The term Creative Economy was originally developed by John Howkins in 2001 to describe economic systems where value is based on novel imaginative qualities rather than the traditional resources of land, labor and capital. This is not just in industries viewed as creative, but rather creativity throughout the entire economy. Based on that, just as we’ve studied in history class about the agricultural revolution and the industrial revolution, this is a creative revolution.
“The interconnected systems we use to function in business and society, whether in communication, transportation, design, finance, and more, are increasing in complexity, and so are the types of issues and challenges that arise from these systems. The value of approaching these challenges in a purely linear fashion or by rote is becoming less and less relevant. As fast-paced innovation surges to amazing new heights, and procedural thinking wanes, the demand for creative thinking grows exponentially. What we find we need more of is a playful, creative, forward-thinking approach to business and technology. More than any other time in human history, the most effective work is being done by right-brainers and out-of-the-box thinkers. Video gaming provides us with a great example of how “playful” thinking achieves results.”
So why am I writing about the Creative Economy? Because whether your child wants to pursue a creative profession or not, creative thinking skills will be essential to success in our modern world! I have preached to my kids for years about how, although I wasn’t in a “creative” career for a big chunk of years, having an art education and being a creative thinker has informed how I do my work for my whole life! John Howkins echoed one of my deeply held beliefs in a TED Talk several years ago. He said “Everyone is born creative.” He explains that creativity isn’t anything special that some people are born with. It is part of being a normal, average, human being. However, I do believe that creativity is like a muscle and you have to use it to make it strong.
Creative thinking can be encouraged, not only in art and design, but in all sorts of different situations from cooking to parenting to problem solving almost any type of problem. And of course, our boxes are designed to promote creative thinking. That’s why we aren’t overly prescriptive in the instructions. Check them out!
What is the first thing you think of when someone asks if you are creative? Many of you probably think, “Me? I’m not creative!” How old were you when you first began to feel that way? Did someone tell you that you were not creative or did society’s love of coloring inside the lines just …
After the recent suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, depression has become a hot topic. I’d like to offer some tips on how to use art as a way to combat depression and lift your spirits. Please know that I am not in any way claiming that art is a substitute for medical treatment! Anyone …
I have found that it is often difficult to sit down with a child, lay out some art supplies and expect the child to fully engage unless he is one of those kids who naturally gravitates towards drawing and painting. Even my most creative child (who is also ADD) didn’t know what to do when …
Why Having Skills for the Creative Economy is More Important than Ever!
The term Creative Economy was originally developed by John Howkins in 2001 to describe economic systems where value is based on novel imaginative qualities rather than the traditional resources of land, labor and capital. This is not just in industries viewed as creative, but rather creativity throughout the entire economy. Based on that, just as we’ve studied in history class about the agricultural revolution and the industrial revolution, this is a creative revolution.
In his article in Fast Company in 2014: 8 Reasons Why Creatives Will Rule the World, Michael Cooper said your time has come–this is the age of the creative mind.
“The interconnected systems we use to function in business and society, whether in communication, transportation, design, finance, and more, are increasing in complexity, and so are the types of issues and challenges that arise from these systems. The value of approaching these challenges in a purely linear fashion or by rote is becoming less and less relevant. As fast-paced innovation surges to amazing new heights, and procedural thinking wanes, the demand for creative thinking grows exponentially. What we find we need more of is a playful, creative, forward-thinking approach to business and technology. More than any other time in human history, the most effective work is being done by right-brainers and out-of-the-box thinkers. Video gaming provides us with a great example of how “playful” thinking achieves results.”
So why am I writing about the Creative Economy? Because whether your child wants to pursue a creative profession or not, creative thinking skills will be essential to success in our modern world! I have preached to my kids for years about how, although I wasn’t in a “creative” career for a big chunk of years, having an art education and being a creative thinker has informed how I do my work for my whole life! John Howkins echoed one of my deeply held beliefs in a TED Talk several years ago. He said “Everyone is born creative.” He explains that creativity isn’t anything special that some people are born with. It is part of being a normal, average, human being. However, I do believe that creativity is like a muscle and you have to use it to make it strong.
Creative thinking can be encouraged, not only in art and design, but in all sorts of different situations from cooking to parenting to problem solving almost any type of problem. And of course, our boxes are designed to promote creative thinking. That’s why we aren’t overly prescriptive in the instructions. Check them out!
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What is the first thing you think of when someone asks if you are creative? Many of you probably think, “Me? I’m not creative!” How old were you when you first began to feel that way? Did someone tell you that you were not creative or did society’s love of coloring inside the lines just …
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After the recent suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, depression has become a hot topic. I’d like to offer some tips on how to use art as a way to combat depression and lift your spirits. Please know that I am not in any way claiming that art is a substitute for medical treatment! Anyone …
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