Creativity is one of the more romantic mysteries of the world.

It’s the thing that can solve problems, start wars, or you know, make something look nice. But what does it really mean to be creative and why do we hold it to such value, in and out of the workplace? 

When you think of the word creativity, you probably think about a brilliant book, painting, design, or piece of music. The official definition of creativity varies depending on where you look and leads to the conception that something grand and tangible must be created on the back of some original thinking. 

Here’s a few different definitions of creativity:

• “The ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas.”
• “The use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness.”
• “The ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination.”
• “Creativity is a phenomenon whereby something new and valuable is formed.”
  

But does creativity always have to be something tangible? And why do some people deem themselves as ‘not creative?’

My role here at TapIn is that of a Creative Strategist. 

On the surface, you may think I’m mocking up creative designs and thinking of the best way to implement these for our clients. But no, my role is a lot more nuanced than that and not creative in the traditional sense. My role is more that of creative thinking and being the link between the creative department and accounts team to fulfil a brief/solve a problem. 

At the end of the work, I have not painted the Mona Lisa or recorded a 10/10 album, but I have used imagination, experience, curiosity, logic and reflection to fuel inspiration and apply to the work I’m carrying out. In other words, I’ve been creative. 

And I think this applies to everyone, no matter how big nor small the outcome. 

Yes, we all have stagnant periods in life when creative juices are low and you feel like the inspiration may never come back. This forces yourself into a box that disregards creativity as something you’re capable of and should be left to the talented people of the world. In reality, this is all part of the process. 

Made up a joke that made your friends laugh? Guess what? You just did that creative thing. Solved a complex accounting problem with some next level maths that I’m sure no one really wants to hear about? (no offence), you too, did that creative thing. Every interaction you have with the world has an impact and goes on to create something new. 

When it comes down to it, we’re all artists. 

Creativity is taking what you know, applying your own personal experience and identity to create something that adds to your life and those around you. This is how we grow and it’s something we’re all capable of doing everyday. 

If I was a betting man, I would say you’ve already been creative before you have the chance to think about what you’re going to have for lunch. So, when you’re at work (or doing life) and think you’re not creative or talented enough to bring something valuable to the table, please, think again.