What Is a Creative? 10 Signs You Might Be One

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A mere generation ago, many people tended to frown at the “artsy” type as those who have no ambition in life. Parents usually lauded the academic achievers, believing they were the ones who would make a difference in the world by becoming doctors, lawyers, or CEOs. 

But in Daniel Pink’s book A Whole New Mind, he explores the possibility that in the Conceptual Age we currently live in, creatives rule the world. 

What Is a Creative? 

A creative is an artist. In ages past, an “artist” usually refers to someone who paints, composes music, or writes novels. But the word “creative” is much broader than that; a creative is a person who sees the world a bit differently than the average person. 

You probably grew up recognizing the word creative as an adjective, describing someone who is full of new ideas for doing things. These days, the word is also used as a noun.

A creative is also someone who doesn’t fit into a mold. They tend to want to break out of the norm, winning them the well-deserved label of rebel or iconoclasts. They are also known as thought leaders or detonators, people who influence others with their talents and gifts. 

What Does a Creative Do? 

Since we defined a creative with the broad definition of “artist,” it may not be easy to list down all the things that creatives do. But one thing that they are known for is that they tend to create their art not for monetary reward but for other sources of fulfillment. 

Have you ever been asked the question, “If money were no object, what would you be doing with your life?” A creative creates their artwork with that question foremost in mind: they’re not doing it for the pay, and instead it may be because they want to make a difference. Or, it may be just for the pure joy that the process gives them. 

What Is an Example of a Creative? 

Although creatives are distinguished by their principle of working at their art for art’s sake, many of them do get paid for their work. Also, they’re not limited to the field of traditional art; some science-based work requires the touch of creatives too! 

Some examples of creatives include: 

  • the novelist who just enjoys writing stories without worrying too much about whether it will be a bestseller or not; 
  • the songwriter who keeps composing songs whether or not it gets out to the public; 
  • the calligrapher who creates designs for the sheer joy of the process, but may also host workshops to share her art with others; 
  • the crochet and knitting artisan who crafts unique designs of costumes for children; 
  • the chef who invents new types of food for his clientele; 
  • the macrame creator who refuses to put her output in competition with mass-produced items; 
  • the entrepreneur who thinks up one new idea after another for a product or service to make things easier for other people; 
  • the web designer who meticulously fixes every tiny detail in the latest website he’s working on, to ensure maximum impact for its readers; 
  • the scientist who thinks out of the box for a potential solution to a problem; 
  • the coders who create apps that make life easier for a whole bunch of people;
  • the photographer who would haul countless props and drive miles to a secluded spot at the crack of dawn just to get the perfect shot. 

To broaden your picture of what comprises a creative, think about the creative thinking skills. A creative will usually be involved in one or more of these: visual art, communication, writing, problem-solving, and open-mindedness. 

How Do You Know if You’re Creative? 

In a Ted Talk, Sir Ken Robinson describes divergent thinking as one of the crucial components of creativity.

If you tend to lean towards divergent thinking, or thinking outside the box, you are most likely a creative. But to give you more clarity, here are some questions to get you thinking: 

  1. Do I constantly pursue new ideas even when it has an uncertain outcome? 
  2. When things go wrong, do I break down or jump up to find answers? 
  3. Do I love solving problems through unconventional means? 
  4. Am I committed to my craft even without getting any compensation? 
  5. Do I love experimenting with new things? 
  6. Am I actively seeking out new experiences? 
  7. Do I have the habit of questioning or challenging the norm or status quo? 
  8. Am I a risk-taker? 
  9. If money were not an issue, would I spend more time in my chosen craft? 
  10. Do I keep at my art no matter what other people may say? 

If you answered yes to more than 5 of the questions above, chances are, you are a creative! 

But it doesn’t end there. Just as having that first glimmer of an idea may not mean much unless you see it through to fruition, having an inclination towards creativity is just the first step. 

Commit to honing your abilities, and you will find yourself truly making a difference in your immediate world and beyond.

Thriving as a Creative 

The good news is that these days, creatives have more room to express their passion. If you are a creative, continue to learn more about your craft through seminars and workshops. 

Also, consider connecting with a community of similar-minded folks. It can be a writers’ group, an artists’ guild, or any of the numerous social media groups that bring people of the same interests together. 

Being around people who pursue a similar love for art will serve as fuel for you to keep improving and stay committed to your craft. Plus, the network may also open possible opportunities for earning a living! For more on that, check out our tips for making money as a writer.

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