cre·a·tiv·i·ty
ˌkrēāˈtivədē/
noun
noun: creativity
the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.
| synonyms: | inventiveness, imagination, innovation, innovativeness, originality, individuality;
artistry, inspiration, vision;
enterprise, initiative, resourcefulness
"her agency is a hotbed of youthful creativity"
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Over the years I have talked to many people about this passion of mine and most say they wished they could do the same thing...be creative. I always shook my head in dismay at their statements, because I think everyone can create or be crafty. Many people argue with me and say not everyone can be creative or that creativity cannot be taught. WHY NOT? We are all inherently creative and innovative as children. How did we lose our creativity? Did someone come along erase it from our memories? or did they come by with criticism to dash the inspiration away? Sometimes I believe it is the latter. Criticism crushes creativity often before it even starts, until it is left whimpering in the corner somewhere sad and alone.
I am a firm believer that there is creativity in all of us, just waiting. Sometimes it is hard to draw it out but it is still there.
I use to be an instructor at the Non Commissioned Officer Academy on Fort Meade, Maryland. I taught Multimedia Illustrator course for my Military Occupation Specialty (MOS). During each training session there is a portion that other MOSs in the building come into another section to learn about that particular MOS. It was during one of those change overs that I encountered a Soldier who said those very words to me "I am not creative. I cannot draw." I said, "Let me show you how you can."
I took a sheet of clear acetate with a grid drawn on it and had everyone in the class select an image or picture from a magazine. I showed them how to place the acetate over the image. "It is all in how you look at it. Take it one square at a time and draw what you see." At first everyone was skeptical and unsure of the technique but did it anyway.
Afterwards everyone was surprised. The one Soldier was amazed at what he had created. As a class, we took it to the next step. "Here are some art supplies that you can use. Pick one and try it. These are my favorite colored pencils and this is how you can use them to get the best effect." At the end of the class he had a colored image that he was so proud of he framed it and gave it as a gift to his son. How amazing was that? What would have happened if I had accepted his statement or criticized his work?
Being creative doesn't have to be hard, large, or expensive. Just be crafty, try something new, seek inspiration wherever you can find it.
Let's get crafty! It will be amazing and fun.
