Where Do You Fall on the Creative Spectrum?
I don’t know about you, but I’m not an Artist.
Don’t get me wrong—I believe I’m a creative person.
I sketch, and craft, and write, and build all the livelong day. All of which are skills that many Artists take great pride in. But I still don’t consider myself an Artist.
So it got me thinking—is there a way to articulate this mindset?
The Creativity Spectrum
When I talk to creative people, I find that they fall on a spectrum of creativity.
On one end, you’ll find the Artists—the people who are inspired by their emotions to create their art and share it with the world. They draw, paint, sculpt, and make things that are meant to be experienced.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are the Designers—the problem solvers by nature. Their creativity comes from answering complex questions with their ingenuity.
Both sides of the spectrum are creative, but their creativity manifests itself in different ways.
A Designer’s job is to solve a problem. An Artist’s job is to express a feeling. That doesn’t mean we’re limited to exclusively one or the other. In fact, I think most people lean towards one side with a bit of the other mixed in.
Personally, I’m a bit more Tony Stark, a bit less Salvador Dali. You’ll find me tinkering away at a new project that solves a problem or answers a question I can’t get out of my head. I’ll spend hours on end researching “how to build a tiny home” or “how to craft the perfect cup of coffee.” (I’m still searching for answers to both, by the way. So let me know if you’ve mastered either.)
For me, my art must meet a need—design a modern home, write an “entertaining” essay, create a helpful workshop.
For others, their art is meant to evoke emotion—act out a powerful monologue, paint a personal portrait, sing a beautiful song.
Both are necessary in this world.
I think the real magic happens when we lean into the type of creativity we thrive in. When someone says, “go find your passion,” it makes me want to roll my eyes and run for the hills. That’s not what I mean.
Instead, ask yourself, “When did I last create something and feel completely at home?”
Remember how the process made you feel and begin to build from that feeling—seeking out similar activities that fuel your creativity best.
See what resonates with you and what repels you.
So, where do you fall on the creative spectrum?
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