As an artist, I often hear from others how they could never be a designer, a potter, a painter or a [fill in your own never here]. Many people assume that creativity is a natural skill that just happens to be rooted in some and not others. This is an unfortunate frame of mind since creativity is an important aspect of any education or career path. According to a survey by Adobe, 32% of American adults said they “don’t feel comfortable ‘thinking creatively’ at work”. Although this may not seem like a big percentage, I hope to encourage that 32% that creativity isn’t grown from chance but regular practice and perseverance.
Just like a muscle, we need to exercise our creativity so that it grows stronger over time. As blogger Leo Babuta says in his article ‘The Only Way to Become Amazingly Great at Something’, “It takes desire, it takes drive, it takes lots and lots of doing.” Anyone can achieve their creative aspirations with regular practice and the motivation to push past the ugly pots. The result will leave you with more confidence to form creative solutions for life’s many adventures.
Will you practice creativity this week or sign up for that workshop you’ve been thinking about? Like me, your results may not always be how you anticipated, but you’ll leave with more knowledge and creative muscle then when you began.
I haven’t mastered pottery by any means … I am proud of my accomplishments so far and I know that if I keep practicing then it’s bound to lead somewhere great.
“Everybody has talent, it’s just a matter of moving around until you’ve discovered what it is.” – George Lucas
Sources:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/adobe-survey-creativity-is-important-for-career-success/