I have recently overheard (several times, actually) questions about why artists and creative people are so “different”. We tend to look a little different (I chose to think we’re stylish…), we certainly think differently, and our life styles are SO unconventional, its hard for a lot of people to understand why we do what we do.
With that in mind, I’m sharing a brilliant blog post by Kim Phillips on the Alt Design Summit Blog. I can attest to EVERY word of this! This post really spoke to me and helped me realize that I’m not alone in this crazy lifestyle. If you’re an artist, designer, creative soul, or if you know a creative person (maybe you’ll understand them a bit better after this…) You’re going to really enjoy this post!
For extra blogging inspiration and business advice check out the new Alt blog!
Creative people are different because they operate a little differently. They:
1) Are easily bored
A short attention span isn’t always a good thing, but it can indicate that the creative person has grasped one concept and is ready to go on to the next one.
2) Are willing to take risks
Because of the possibility of rejection, fearlessness is absolutely necessary for creating original work. Anything new requires a bit of change, and most of us don’t care for change that much.
3) Don’t like rules
Rules, to the creative person, are indeed made to be broken.They are created for us by other people, generally to control a process. The creative person needs freedom in order to work.
4) Ask “what if…”
Seeing new possibilities is a little risky, mainly because it means that something will change, and some sort of action will have to be taken. Curiosity is probably the single most important trait of creative people.
5) Make lots of mistakes
A photographer doesn’t just take one shot, and a composer doesn’t just write down a fully realized symphony. Creation is a long process, involving lots of boo-boos along the way. A lot goes in the trash.
6) Collaborate
The hermit artist, alone in his garret, is a romantic notion – not always an accurate one. Comedians, musicians, painters, chefs all get a little better by sharing with others in their field.
7) Are generous
Truly creative people aren’t afraid to give away their hard-earned knowledge. The chef can give you the recipe because she knows you won’t make it like she does anyway.
8) Are independent
Stepping off the beaten path may be scary, but creative people do it. Children actually do this very well, but are eventually trained to follow the crowd.
9) Experiment
Combining things that don’t normally go together can result in brilliance, or a giant mess. Trial and error are necessary to the creative process.
10) Motivate themselves
There does seem to be a spark that creative people share; an urgent need to make things. They are willing to run the inherent risks of doing something new in order to get a new result.
11) Work hard
This is probably the most overlooked trait of creative people. People who don’t consider themselves to be creative, assume that people who are creative are magical; that ideas just pop into their heads effortlessly. Experienced creative people have developed processes and disciplines that make it look easy.
12) Aren’t alone
The good news is that it’s possible for everyone to be creative. There are creative accountants, creative cooks, creative janitors, and creative babysitters. Any profession or any hobby can be made into a creative pursuit by embracing and using creative traits.
Do you consider yourself creative? (Say yes.) Finding something you’re really passionate about will help you take a chance, and might just result in something wildly creative.
Post by Kim Phillips for The 12 Most. Photo of Raw Color.
beautifulhelloblog.com 
Emily, thank YOU for sharing this. Really, it made my day. I read this list, & just nodded my head w/ each point. Yup, yup, double yup (to the independent, don’t want to follow the rules!). Sometimes it feels lonely, but as you point out, we’re not alone.
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Oh I’m so glad!! I can totally relate to the double anti-rules head nod. Oh my… ; )
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So true so true… It’s almost like the writer knew me. Thanks for your inspiering blog.
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I’m so glad you agree!
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Reblogged this on imaginasign and commented:
Suddenly make me fallin free
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So many of your observations resonate with my thinking. I’ve had people tell me that “I’m wasting my life with that “fantasy” stuff. To be sure, these are people who BELIEVE in the 9 to 5 drudgery.
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Creativity is never a wast of your life! We are born and created to be creative. It’s so innate in every person… some more than others maybe?
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Thank you so much for sharing I really feel good about myself and I’m happy that someone actually understands me. I think that this is one of my favorite posts.
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I’m so glad you stopped by and felt encouraged. It’s so much fun to be a creative thinker, but we do need to support each other to be sure! Thanks for your support!
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Reblogged this on Emily Fujie Mair and commented:
This right here is actually on of my favorite posts that I just so happened to come across. I think the words speak for myself.
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i chuckle to think of where you got your degree in relation to #3. 🙂
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Oh boy… They made that one EASY to implement into my life. Lol
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i know! all of my closest friends at school were art majors. that was the safest place on campus! almost nothing was enforced.
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Almost… I really was a safe haven. It’s like they new artists need to feel free in order to create. Not easy at BJ but we did it!!
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Reblogged this on Written Here.
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this post was comforting. thank you!
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I absolutely love this list Emily! Every point that I read was met with an “mmm hmm, girlfriend!” hehe Thank you for making me NOT feel alone! Cheers to our creativity and letting it shine!
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I’m glad it spoke to you! I felt the very same way!
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Thank you for this post. I was starting to feel really abnormally abnormal lately. I really need to find some artist friends in real life to hang with. Thank you thank you
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Oh you are not alone!!! I completely understand. Its so helpful to have people in your life that understand. Maybe you could take a Saturday morning drawing class or check for a creative group on meetup.com?
Hope you find some real life creative buddies soon!
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I’m not artsy so I don’t understand it. But my friend is amazing at it!
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Love this so much I was actually in google searching for things related to this and found this awesome post. Thanks a bunch!!
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