4 Types of Creators: which one are you today?

As people, we are always creating. To live life is to create stories about what we experience, how we feel, and how others feel about us. Everything we do is based on our perception of what we experience.

I feel that it is beneficial to look closely at creation and how we perceive it and relate to it. What type of creator are you? I love making things. Crafts, stories, food, relationships, I could go on all day. I once read a quote about creating that really made me think.

“The challenge to each human is creation. Will you create with reverence, or with neglect?” - Gary Zukav, American Author

I also like to view it through another lens: do you create with intention, taking the wheel and steering it where you want, or do you let the bus drive itself? It’s not always a bad thing to let the bus drive itself but I believe that we can create bigger, better things when we take the wheel and steer ourselves.

I’ve developed a few categories so that people can ponder about what type of creator they may be. These aren’t meant to be boxes to keep you inside of, but rather a way to open our minds. A way to learn who we are, what drives us and the projects we decide to take on. How we go about creating in order to get the most satisfaction out of what we do.

We are also ever-changing beings. One day you may feel like you connect to one of these types more, and the next day it may change.

The Skill Acquirer

This type of person loves to create because they get the chance to constantly learn and build new skills. They love taking on new creations that are different, that they have never tried before. They have a large “tool bag” of skills that can begin to overlap onto other types of creating. They love filling their “tool bag” with more skills and the space they create in may have a lot of physical tools as well.

On the flip side, someone may try to avoid acquiring skills because it can take away time from their actual creating. Also because it is very difficult to teach yourself new skills, or it can cost a lot of money to buy a course to learn a new skill. Remember your “why” to build a solid determination and help you push through the tough parts. Why do you want these skills and how useful will they be in the future? Are they worth the effort, will they get you where you want to be?

The Busy Bee

This person loves to create because it keeps their mind busy and they can focus. They’re less worried about improvement and more happy to just be “doing” the thing. These people tend to finish a lot of projects they start and can get to the finish line faster than others. They have a lower variety of projects going at a time because they like to focus and can get into a flow state a lot easier than others. They find things they like to create and they stick with it and can really get to a master level. They also may have projects that go on for weeks, months, years, or even through their whole lives.

On the other hand some people may struggle to focus on a project and may get easily bored with what they are doing, choosing to start another project. Not always abandoning the first one, but usually putting it on hold for later. Or abandoning it if we so decide, which is okay, but certainly less satisfying than finishing it. It’s not easy for some of us to sit down and focus on the goal in mind and the task at hand. Especially if we lack clarity in our goals.

The Strategist

The strategist loves to plan creation projects. They value staying organized and can usually find all of their “tools” quickly or have some way they are categorized and organized. They also spend a lot of time thinking about how to do things and tend to research their tasks heavily before embarking on them. They learn by observing others in their craft and applying it to their situation.

Some people may have resistance to strategy and planning. They may feel it takes away the creativity they feel and their freedoms. Keep in mind is that the best strategists don’t write their plans and processes in stone. They are constantly reviewing and updating their processes because that helps keep them on track to their goals.

The Connector

The connector’s favorite part of creating is the community aspect. This can include: sharing creations with others for free or profit, talking to others about what you creating and why, using your creations to leave a legacy in the world, or learning about others and their creations. They also love to teach others how to create what they have created. They love to start discussions and are drawn to being in communities specific to the topics/project/craft they love.

If you are struggling connecting with others around your creations ask yourself why? Are you worried your creations aren’t good enough? Are you ashamed that you should be “farther along” in your process of creating? Are you worried that you are too much of a newbie to be accepted by others? Are you nervous because you don’t have a solid plan or strategy? I can guarantee you that everyone else is feeling that way too. Reaching out to others with honesty about what you are struggling with can be a great way to connect with fellow creators! You may be surprised that you are not alone.

I personally seem to float between all of these, most days leaning towards the Skill Acquirer and the Strategist. I tend to have a lot of projects and a lot of plans surrounding those projects and new ones. I love expanding my toolbox even though it can be frustrating sometimes, it’s VERY rewarding for me.

I struggle a lot of days to identify with the Busy Bee. I feel that my life would improve on becoming more of the Busy Bee, getting into flow, finishing more projects instead of starting more. I would get a lot more satisfaction out of my days. I also feel that I need to lean into the Connector more. Connecting can be both motivating and expansive. It can open our minds to other possibilities.

What type of creator are you today? All of these? A mixed bag? Something completely different?

What type were you yesterday? Why were you feeling that way?

What type of creator do you want to be? Which one would help you to lean into? How will you get there?

What other types of creators are in the world that I didn’t mention? I’m sure there are many.

Comment below so we can talk about it!

Picture of my setup when I was creating Halloween decoration “Potion Bottles” in 2024