Am I a creative?
Am I a creative?
unpacking what it means to be creative
I was scrolling through Instagram the other day and came across a business page offering 1:1 coaching sessions for creatives. I didn't spend much time at all looking into it but it made me wonder how do we define a "creative". Isn't creativity innate to all humans? Does using the term "creatives" assume creativity is limited to a subgroup of people— a group of individuals who possess some sort of talent others do not?
What does being a “creative” mean to me?
When I joined Substack earlier this year, I was unsure as to whether it was fair for me to claim to be a “creative”. Claiming that identity felt a little pretentious. When asked what I do for work I’ve never responded saying “I’m a creative.” It seems like an outlandish term to use for someone who works in the corporate space.
To me, being a creative or the act of using creativity is not confined to the realm of innovation such that the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition suggests; rather, it is approaching the present with an open heart and receptive mind. It's the willingness to find beauty in the mundane, to see potential in the ordinary, and to bring meaning from experiences. In essence, creativity to me isn’t only doing a “creative” task such as painting, writing a poem, editing pictures; it’s an act of connection I seek with the world and my surroundings.
Furthermore, creativity is often viewed as a deeply individualistic process, with the image of the solitary artist working in a corner of their space. However, a closer examination can reveal that creativity is largely collective and collaborative. It thrives in the fertile ground of inspiration and shared experiences. Whether it's a curatorial visual, words from a book, or a random encounter with a stranger, the source for inspiration is found from other people and the divine. In fact, it is almost impossible to accelerate a creative process without the shared knowledge of communities, resources, and collective pools of wisdom.
Sooo I am a creative then??
Yes, but…
I think I’m okay with describing myself as a creative person. I’m curious, sensitive, playful, intuitive, open-minded, so why am I still hesitant to claim that title or identity? Creativity undoubtedly plays a significant role in my life, but it’s also just one facet of the multifaceted person I am. Sometimes I don’t feel creative. Sometimes I don’t find beauty in the mundane. Sometimes I don’t feel like finding meaning in experiences and interactions. Embracing the term “multi-passionate” feels like I’m being a little more honest with myself. It allows me to recognize that creativity is just one avenue through which I express myself and engage with the world, yet also reflects my belief that creativity can permeate every aspect of life and thrives in a multitude of forms.
Concluding thoughts (for now)
Viewing myself as a creative person or claiming to be a creative person has allowed me to me shed a lot of self-doubt and allow for my creativity to flow more freely. I also accept it’s an ongoing evolving journey. At times my creative force may need to be replenished. At times I may get caught up with the internal pressure to produce more. At times I may want to rest. Maybe I will eventually address myself as a creative and release other labels I find myself currently using. Whatever it is, I am affirming that I trust my creative instincts to continue guiding me in the direction the divine intends for me to be.
Creativity is a beautiful and powerful energy force that unites us. It's a reminder that however we choose to label ourselves, what truly matters is our commitment to self-expression in the way that is authentic to ourselves and feels right.
What does being a creative mean to you? Do you believe creatively is innate?
