Characteristics Of Creative And Innovative People

The characteristics of creative and innovative people are those aspects that have to do with the ability to invent tangible or intangible things and to generate innovative solutions to problems. A creative person usually has few mental barriers, does not accept the status quo and is open-minded

Creativity is what helps us have new ideas, a kind of gift that not everyone has and that could be thought to be part of a person’s personality. However, it can also be improved and developed if it is worked on from an early age or even in adulthood.

Therefore, creative people would be those who have this “gift”, the ability or ability to create new, totally original ideas for a specific purpose. Also those people, who, despite not being born with this capacity, have developed it.

Characteristics of creative people

We would all like to be creative or even improve our creativity, but first we have to know exactly how creative people differ from those who are not, and then develop those main characteristics.

1. They break the status quo

Creative people are not afraid to break with the status quo, with what is established and what everyone takes for granted.

If everyone carries their travel suitcases with their hands, they wonder: why not put wheels on the suitcases?

2. They defy norms and are rebellious

Most creative people challenge the established, almost averse to norms. They wonder why something has to be like this, why a rule has to be met.

They may also challenge the authority of the field in which they work and may dislike laws or state authorities, such as the police, military or politicians.

3. They are original

Being original implies having innovative ideas that can generate interest for society and develop solutions to problems. Creative people are able to relate two elements that have nothing to do with each other a priori, and they can do this because they have a great imagination.

Creative people are original because they reject clichés, norms and conventions, and act according to their own criteria.

4. They have initiative

Their mind works very quickly and actively, so whenever a project is put in front of them they automatically take the initiative by contributing ideas that they then want to carry out and that conform to what is requested.

They are proactive, and decide for themselves, or try to do so, depending on the contexts.

5. Ability to identify problems

They are able to quickly detect if mistakes are being made in the project being carried out, since they are very observant, and therefore they realize what is not going well.

In addition, they can also judge whether the objectives that were intended in the initial situation have been achieved.

They not only have the ability to identify problems, but also to address them in a creative way, since they have the ability to design different paths to reach the same objective.

6. They are divergent

That is, they have the ability to analyze the different positions that exist and even, if necessary, find different paths to achieve a common goal. Therefore, their thinking is critical and they use alternative methodologies.

This is one of the best characteristics of creative people, because where we can see only one option, they see more than one, something very useful for the business field.

7. They are flexible

Another trait that characterizes a creative person is their flexibility. They have a very high ability to adapt to situations and extract what is best for them, in order to carry out their projects successfully or achieve their goals.

If we extrapolate creativity to painting or art in general, we see that each person has expressed themselves with what they had at that moment and that if they did not have a specific color of paint, they adapted and did it themselves, or even Ways were invented to make the paint transmit that color.

8. Sensitivity

They are very sensitive and observant people, which allows them to see the world in a broader way to develop their projects in an easier and more successful way.

On the other hand, we also refer with this term to the sensitivity that these people have both for work and for personal relationships.

This way of feeling the world allows them to develop their creativity, for example, in music, literature or painting.

9. They are curious

They are curious people who like to know how everything around them works, and to have their doubts cleared. They are interested in all topics, and are characterized by asking many questions.

10. They have high motivation

The main basis for being creative could not be other than motivation. If you are not interested in what you do, no matter how creative you are, you will not awaken the spirit of creativity in you.

Therefore, these people are not only motivated, but they are also curious and have a great imagination, perfect combinations to develop magnificent ideas and projects.

11. They are independent

They are characterized by being independent and this is a reality, we have encountered many creative people throughout history who have been considered geniuses, and if we pay attention they were independent and worked alone.

This does not mean that they do not know how to work in a team, but they usually prefer to think alone, as it improves their concentration.

Thanks to this independence, other characteristics such as originality and personal initiative are encouraged.

12. They interpret the world differently

All of the above characteristics lead them to be able to interpret the world around them in a different way, and use tools normally aimed at solving one type of problem to solve completely different ones.

13. They are ambitious

They are also very ambitious people who, as they are always reflecting on what they could do and how it could be done, need to be listened to, usually being the center of attention among their co-workers, something they usually like.

In addition, they like to influence others and obtain recognition for their merits and ideas. You could say that it is a way to motivate themselves and gain the self-confidence that they need to continue working hard.

14. They are committed

Another of their traits is the great commitment they usually have when working on a project.

On many occasions they dedicate more time than others to the projects for which they feel motivated, understanding that these people, therefore, have a great commitment to what they do.

15. They have a sense of humor

Creative people have a great sense of humor, they take life in a calmer and slower way that allows them to live happily, enjoying every moment and making the most of their qualities.

10 examples of famous creative people

Leonardo da Vinci

A true Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci was a painter, sculptor, scientist, and inventor. His iconic works such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper showcase his artistic brilliance, while his notebooks reveal his innovative ideas in anatomy, engineering, and various scientific disciplines.

Steve Jobs

Co-founder of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs revolutionized the tech industry with products like the iPhone and MacBook. His keen sense of design and emphasis on user experience set the standard for modern consumer electronics.

 

J.K. Rowling  

The British author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, transformed the literary landscape with her magical world. Her creativity and storytelling captivated millions, making Harry Potter a global phenomenon.

Pablo Picasso   

As one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Picasso co-founded the Cubist movement. His innovative approach to art, evident in works like “Guernica,” challenged traditional perceptions and norms.

Marie Curie 

A pioneering scientist, Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry). Her groundbreaking research on radioactivity laid the foundation for modern nuclear physics.

David Bowie

An iconic figure in the music industry, David Bowie constantly reinvented himself through various personas and musical styles. His innovation in both music and fashion had a profound impact on popular culture.

Maya Angelou 

Renowned poet and author, Maya Angelou’s powerful and evocative writing explored themes of race, identity, and resilience. Her autobiographical work, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” is a literary classic.

Elon Musk

A visionary entrepreneur, Elon Musk has been instrumental in the development of companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink. His ambitious pursuits in electric vehicles, space exploration, and neural technology showcase a relentless pursuit of innovation.

Frida Kahlo

The Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is celebrated for her unique and emotive self-portraits. Her art often depicted her physical and emotional pain, providing a deeply personal and introspective view into her life.

Albert Einstein

One of the greatest physicists of all time, Albert Einstein revolutionized our understanding of the universe with his theory of relativity. His creativity and intellectual prowess extended beyond science, with insightful reflections on philosophy and humanity.

How are people uncreative?

People can exhibit uncreativity for various reasons, often rooted in mental blocks, fear of failure, or conformity to societal expectations. One common factor is a rigid mindset that resists divergent thinking. Some individuals may adhere strictly to established norms, avoiding unconventional ideas or solutions to problems. Fear of judgment and failure can stifle creativity, as people may hesitate to explore innovative avenues due to concerns about potential criticism.

Another hindrance is the pressure for immediate results. In a fast-paced world, individuals may prioritize efficiency over creativity, opting for familiar and tested approaches rather than investing time in experimenting with new ideas. The demand for conformity within educational and professional settings can also contribute to uncreativity, as individuals may prioritize meeting expectations over exploring novel perspectives.

Moreover, external influences such as societal norms and cultural expectations can constrain creative expression. Conformity to established standards may lead people to suppress unique ideas, contributing to a lack of originality. In essence, uncreativity often stems from a combination of psychological barriers, societal pressures, and a preference for familiarity and efficiency over the uncertainty of creative exploration. Addressing these factors can foster a more conducive environment for individuals to unleash their creative potential.