Getting creative when you’re not “a creative”
My least favorite thing to hear is “I’m not creative”. What people usually mean when they say “I’m not creative” is “I am not an artist,” “I am not a designer,” or “I am not a musician.”
Let's toss out that idea that creativity is reserved for a chosen few, because truth be told, it's something each one of us was made for! If you've ever said “I’m not creative” let's shake off those perceptions and start to tap into your own personal brand of creativity. Here's a simple and practical roadmap on how to start cultivating creativity in your life, even if you've never considered yourself a "creative" person.
Embrace Imperfection
First off, let's be done with the idea that creativity demands perfection (or even the pursuit of perfection!). It doesn't. Give yourself the freedom to make mistakes, take detours, and produce less-than-masterpiece creations (i.e. produce some hideous things). Understand that beauty often lies in imperfections. So, go ahead, embrace the messy process, and try something new even if you are bad at it!
Find Your Playful Side
Creativity thrives on playfulness. Reconnect with your inner child and approach tasks with a sense of curiosity and wonder. Break out the colored pencils, build a makeshift fort, or doodle aimlessly. We can learn a lot from the confident approach of children. They aren’t afraid to make a mess or try new things. Our adult minds crave more play!
Explore Different Mediums
Creativity isn't confined to a canvas or a notebook. Experiment with various mediums – from writing and drawing to rearranging a room or styling an outfit. You don't need a fancy studio or expensive equipment. Follow your intuition and use what you have or what you already enjoy.
Not sure where to start? You can start by asking people who are close to you what they think you would enjoy! Sometimes it takes a little outside perspective to start something new.
Borrow Ideas
As the saying goes, "good artists copy, great artists steal." Take inspiration from others you already follow or who inspire you. Analyze what you love about their work and incorporate those elements into your creations. It's not about copying; it's about learning and adapting, adding your unique twist.
Some great sources you may already have in front of you are right on your social media channels. The people you already follow on Instagram, Tik Tok or Pinterest are probably doing some fun and interesting things, and it wouldn’t hurt to recreate some of their projects, activities or hobbies on your own!
Break Your Routine
Creativity often hides in the unexpected. Break away from your daily routine and explore new environments. Novel experiences fuel your brain with fresh perspectives and ideas, so getting out of your regular day-to-day activities can ignite some new inspiration in you.
Try a local museum, a new café, or a different park or hike. It could be as simple as taking the long way home from work or going for a walk in a different neighborhood, or as big as taking a vacation or trip to visit friends in another state! Pay attention to your surroundings and let your mind wander.
Start Small, Think Big
Don't overwhelm yourself with grandiose projects. Start small and build from there. Set achievable goals and gradually increase the complexity of your projects. It's not about the size of the creation but the joy and satisfaction it brings.
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to get to an end goal or creation. The reality is that creativity really lies in processes and learning. Picking up a new skill or learning about a new topic may not always end with a big finish, and that’s ok! The process is still effective and important.
Embrace Failure
On a similar note… embracing failure is a part of the process. Every mistake can be a lesson or stepping stone towards improvement. Learn from your “fails”, and let it guide you to more refined and innovative creations! You never know what you will learn when you give yourself tons of permission to mess up.
Give Yourself Time
Creativity doesn't happen on demand. Allow yourself some time. Ideas need room to breathe and sometimes stepping away helps give things time to evolve.
It’s good to set aside a little time and space on a regular basis to create. Maybe a particular window in your house or your dining room table feel particularly inspiring. Maybe morning coffee on the porch gets you thinking. Start to notice where and when you feel inspired, and get intentional with that time!