I came to realise during my search for what is considered creative that creativity isn't bound to art, design or science. Although it is often discussed in the artistic field, I aim to expand this view beyond the arts to show how even in the mundane, we can find creativity.
Creativity (from the Latin creāre) means to create. It isn’t a luxury that's reserved for the talented, famous or lucky. From a scientific point of view, creativity is a biological human trait; a natural capacity every single one of us can achieve with constant practice.
The desire to satisy your curiosity births creativity. That's why the majority of creative people are the most curious. This essay for instance, started off as a set of questions that I wanted answers to. In the process of answering my questions, I researched, combed through resources, gathered materials, put them together and have written this material which now answers all those questions.
Curiosity causes you to look at things from a fresh perspective and a different angle, which brings about serendipitous discoveries even about the most mundane things. You could have a painting that has been sitting on your wall for years but taking your time to look at the painting with a fresh set of eyes or from a different angle than you usually do, would give it a new meaning.
Something is creative when it is innovative and valuable, in simpler words, new and useful. Just like art, creativity is subjective. I say this because not everyone might find your inovation valuable. But if it is valuable to you in the context of which it was created, then it is creative. Afterall, creativity simply means solving a problem in an innovative way that proves to be valuable to the user.
Is creativity a process or an outcome? It can be both, it can be whatever the creator needs it to be. This goes to say, express yourself freely. Release yourself from the shackles of meaningless feedbacks and people pleasing. Create for you and let the world accept it when they are ready.
Do not be limited by anything, not even yourself. Start from where you are and with what you have.