Creativity and Entrepreneurship: Do They Mix?

Most creatives don't consider themselves entrepreneurs, and most entrepreneurs don't think of themselves as creative.

Are they right?

I think entrepreneurship requires creativity, and creatives need to learn entrepreneurial skills to be financially and professionally successful.

What Is Creativity?

Creativity is defined as:

“the ability to create”

Most of the time, we equate it with creating beautiful things, such as works of art or music.

However, a business is also something you create, as are products and services you offer to your customers.

Another Definition of Creativity

I also think of creativity to be the ability to solve problems. When I draw or paint something, when I sew or knit, I think of the process as a problem solving one: How do I render a particular shape or color? How do I put together two pieces of fabric, or two lengths of yarn, to create the garment I'm looking for?

It's the same thing with business: How do I make myself stand out from my competitors? What's the best way for me to respond to my prospects' desires? How can I achieve something at the least cost and time?

These are all problem solving situations that require us to consider and sometimes even make up our own solutions. In other words, they require creativity.

Creativity and entrepreneurship are not incompatible with each other.

A Realization

I have to admit, I've always considered myself more of a creative than an entrepreneur. I've been drawing and painting since I was a child. I've been fascinated with literature and exploring my own writing since I was in high school. I've been active in choirs and musicals since university.

Understandably, when I went  into business, it was a struggle at first. There was a disconnect. It took months before I could accept my image of myself as an entrepreneur, as someone who balances books and looks at bottom lines.

Until I realized creativity is a quality that can and should permeate all the nooks and crannies of my life.

Do You Need To Expand Your Self-Concept?

If you're a business owner, consider yourself a creative person… because you are! And a courageous one at that. Recognize and embrace your creative side; you'll be surprised with what you're capable of.

And if you're a creative, don't think you're selling out because you want to build a profitable business around our passion. Instead, harness your creativity in managing your finances, human resources, marketing and all the other aspects of running a business.

Do you think of yourself more as a creative or an entrepreneur? How does it feel to start expanding your self-concept and welcoming your other side?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

photo credit: pedrosimoes7