Monday, January 30, 2012

Three Types of Artists/Creators

I think that there are three types of artists or creators in the world.  I'm sure no artist fits one category 100% of the time and there are probably many artists that are somewhere between two of these categories.  But, for myself at least, it is helpful to see where I fit with others (even if just in conjecture).  So, here we go!  (NOTE: I made up these designations myself.  They are by no means official or all-inclusive.)

1. The Improviser -- The improviser is someone who creates repeatedly and on command.  This is the type of person who excels in improv comedy, advertising, sit-com writing, etc.  With oodles of creativity inside them and bubbling right at the surface, the improvisor will use creativity in almost everything they do.  They may never have one work that stands out or can be easily identified as theirs, but they will make numerous contributions to a variety of works.
2. The Sculptor -- The sculptor is someone who is methodical about their creations.  They slowly chip away at a piece of art until it is just the way they want it.  Then and only then will they allow others to see it.  This artist may only create a small number of works each year (or perhaps only a few in a lifetime), but each one will be well thought out, easily identifiable as belonging to that artist, and will endure for a long time.  This artists popularity may take many, many years to blossom.  This type of artist might do well in sculpting (duh!), painting, writing, etc.
3. The One-Hit Wonder -- The one-hit wonder is someone who discovers lightning in a bottle.  Often times they might not consider themselves to even be artists, but an idea strikes them and they run with it.  This artist may not have just one of these revelatory experiences, but may have to wait many months or years between great ideas.  This artist might excel at writing, music, etc.

Which type of creator/artist are you?  Is there a category I've missed?  I'd love your feedback.  Keep reading and writing!

And may the story rise up to meet you!

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