative thinkers they always ask the one important question: “what if”. This creative group loves problem solving and is often inventors and innovators… and they can be anything from urban planners to scientists and anything in-between.
The Linear: With the advent of technology, I would be amiss if I didn’t include this creative type. From understanding website navigation and user interaction to making sites look good and maintain functionality, this group of creative IT designers are as integral as conceptual thinkers and artists in the marketing field.
So what’s your creative type? Do you have one that I haven’t listed? I’d appreciate you defining your creative type here.
Look forward to hearing from you!