Hi! Welcome to the 4 CreativeWheels newsletter — your weekly dose of insights on creativity and fuel for your creative journey.

We are now in week #35. Whenever I hear “five,” my mind usually goes, “I’m going back to 5 0 5…“ Yep, it’s from “505“ by Arctic Monkeys. 5 more weeks before the 40-week mark. In the meantime, cheers to the wins so far! And cheers to the questions unanswered!

Talking about questions, in this week’s issue, we go back to the most fundamental of fundamental questions in your creative journey, understanding who is creative.

One thing I've heard countless times is, "Oh, I'm not creative." It's odd because I've heard it from people who are actually creative. There is a misconception. The perception we have given to creativity and being creative is far from the actual reality.

Without further ado…

Let’s start the ride!

Main Wheel

Red beret on, black frame glasses, fluffy pants, hands with blue and pink hue stains, fingers smudged, nails chipped. That's a visual representation of what society sees as a creative person. To be creative is synonymous with being an artist. But, is it actually true?

Whenever creativity is mentioned, it is associated with the arts such as painting, music, literature, dance, and so on. Thoughts about creativity are often colorful, spontaneous, and rainbow-ish. It is more of a trait than a skill or tool.

One thing I've heard countless times is, "Oh, I'm not creative." It's odd because I've heard it from people who are actually creative. There is a misconception. The perception we have given to creativity and being creative is far from the actual reality.

Don't get me wrong, I love and respect art. And I'm an artist too. I've always been one. However, creativity is not confined to the arts. Creativity is everywhere. Creativity can be used in everything. It does not have one specific use or place to operate in. It can be bold, melancholic, sleek, sharp, there are infinite possibilities.

On another angle, a creative is someone who works in the creative industry. That can be a photographer, designer, writer, director, you get the gist. I see why people would hold that view. In such work, creativity is the main skill to master. The view is simple and helps with differentiation.

Yet, contrary to popular belief, many people can be a creative. And anyone can be creative. It's something we all have the capability to be. As Albert Einstein once said, "Creativity is intelligence having fun." You cannot tell me that only artists are intelligent. Just like you can have an intelligent painter, you can also have a creative physicist.

Based on most definitions, creativity is described as the use of imagination and ideas to create something. The truth is that creativity is present in problem-solving. I'd argue it often stems from problem-solving. Creativity encourages us to look beyond conventional solutions and consider new approaches. It's about connecting the dots. It's about noticing the opportunities to link things that people did not see were possible to join. (Steve Jobs would second this.)

There is no need to be wildly original. Creativity often balances the new with the now. It can create usefulness, beauty, or meaning. Furthermore, there’s also no single “type” of creativity. You can be creative in logical ways. You can be creative in artistic ways. And you can be creative in physical ways. The use of creativity leads to multiple kinds of creations.

All creations have ideation, execution, and completion stages. You have an idea, you take steps to make it a reality, then work on it until it becomes so. All creations are born with a goal, whether conscious, intuitive, or unconscious. And after the process, the creation is present and exists.

Some people's goal for their creation is human connection. For some others, the goal is for the audience to feel positive or negative emotions. Some have their creation's goal to be making the most lucrative profit. (Make the cash rain) Others have the goal of having the greatest impact. Some desire to create the best work; they are in pursuit of excellence. And others have their creation's goal to satisfy themselves and their vision. As long as they are happy or content with what they have made, that's all that matters.

Of course, there are other objectives one can have for their creation. You can also have multiple goals at the same time. When standard ethics are in check, no goal or objective is truly above another. It is all subjective.

It all depends on what you value and believe should be valued. We all view some things to be more functional or purer than others. And that is no problem. Hence, the goal of the creation of a piece or product cannot be the sole factor in determining whether someone is a creative or not.

A person who is creative is one who exploits creativity in their work. They have or see a need. They have or see a gap. Or they have or see an opportunity. They understand what is present and work on the possibility of bringing something different. They don't just think about it, but actively work on it.

The difference can be big or small. They understand how creativity needs intention. They have their intentions, consideration, and thoughtfulness to produce that thing or creation. A creative person can be a teacher, craftsperson, scientist, coach, writer, businessperson, artist, you name it.

Some people are more creative than others. Some industries and work require more use of creativity than others. Still, it does not mean that creativity is limited to one place or area. Creativity is present everywhere and can be used anywhere. That is why it is magical. That's why it has been crucial in human history and has been one of the determining distinctions between us and other mammals. The human mind is creative and is capable of bringing an idea to life, of springing the nonexistent into existence.

Whenever a problem is solved, somebody is creative. Whenever innovation occurs, someone is creative. And whenever a change will happen, one, two, or more people will be creative. As Edward de Bono, a Maltese physician and commentator, has once said, “There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.” Creativity has and always will be part of many of our actions when we decide to invite it.

So again, who is creative? As simple as it may sound, to create something intentionally is to be creative. To create is to be creative.

Inspiring Wheels

Here are two (or more) creative works that you’ll not regret checking out:

• "Get bored" - Ali Gallop | Yes, another Ali Gallop video. But you can’t blame me if you’ve watched his videos. My man is a creative beast. And this video might explain parts of why he is a creative beast.

• "How Perfection Died" - Nathan Zed | A great video on the importance of having and embracing error and imperfection. It’s pretty funny, too. It’s already a classic. So, it’s worth watching.

Want to share this issue of 4CW with a friend, colleague,… any human being? Just copy and paste this link: https://4creativewheels.beehiiv.com/p/april-24-2025 😉 😃

Thank you so much for reading! 

As always, feel free to reply to this email & share your thoughts, stories, and any experience related to this topic. I’d love to hear them!  

C ya next Week! 

Embracing Creativity™,

Richard M.

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