Society stereotypes normally appear to describe common traits among a large group of people. They often refer to a small – but rather distinctive - minority and delegate the qualities to the whole group. Just think of Aries’ stubbornness and Scorpios’ revengefulness among the zodiac signs! Chances are, the larger the group, the greater and more contradictive variety of stereotypes we’ll come across.
Here is a list of 33 stereotypes we often hear about creative people:
- Creatives are NOT successful
- If they do succeed however, they are either lucky or DEAD
- Creatives do not work (because they do what they love)
- Creatives should not ask for payment for their creative work (well, because it is not work)
- Creatives are full of new, original, unseen, unheard, unwritten, unread, un-fill-in-the-blank ideas
- Creatives rely desperately on inspiration to solve any blocks they might have
- Creatives are weird misfits
- Creatives are idealistic and naive
- Creatives live in a fantasy world full of mermaids, magic and unicorns
- Creatives are (diplomatically said) psychologically unstable (Van Gogh)
- Creatives abuse drugs, alcohol and sex (Robin Williams, Amy Winehouse, Frida Kahlo)
- Creatives are miserable (Modigliani)
- Creatives are extravagant, eccentric and egocentric (Salvador Dali)
- Creatives are arrogant (Caravaggio)
- Creatives die broke (Mozart)
- Creatives steal (Picasso)
- Creatives are never satisfied with their works (Leonardo)
- Creatives fall in love with their works (Pygmalion)
- Creatives are perfectionists
- Creatives are temperamental
- Creatives are messy
- Creatives are organized
- Creatives are undisciplined
- Creatives are immature
- Creatives are lonely and misunderstood
- Creatives are introverts
- Creatives party all the time
- Creatives are funny and original
- Creatives are traditionalists
- Creatives are technophobes
- Creatives are super stylish and edgy
- Creatives neglect their appearance
- Creatives are hippies/ punks/ goths
Being a creative myself, I admit I have fallen into some of these categories – if not now, at least during certain periods of my life.
For example, I did feel quite misunderstood during my teen years, I am still somewhat idealistic and naive, and I have always been messy. Plus, I have a magic carpet on my floor!
I have also NEVER smoked; seldom do I drink more than 1 glass of wine (if at all), and I am also one of the loveliest people I know (LOL, ask my mom about this!).
However, I do know a number of people who are from totally different backgrounds and drink much more than the drunkest artist I’ve ever met.
This all comes from the mere fact we are all unique individuals with certain personality traits (DUH!). And more often than not, these have to do very little with the work we practice.
And you know what the best part is? Creatives know best!
Have your say!
- Which are your favourite creative stereotypes?
- Which are the most annoying ones?
- Which ones apply to you?
- What else can you add to the list?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below and remember to tell your friends on social media!
And now, tell me, seriously, just how cool is that?
- Just so cool
- Pretty cool
- Beautiful cool
- Gorgeous cool
- MEGA cool
The photos on this blog post are courtesy of the Sketches of Sofia. Special thanks for allowing me to use them!
This article was partially influenced by this post on Art Now and Then. Have a read!
