For a long time, people have believed that creativity is something you either have or you don’t. If you’re not naturally good at painting or drawing, it’s easy to assume you’re not a creative person. But that idea sells creativity short. In reality, creativity is something you build—and it shows up in far more places than we often give it credit for.
Take Alan Becker, for example. You might recognize his animated stick figure videos, which started as simple experiments during his free time. Over the years, what began as a hobby turned into a career. He didn’t start out as an expert animator—he developed his skills slowly, through trial and error. That’s the point: creativity isn’t just a gift; it’s a practice.
Picasso’s story, though very different, also drives this home. Early in his career, his work wasn’t always well received. Critics didn’t understand his approach, and some even dismissed him. But he kept going—exploring, evolving, and creating despite the pushback. Today, his name is synonymous with artistic genius. His journey reminds us that creativity isn’t about being perfect from the start—it’s about staying committed.
And creativity isn’t limited to galleries or studios. You’ll find it in a baker experimenting with recipes, a mechanic solving a tricky problem, a librarian finding new ways to engage readers. Art isn’t always a painting on a wall—it’s often the way someone approaches their work with imagination and care.
Whatever your medium—writing, welding, photography, gardening—it takes time to grow. Some people pick things up quickly, but for most of us, it’s a process. Creativity comes from doing the work, learning what works (and what doesn’t), and continuing to show up. That’s how skills deepen. That’s how voices form.
It’s time we let go of narrow definitions of what it means to be “an artist.” Art is everywhere. It’s in the way a product is designed, a meal is plated, or a space is made welcoming. When we start seeing creativity in all its forms, we open the door for more people to participate—and feel seen.
So, if you’ve ever told yourself you’re not creative, maybe it’s time to rethink that. Whether you’re sketching characters, fixing engines, or styling a window display, you’re making something. That matters.
Creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. Start where you are, and keep going. The world needs more of your perspective.
