Creativity, for something that drives all human innovation and progress, is extremely difficult to define. My husband doesn’t consider himself to be a creative person, and yet he engages in creative problem solving at his tech job all day, as well as playing multiple instruments. I think the reason that he doesn’t feel creative is because he doesn’t see himself as “creating” something, but he’s wrong; when he puzzles out tech problems, he’s creating a solution, and when he’s playing music, he’s creating something beautiful, even if he never sits down to record an album or play in front of an audience.
I don’t believe that there is anyone out there who is truly not a creative person. I think all of us have a creative spark within us. But what exactly is a creative spark, and how do you find it? Maybe you’re a dedicated artist who fears their creative spark has died, or maybe you’re not someone who considers themselves creative at all. Let’s talk about finding your creative spark, and keeping it lit even when it’s difficult.
Defining creativity
Oxford Languages defines creativity as “the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.” While it does call out artistic work specifically, this definition allows for a broader definition of creativity, which could absolutely include problem solving at your day job. Any type of innovation or new, progressive idea is inherently creative. Merriem Webster defines creativity more simply, as “the ability to create.” With this definition, so many things can be creative; it doesn’t matter if you’re cooking a meal, decorating your house, making a drawing, parenting a child, or making a report at your day job.
If you’re creating, you’re creative, end of story.
Finding your creative spark
So what exactly is a creative spark? Like the concept of creativity, it’s difficult to pin down. I think of a creative spark as something separate from inspiration; instead, it’s that flicker of light within you, the one that urges you to be creative. Just like how some people are naturally athletic, some people are naturally creative; they have a creative spark. It looks different for everyone. I have felt called to write fiction from a very young age. Raven Whisnant, the CEO of New 32 Productions, has been performing in some capacity since she started speaking. My sister has been drawing since she was a child. All of us have an innate quality, an inner creative spark that makes us feel that we have no choice but to create.
Maybe you don’t relate to that. Maybe you don’t have this inner drive, but you want to FIND it and live your best, most creative life. You can do that too! There are lots of ways to ignite your creative spark.
I’ve written about finding inspiration before, and while it’s slightly different, there’s some overlap here. You should spend time doing things you find interesting and inspiring. Maybe take yourself on a series of artist dates and see what that brings up for you. Maybe spend some time in nature and see if you feel drawn to create something. Maybe think of a creative hobby you’ve always wanted to try and give it a go. I personally feel most creative when I’m surrounded by creative people; you could see if there are other writers in your area who want to meet at a cafe, or you could make vision boards out of old magazines with your friends, or you could have a get together where you paint flower pots or make friendship bracelets.
Don’t put pressure on your creativity by trying to be good. Being creative is the end goal, not the product you’re creating. If you make something that you love, that’s wonderful, and definitely a sign that you’ve found your creative spark. But even if you hate the thing you make, you’ve still taken the time to be creative, and that’s a huge win. I
If you engage in a creative activity but don’t feel that spark, it’s okay to keep trying new things. I mentioned before that some people are naturally athletic, but what I failed to mention is that the best athletes also train rigorously. It’s the same way with artists. I had that initial creative spark that drove me to write as a child, but the reason that I’m good at it is because I prioritize it, I take the time to accept feedback and learn new skills, I read craft books, I do the hard parts even when I don’t want to, and I’ve written, like, a LOT of books. Like an athlete, I’ve trained myself and honed my craft. You can do the same.
It may take time, but eventually, if you surround yourself with creative people, make engaging in creativity a priority, and experiment with different things, you will find your creative spark. It’s important to remain open to what that looks like; when I was a kid I wanted to write the next great American novel, before discovering as an adult that I actually want to write middle grade horror. It’s highly possible that you’ll discover your creative spark in something you never saw coming, and that’s a beautiful thing.
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