“Imagination and creativity can change the world.” – Anonymous.
If we want to thrive we must embrace not just innovation through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but also the ARTS. We need to collaborate with the creative talents of artists and designers, some may say this includes the humanities.
Marketers are taught the importance of differentiating yourself from your competitors. The need to setting yourself apart through utilising innovation, this is where creativity is so important. Companies understand to survive in the marketplace they need to create a sustainable competitive advantage through being a differentiator.
When we think of creativity we often think of an artist in their studio painting or drawing. This mindset is limiting.
Creativity can be applied to anything. It provides opportunities to generate new ideas, solve problems and create business growth. There are many benefits to having someone with an ARTS background on your team.
VISIONARIES – Creatives can see the big picture, making them an invaluable asset in assisting with the development of any organisation’s long term strategic GROWTH.
LATERAL THINKERS – Creative people have an imaginative approach to problem solving. They can drive INNOVATION.
BUSINESS SKILLS – Any serious artist or designer has learnt an array of necessary business skills, but not limited to the following.
- Marketing / Public Relations including writing press releases and editorial articles, developing marketing plans, social media, website development and selling their products and services, etc.
- Financial Literacy skill of budgeting and understanding financial statements.
- Project Management is a skill creative people are more than capable of performing. Being self-disciplined they know how to manage end-to-end projects from planning, coordination and execution.
DRIVE – Creative people are passionate. Tapping into their passion is exhilarating and contagious. Frequently they thrive working on projects as they enjoy seeing ideas turned into reality.
RESILIENCE – Creatives have learnt to work hard and do everything for themselves through determination and perseverance. Developed grit.