By: Roberta Schlehr

Creativity. Do you have it in you? Is this something that can be taught? Let me also ask if you like puzzles. Or are you a problem solver?

If your answer is no regarding being creative but yes to puzzles or problem-solving – guess what? You are creative. Creativity comes in many forms and levels. Most people think being creative means artistic ability, like drawing, painting, or sculpture. Graphic artists, web designers, engineers, interior designers, teachers, and scientists have a creative mindset. Creativity can be free-flowing or follow a very structured path with steps and processes. Think about an abstract painting, or creating an object from colored bricks, or solving a chemistry or calculus problem.

Problem solving is an everyday event — sometimes we need to think outside the box. Most people don’t realize how many problems we solve each day. It is the What-if question that you ask yourself about a situation. Take the What-if and apply it to something that you think is creative and out of your reach. Start at solving a solution, what would you need to complete the task, don’t worry about the how, yet. Look around and you will see creativity everywhere! Logos, packaging, book covers, and even the bakery. Anything that is created starts with a concept. A concept is an idea that starts with a thought.

Here is an exercise for you to practice your creativity. Let’s say you want to make a present for a friend. Start with a box. What are some supplies or ideas that pop into your head as soon as I said that you will start with a box? Take a moment and pause here before reading on. Think or write down your thoughts about creating a box as a gift.

Thoughts of how you can make the box look better, with paint, ribbon, pictures, or paper might be where you started. Or maybe you started with what is the purpose, what is this box going to be used for? You see, here are two possibilities and we’re just getting started. There are multiple ways to accomplish the same task. Each person will have their idea. If you consult with another person, you may brainstorm ideas together for even more options.

Thinking about the person this gift is for, think about what they like or activity interests. Personalize the box to make it special and meaningful. If this is a shoebox, cover it in a brown shopping bag, paper, or wrapping paper that can be colored with markers or crayons. Decorate with photographs, buttons, or any other item around the house that can be glued on. The possibilities are endless. Have fun! Be creative!

To answer the question, can creativity be taught? I think yes, we all have a creative side. We need to nurture and help it to grow. Don’t judge yourself (or others), keep an open mind, and don’t give up. Find activities that start small and are not overwhelming. Take a class or watch a video to learn something new or to expand and develop skills.

Creativity is for everyone! Look around and ask, what if?