5 Things Creative People Want You to Know

           We are in awe of the things artists, dancers and musicians can do. People stand in line to buy tickets to be amazed by our right-brained-dominant counterparts, a community of which I am proud to be a part. The world would not flow or connect without the creative mind; Creatives are able to not only recognize patterns, but understand the nuances of such and add additional layers that shape human culture. 

           Yet, somehow, being a creative is often trivialized and overlooked. The contributions of Creatives are not considered as important as those who use their brains in the analytical way. Math, science, business, technology and law yield professions that have high earning potential, while the "starving artist" is always, well...starving. 

         

The shift towards 21st Century workplace standards has made space for the right-brainers, however. The employee of today must meet criteria that allows for flexibility, innovation, and a global mindset. Individuals of today's workplace must be creative, be able to communicate effectively with others through collaborative efforts, and exercise a natural sense of critical thinking. These attributes are known as the "Four Cs" and are benchmarks corporations now use to seek potential employees. 

         

It is believed by some that creativity can be learned, while we Creatives disagree: Born creativity comes from someplace deep within, maybe even far beyond. As we live each day, we look for what is new, we are in a constant state of wonder, and curiosity runs through our blood. If you know anyone who is Right-Brained, and they add color to your life, they may want you to know 5 things that are important to the way they see the world:

 1. The creative process is a spiritual flow. We are created beings, formed by The Creator in His likeness. Therefore, it is within us to create.

2.     Artistry comes from places within. Sometimes that energy is very intense. We tap into a source originating from experiences; emotions that are sometimes good and other times bad. Creatives use joy and pain, humor and anger as a conduit to produce beautiful work, and it takes time. Artistry is an outward expression that reflects what is within, and they never allow self-doubt to dictate how far they go in their creative process. 

3.     Creatives are not wind-up toys. We do not perform at your convenience. Saying, “We just want you to play a little song”, or “Can you do a little dance number?” is an insult to us. We put in hours of practice and labor hard to do what you see as “little”. Our worth is known by us, but needs to be understood and respected by non-creatives.

4.     Our work is of value. We deserve to be paid when you ask us to give and share our gifts. If you could do what we do, you wouldn't need us. For many of us, our talent helps us to make a living.

     5.     We love to give. We perform and create as a way of giving and expressing ourselves. It is how we communicate with the world around us. We also love appreciation and to know that what we share is worthwhile to you, that it has touched your heart and filled your soul. So the next time you see a painting or photo, stop and look. The next time you hear a song, a poem, an instrument being played, stop and listen. The next time you are mesmerized by the actor or dancer on stage, stop and take notice.

Then, put your hands together and say “thank you”.

“The applause is a celebration not only of the actors but also of the audience. It constitutes a shared moment of delight.”

John Charles Polanyi