You're only as creative as you want to be.

Creativity is a funny thing. We were all born creative but over time some of us had it purged from us through a mix of schooling and life in general.

But those creative genes still lurk deep within. How you use them is up to you.

I often have people say to me - "You're so lucky, you get to be creative all day". That may be partially true - not sure how creative ordering a coffee, paying bills, and doing my laundry is, so the all part may be a bit of an over exaggeration. But yes, for most of the time I am doing something creative every day.

But creativity is not owned by those of us who use it in our careers, creativity is open source - anyone can have access to it and use it in some way, shape, or form.

Never before in human history has it been easier for someone to flex their creative muscles.

Most people have a camera in their hand day in and day out, their smartphone. Pair that with an Instagram account, some inspiration and practice and people worldwide can see your photography. You don't have to strive to be the next Ansel Adams, instead just be you, find your voice and let it come through over time.

Maybe you want to paint, well thanks to YouTube you can find all manner of video tutorials and advice on how to paint. Where once you had to find a class or a teacher and find time in your day or evening to attend, now you can learn and practice on your own terms.

Or it could be music, maybe you want to play power chords or flamenco guitar, there are thousands of videos on YouTube that can show you how to start and perfect your technique.

There is so much more - writing, fashion design, sculpture, graphic design, filmmaking, furniture design and the making of your designs, and so on. All can be done on your own terms and in your own time. That little creative voice that has been nagging at you to listen to it can be appeased, but only if you want it to be.

But don't strive to be perfect from the start, just enjoy the process. And if you're worried about what others may think of the work you produce, don't. You're doing this for you, the opinions of others do not matter. Every great artist had critics. But just remember - nobody ever attends gallery shows where a bunch of critics are standing on pedestals, no, people attend gallery shows to see art and make up their own opinions of what they see.

So, when it comes to being creative, the only person stopping you is you. And who knows, maybe one day someone will be saying to you - "You're so lucky, you get to be creative all day".

Rodd

I'm a Creative Director / Writer / Strategist / Thinker and a bit more. I work with clients/brands directly and with agencies and production companies. I also teach creative thinking and idea generation to groups and individuals. You can read more of my LinkedIn musings here. You can also find me on Twitter,  Instagram and on Facebook. Or drop me an email – [email protected]

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