The Truth About Creativity

by | A Creative Life, General | 0 comments

owls conversing amongst themselves

When people think of creativity, they often see it as a magical gift. They believe you’re either born with it or you’re not. But that’s a myth. Creativity isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something anyone can cultivate with time and passion.

The Myth of ‘Natural Talent’

We’ve all heard someone say, “I’m just not creative,” as if it’s something you either have or don’t. This idea is as misleading as saying only tall people can play basketball. Sure, being tall might give someone an advantage in basketball, but that doesn’t mean they’ll automatically be great at it. They need to work hard, practice, and stay passionate to excel.

Take Michael Jordan, for example. He was cut from his high school basketball team. Instead of giving up, he used that setback as motivation. He practiced relentlessly, honing his skills until he became one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His story illustrates that talent can be developed, and that persistence often trumps innate ability.

The same goes for creativity. Some people might have traits that lean them toward creative paths. But being naturally inclined isn’t what makes someone creative. It’s the dedication they put into developing their skills that matters most.

Creativity as a Skill, Not a Gift

Think of creativity as a skill, just like playing an instrument or learning a new language. It’s something you can get better at with time. Some people might start out stronger in certain areas, but anyone can develop creativity with practice.

Many great artists, musicians, and writers didn’t show early signs of genius. They weren’t born with exceptional talents. Instead, they worked on their craft every day, learning from mistakes, experimenting, and refining their skills.

Just like athletes train their bodies, creative minds train through repetition, exploration, and growth.

Overcoming Emotional Barriers

Some people are naturally sensitive, introverted, or empathetic. These traits can push them toward creative pursuits like writing or painting. But emotional makeup alone doesn’t make someone creative. It’s the nurturing of those feelings that turns them into a source of inspiration.

Take a sensitive person who feels deeply about the world. They might be drawn to art or poetry. But their sensitivity alone won’t make them a skilled artist. They, like everyone else, needs to put in the time to learn, practice, and shape those feelings into something meaningful.

Emotions can be the fuel for creativity, but the fire comes from dedication.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Creativity

So, if creativity isn’t a gift, how do you cultivate it? Here are some ways anyone can nurture their creative abilities:

  • Set aside time for creative practice. Whether it’s drawing, writing, or brainstorming ideas, make space in your day for creative activities.
  • Experiment without fear of failure. Creativity thrives when you feel free to try new things. It’s okay if something doesn’t work out—it’s all part of the process.
  • Learn from others. Surround yourself with inspiration. Take classes, watch tutorials, or study artists you admire. The more you learn, the more tools you have to express yourself.
  • Embrace play. Creativity isn’t always serious. Sometimes, it’s about letting go and having fun. Don’t be afraid to approach your work with a playful mindset.

Real-World Examples of Cultivated Creativity

There are countless examples of people who weren’t “naturally” creative but developed their skills over time. Take Vincent Van Gogh, who didn’t begin painting until his late twenties. He struggled with his craft and wasn’t considered talented at first. But through dedication and persistence, he became one of the most iconic painters in history.

Even in the world of writing, many famous authors faced rejection and failure before finding success. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter manuscript was turned down by 12 publishers before it was finally accepted. Her talent wasn’t immediate—her persistence was.

Consider the famous author Stephen King. He didn’t start as a best-selling novelist; he faced rejection after rejection early in his career. King wrote hundreds of short stories, many of which were published in magazines before he achieved fame. He credits his prolific writing habit to his desire to improve his craft. King once said, “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration. The rest of us just get up and go to work.” His story serves as a reminder that creativity thrives on practice and perseverance.

On a personal level, I’ve experienced this myself in my journey from traditional to digital art. I wasn’t born with the skills to create digital pieces. It took time, effort, and constant learning to grow into the artist I am today.

The Role of Passion and Persistence

The real key to creativity is passion. Passion drives you to create. But persistence is what turns passion into greatness. You can be excited about painting or writing, but… It’s only through sticking with it—especially when things get hard—that you develop mastery.

People who succeed in creative fields aren’t always the most talented. They’re often the ones who kept going when others gave up. Talent might give you a head start, but passion and persistence take you to the finish line.

Conclusion

Creativity isn’t a special gift reserved for a few. It’s something anyone can cultivate. It takes time, practice, and dedication. But the good news is that it’s within reach for everyone. So, if you’ve ever thought, “I’m just not creative,” let that go. Instead, pick up a pen, brush, or camera and start exploring your creativity today. It’s not about being born with it—it’s about growing into it.

Artist Nancy Murnyack standing in front of artwork

Welcome!

Wearing two hats… as both an artist and an art educator, I find my passions inseparable. There is nothing quite like the fulfillment of guiding others on their creative journeys.

That’s why I’m thrilled to embark on this blogging adventure, where I’ll be sharing insights into

  • art and decor

  • reflections on my own artistic evolution

  • tips for nurturing your own creative spark

This blog isn’t just about me… it’s about us, a community of art enthusiasts eager to explore the wonders of creativity together.

I’m here to share my knowledge, so don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions, ideas and suggestions.

 

 

So, let’s embark on this journey together, shall we?

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