Creativity Vs. the Genius Factor
7/11/23
What is creative genius? And what does it matter?
Once or twice in my career, I’ve been knighted with that flattering word…genius. (Maybe by a random admirer who wished they had a modicum of artistic talent. Maybe by a client who was super-impressed by the art I’d provided them. Maybe by a relative hoping I’d break my “no mixing business with family” rule and design them a sweet, sweet logo.) But so has everyone else who ever came up with an idea that 1) worked, 2) no one else had thought of yet, or 3) was so freakin’ awesome and mind-blowing that it could only be described as “genius!”
Genius is based on someone having an aptitude or capacity for something—usually intellectually or creatively—that most others do not. Genius is equated with greatness…but should not be mistaken for ability. Genius is the perception that one’s ability is so great that it deserves special attention. Which is where the whole concept gets into trouble.
For now, let’s keep it positive. Everyone experiences flashes of genius, here and there. Did you ever have one of those private, “Wow, I can’t believe I was smart enough to figure that out” moments? Those are the best, right? Even though no one saw you being a badass—when you finally figured out how to thread that needle all by yourself—that’s okay. You were there…and you’ll always have the proud memory of what happened that day.
This is the healthy, esteem-building side of the ‘genius factor.’ We actually did something to deserve that little boost to our self-confidence. Even if it wouldn’t necessarily be impressive to others.
But then there’s the confidence that’s spurred on by others, and their praise of something supposedly impressive that we did. It feels nice to receive a compliment. Even if we, much too often, let it go to our heads. The truly delusional among us convince ourselves that we are “destined” for greatness / stardom / immortality. There’s nothing wrong with believing in oneself—the danger is in believing one’s own hype.
Maybe you truly are a genius in the making. But it’s probably best not to fool yourself…
Artists Vs. the Genius Factor
As a designer, amateur musician, and writer, I embrace the “creative lifestyle.” But most days, it feels like I won’t truly get to enjoy being an artist until I retire, and no longer have to be solely focused on the Rat Race.
By the way, being a creative professional is another area where “delusions of genius” can creep in. Many of us artistes already think we’re special. Partly due to the praise we receive; partly due the ignorance of youth; partly due to the self-importance of being a “professional.” Then when the accolades and promotions come, you really can’t tell us nothin’! Is it surprising that we artists are some of the most egocentric, neurotic blowhards you’ll ever encounter? Thank goodness I’m only that way sometimes!
Back in the day, I felt that any design studio should feel lucky for me walk through the door. Though interestingly, I was never hired, or paid much attention, by a single one of ‘em. Go figure!
30 years in, I’m still a great designer. But I realize there’s nothing genius—or even all that special—about what I do.
The Chinks in My Own Armor
Like many fellow creatives whom I’ve advised to “Keep thy ego in check, lest ye fall from grace,” I too was once a young, arrogant designer. I’m not sure where my own fall occurred. (Probably in the process of being turned away from every hotshot design studio I fancied myself a perfect fit for. Or maybe it was when I became old enough to feel the sting of being “overqualified” for every position I applied for. Or maybe it was the realizatison that the people with the money—also known as my clients—really do run things…not me.)
Fortunately, I think I’ve outgrown my “I’m the shit” phase. (Some artists never do.) I can still be difficult to work with—just a lovable ol’ curmudgeon. But I’ve been through enough ups and downs in a 30-year career—burnout, corporate politics, demotions, layoffs, racism, reorgs, self-employment, unemployment—to have a healthy view of my reality. Yes…I’m no longer “the shit.” (Cue the song “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen. I feel a tear welling up…)
I’ve always insisted that creatives must maintain a healthy ego, a high level of self-confidence, and an acute sense of our creative abilities. But I don’t believe that what we do deserves to be put on a pedestal called “genius”…or anywhere near it. It gives artists too great a sense of their own “self.” Nobody deserves to put up with (or become) that guy. So let’s, everyone, just call it what it is: art.
Most of us quirks do it because we love and enjoy the creative act, simple as that. Plus…we gotta make a living doing something, right?
Conclusion
This essay is the first in a series on the realities of being part of the so-called “creative class.” The idea was born from a discussion on “genius” with a fellow designer I’ve known for over 20 years—DLT, who resigned from corporate life some years ago, to raise a wonderful family. She’s been a happy and well-adjusted artist ever since. (As well as a main supporter and cheerleader of mine, here on TRH.)
I’m not sure if this essay series will be directed mostly toward the community of fellow designers, writers, and musicians whose company I enjoy; the curious world of admirers and patrons for whom we create; or just for myself, as a form of therapy at the end of a long day of churning out ads.
Thanks for reading…stay tuned!