The world would be a dreadful place without creative people. Could you even imagine life without art? The thought alone makes me tremble. Could you be the next William Shakespeare, Steven Spielberg, or J.K. Rowling? Find out with these 20 signs you’re a creative person.
1. You have an authority problem.
Creative types don’t always get along well with management because they would rather march to the beat of their own drum.
2. You have a hard time relating with people.
Most people have a strong desire to fit in, something that you don’t understand. Conformity is gross.
3. You like to solve problems.
While most people are running and hiding from problems, you purposely seek them because you love nothing more than a fresh new challenge.
4. You are your own worst critic.
You wrote a blog many months ago and thought it was wonderful at the time you published it. But then you read it again later and wonder, “What the hell was I thinking?” You then identify approximately a thousand ways it could have been better and kick yourself for being so stupid.
Note: Coincidentally, this is why I REFUSE to read my own old blogs and articles.
5. You ask lots of questions.
A stagnant mind devoid of curiosity doesn’t have the capacity to create.
6. You carry a notebook everywhere you go.
Because how else can you remember all those brilliant ideas that strike you on the fly?
7. You find beauty in the ordinary.
Creatives live in the present and are in constant awe of the world around them.
8. You are numb to rejection.
Let’s face it: it’s a hard world out there. If becoming a writer or actor or artist was easy, a lot more people would do it. Getting that dreaded rejection letter stinks at first, but eventually you become able to just shrug it off and go on to the next one.
9. You understand the power of atmosphere.
There is a reason some authors travel to a rustic cabin or sandy beach to write their novels. Some atmospheres are more conducive to creativity than others. Maybe you like to pack up your laptop and go to a coffee shop, downtown bench, or under a tree at the park. Whatever the case may be, you know the locations that boost your creative juices.
10. You think most people have poor taste.
You might find the movies and music most people enjoy to be downright terrible. I don’t know about you, but I believe a kitten dies every time someone listens to Nickelback.
11. You are a people-watcher.
Why do people watch TV when real life is infinitely more interesting?
12. You aren’t in it for the money.
Money pays bills but it doesn’t provide happiness. There are much easier ways to make a living. This isn’t about money, it’s about passion.
13. You experience emotional highs and lows.
Your emotional life is not a straight line. Instead, it is more like the path of a roller-coaster full of dips, drops, hills, loops, and twists. Sometimes you might experience an eruption of happiness and a crash to sadness within mere moments of each other. The most painful parts usually find themselves in your art.
14. You seek inspiration.
Inspiration doesn’t happen on its own. Whether it is the opening of an art gallery, a theatrical production, or live music at a downtown bar, you search for inspiration wherever you can find it. It’s nice to know you’re not alone in your desire to create.
15. You have an interesting sense of humor.
Off-color jokes are the best kind of jokes.
16. You evolve like a boss.
An ability to adapt to challenging scenarios is necessary for survival in the creative jungle.
17. You hate stereotypes.
You understand that human beings are way too complicated to be dumped into gender roles or stereotypes.
18. You don’t have a filter.
Don’t you think life would be much more fun if everyone just said what they were thinking with no filter? There is no such thing as TMI (Too Much Information).
19. You take time to think.
Your brain is your greatest asset.
20. You don’t bend to pressure.
Whether it’s a hater who thinks your work of art sucks, a family member who thinks “you should get a real job,” or a friend who thinks your idea “will never work,” you don’t cave to outside pressure.
