It would be cliche, dated and pointless for me to write yet another article rehashing the age old question “can creativity be learned”. I say “cliche” and “dated”, because there have been countless articles and books written on the subject of learning creativity. I say “pointless” because I can answer that question very simply. Yes.
The objective of this article is not to re-examine this old question, but to give hope and inspiration to those designers out there who fall into the same category as I do when it comes to creativity. In talking with a co-worker (and fellow designer), the subject of designing for oneself arose. We were discussing how it’s always hardest to design for yourself (whether it be a blog, a portfolio, a business card or a website for a business that you are involved in), because inevitably, you get about 1/3 of the way through the design, see another design that you love, and immediately, your inspiration or vision changes. From there, an inevitable string of insecurities and questions of your own abilities arise, and you are left thinking how you could ever arrive at a design that is as creative and well-presented as the one you just came across.
I had never really thought about it before, but apparently a lot of other artists are in this very same boat. Fortunately, I have great news for anybody that might fall into this category! There is a light at the end of the tunnel! Despite what you may think, it IS possible for you to be among the ranks of all of the great artists that inspire you. But first, let’s talk a little bit about what creativity is, and where it comes from. More »
