[Need a creative title for post]

I am sitting here trying to come up with a creative angle to talk about being creative. I’m struggling, I really am. I need a whiteboard.

Right, I had better start somewhere. So what is creativity? According to the Internet, creativity is a function of knowledge, curiosity, imagination, and evaluation. The greater your knowledge base and level of curiosity, the more ideas, patterns, and combinations you can achieve, which then correlates to creating new and innovative products and services. However, merely having the knowledge does not guarantee the formation of new patterns. The bits and pieces must be shaken up and iterated in new ways. Then the embryonic ideas must be evaluated and developed into usable ideas. In other words, there really is a process to creativity.

So, do I think I am creative? No. Let me tell you why. I, personally, badge creativity from an artist and design perspective. I’ll give you an example. 

If you were to give me a piece of blank white paper, and then ask me to draw something. Ten minutes later, nothing. However, if you were to give me the same blank paper, with an image / drawing / photograph and asked me to copy it. No problem, and I am actually quite good at copying. Definitely not 'creative'.

I have found myself in this predicament since a young age, and my natural response has always been, “Oh well, I am not creative, that’s cool”. I have since learned that creativity comes in many guises, and we are all creative on many different levels most days without even realising.

Albert Einstein, who had a few ideas himself, said “Creativity is contagious, pass it on Kai”. The creative juices are now clearly flowing – finally. So here are some simple tips for finding your inner creative self - enjoy:

Get visual / Visualizing data and ideas is an incredibly powerful tool to get yourself thinking. Get a whiteboard, go crazy. I love mind mapping and drawing (doesn’t have t be pretty). Always stand up too – I’m not sure why but it helps?

Go a little crazy / Nothing is off the table; nothing is outside the realm of possibility. Avoid words and phrases like “but,” “how would we” and “we can’t”. Although I recommend staying on topic where possible. Nah, just go a little crazy.

Work backwards / Figure out where you want to get to. Start there and work your way backward. Don’t worry about the “how.” Focus on the “what.” Your road map will literally unfold itself. Honest?

Write it all down / Write down absolutely everything. No thought is too small, and no idea is too “out there.” Anything can potentially have value to your business or solution. You never know what word or phrase is going to spark the next word or phrase, which could then lead to your next big idea.

Now, what should I call this post? Hmm, maybe I should have started with that? Any ideas?

Thanks for reading, 

Kai

Are you on Instagram? Well, whilst on the topic of creativity, here is a shameless Schindlmayr plug. For those that know me, one of my passions is street art. On a daily basis I am amazed by the creative ability of so many great street artists that I take time to share their work and who they are. If you have an Instagram account – check out my feed Behind Streetart – please feel free to follow me.

#BeCreative

Referenced articles: Creativity and Innovation: Your Keys to a Successful Organization & 10 Tips for Unleashing Your Creativity at Work

Kai Schindlmayr / First and foremost, I want to help you. If you think I can generate an opportunity for you, introduce you to my network or promote you or your business via LinkedIn - please message me. It is what I enjoy most.

I work for CalderMacmorran, and every workday I get to realise my passion, I set out to help create great workspaces that align with a corporate's culture, business strategies and property requirements.

I also enjoy presenting and discussing about personal branding and the influence LinkedIn has as a professional platform.