Creative people are able to think outside the box and can take an original approach to solving problems. They’re often inspired by passion and may look to the past for inspiration. They’re also not afraid to fail and see it as a learning opportunity. These characteristics can make them great team players and leaders, but they can also be difficult to work with.
Creativity can be a complex concept and there’s no single definition. However, some researchers have outlined common traits that can help identify creative people. These include:
They’re passionate about what they do
Creatives are passionate about their work and don’t see it as “work” but rather a way to express themselves. They put a lot of energy into their projects and don’t want to stop until the job is done. This can lead to a lack of sleep and exhaustion, but they’re usually proud of the outcome of their hard work.
They’re open to new experiences, emotions, sensations and ideas
Creative people are open to new experiences, emotions, sensations or ideas and they’re often sensitive to the input they receive. This can lead to them feeling overwhelmed if they don’t filter out the things that aren’t important or relevant to their current project. They can appear extraverted when engaged in their passion, but can seem quite introverted at other times.
They’re playful
Creatives like to play with their ideas, trying different approaches and seeing how they can be used in unique ways. They’re also able to break down barriers and tackle mental blocks by coming up with inventive solutions or new ways of looking at old problems.
They’re able to cope with criticism and negative feedback
Creative individuals can handle constructive criticism well because they’re able to understand that their work is not always right. They’re willing to push their ideas even if they’re met with failure, because they know that they can learn from their mistakes and continue to improve their craft.
They take their work personally
Creatives are able to connect with the full range of human emotion, including the dark and uncomfortable. This can sometimes be seen as unhealthy, but it can actually increase self-awareness by allowing creatives to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. In the long run, it can lead to them being more prepared and resilient when they encounter obstacles in their careers or personal lives.