Creativity Challenges In The Modern World
Creativity challenges are not all positive. It has drawbacks and challenges. Artists may attract a lot of attention but sometimes face severe challenges.
Monetising creativity can be extremely challenging and many artists struggle to survive financially. Ask most artists and I’m sure that most would tell you about the long hard route to making it in the art world.
Creativity provides aesthetic joy and it is vital for artists and creative people’s well-being. It allows them tremendous opportunities to express themselves in unique and innovative ways. Creativity is deeply ingrained in people from a biological perspective. I think many artists didn’t just choose art as their lifestyle. It is their lives. It is who they are.
I didn’t choose art, I was born that way.
One of the worst creativity challenges for artists and creative people is the inability to be creative. Hard to imagine, but it can happen and it leads to withering and wilting away.
I’m writing this blog post to explain some of the challenges artists face during their creative journey. Some artists may make it but a lot do not.
What are creativity challenges?
Creativity is a double-edged sword that comes with its own set of obstacles and complications. While it allows individuals to stand out from the crowd and make a name for themselves, it can also attract negative attention and criticism.
Creativity challenge – monetising talents
The biggest creative challenge, by far, for artists is the ability to monetise their talents. Many artists struggle to make ends meet and achieve financial stability, despite their creative prowess.
Monetising any product or service requires sound business skills. Although the online industry allows vast potential, it still needs specific skills to stand out and make your work known to as many people as possible. Easier said than done.
Creativity challenge – society pressure
There are other creativity challenges for creative people and artists which are imposed by society. These challenges can come in various forms and may include:
- Social, economic and political pressures,
- The need to conform to certain expectations or norms,
- The struggle to maintain artistic integrity.
Some artists face the need to balance creative expression with social responsibility.
In some cases, artists may feel a sense of responsibility to address social or political issues in their work. While in other cases they may feel pressure to avoid controversial topics in order to avoid alienating potential supporters or buyers.
Creativity challenge – commercial viability
Another major creativity challenge for many artists is the pressure to create commercially viable artwork. In order to make a living from their art, many artists feel compelled to create work that will sell well and appeal to a wide audience.
This can be particularly challenging for artists who work in niche or unconventional genres or who have a unique vision that doesn’t necessarily align with popular tastes.
There is no doubt that creativity challenges can be a valuable tool for enhancing artistic abilities. This is quite a healthy approach to generating more creative ideas before or during the creative process. It is an integral part of creating art.
On the other hand, some of the external and perhaps unavoidable issues can bring serious influences which may affect the artist’s ability to maintain creativity.
Creativity challenge – AI art and NFTs
AI-generated art and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are new and recent challenges for artists. AI-generated art can produce images that are algorithmically generated. NFTs allow their makers to sell unique digital assets that can be authenticated on a blockchain.
While these technologies offer new opportunities for artists, they also raise several questions about the role of the artist in the creation of art and the value of digital art.
AI-generated art can produce interesting and unique images. Some argue that it lacks the human touch and emotional connection that comes from the traditional art-making process.
Some artists worry that AI-generated art may devalue their own artwork. AI-generated art can be produced quickly and cheaply without the same level of skill and effort that goes into traditional art.
I’m not familiar with the use of AI-generated art or how art is made that way. A couple of names come to mind when we talk about AI-generated art; OpenAI DALL-E2 and Midjourney. But there are dozens of other online AI art platforms.
NFTs present another creativity challenge for artists. NFTs offer a new way for artists to monetise their digital art. However, they may also require significant investment in technology and marketing in order to be successful.
This can make it difficult for emerging artists without the necessary resources or connections to compete with established artists and galleries.
I have spent most of my time creating abstract paintings. It has been a long and hard journey of learning artistic techniques, but more importantly the creative process. I don’t think anybody can teach you your creativity. This is your own individual unique stamp.
Schools, colleges, universities, courses, etc. can teach you all the possible art techniques but without being able to put all that into your own creativity, you are not likely able to produce your unique authentic artwork.
So, I’m not going now to start learning a new technology to produce art. (I don’t think I could use the phrase “create art” using AI technology).
The importance of creativity in the modern world
Creativity challenges play a vital role in the modern world. These challenges are essential for innovation, problem-solving and progress.
They are the driving force behind many of the technological and cultural advancements that have transformed societies over the past several decades.
Artists, in particular, can contribute positively through their unique perspectives and creative expressions.
One of the most significant contributions that artists can make is their ability to inspire and challenge us to think differently.
I have recently written a blog about Exploring the Difference Between Modern, Abstract and Contemporary Art. Each type of art started as a necessary change from the norm of that time.
Modern artists in the late 19th century felt the need to bring new changes to conventional traditional art. The Industrial Revolution in Western Europe brought so many changes and artists needed to find other ways to express themselves.
The same principles applied to both abstract art and contemporary art. It is the need for change.
Art has the power to provoke thought and spark conversations about important social and political issues. Artists can use their artwork to contribute to the cultural enrichment of society by creating works that challenge our perceptions and expand our understanding of the world around us.
Artists can also play a critical role in driving innovation and progress in fields such as technology and design.
By bringing their creative vision to projects that require innovation and problem-solving, artists can help to push the boundaries of what is possible and develop new solutions to complex challenges.
In this way, artists can contribute to the development of new technologies, products and services that have the potential to improve people’s lives and benefit society as a whole.
Artists can help to shape a better future for society. As such, it is essential to value and support the contributions of artists and to encourage the development of creativity in all its forms.
So, why does art seem to be underrated as a profession? Why do we still have so many “starving artists”?
If you are an artist, feel proud of your creative skill. It is so unique. No one else has that same unique creativity.
Read the next paragraph to know a little bit about how beautiful this unique skill is.
The psychology of creativity
The psychology of creativity is a complex and multifaceted field that explores the cognitive and emotional process involved in the generation of new ideas and creative expressions.
Creativity involves the ability to think outside the box, connect seemingly unrelated ideas and approach problems in novel and innovative ways.
Understanding the psychology of creativity can help us to better understand how creative thinking works and how we can foster and enhance our own creative abilities.
This is an interesting video about Creative Thinking Exercises.
One important aspect of the psychology of creativity is the role of divergent thinking. It is the ability to generate multiple solutions or ideas in response to a problem or stimulus.
If you are interested to know more about divergent thinking, here’s a very interesting video by David Epstein, Why divergent thinkers beat geniuses in the real world.
This involves breaking free from conventional thinking patterns and exploring new and unconventional possibilities.
Another key aspect of creativity is the ability to engage in mental flexibility. This involves the capacity to switch between different modes of thinking and to adapt to changing situations.
Research in the field of creativity psychology has also identified several key personality traits that are associated with creativity. These include openness to experience, curiosity and a willingness to take risks.
Additionally, factors such as intrinsic motivation, cognitive flexibility and the ability to engage in reflective thinking can all contribute to creative thinking and problem-solving.
The importance of being creative
Being creative is important for many reasons, both on a personal and social level. Creativity is the ability to generate new and original ideas and approach problems in innovative and unconventional ways.
This capacity for creative thinking is increasingly valued in a world that is rapidly changing and increasingly complex. Here are some of the key reasons why being creative is important:
- Personal development: Engaging in creative activities can help you to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding in a variety of areas. Creativity can be a means of self-expression and can help you to explore and develop your unique identities.
- Problem-solving: Creative thinking is essential for solving complex problems and developing innovative solutions. By approaching problems from different angles and generating new ideas, you can find new and more effective ways to address challenges in your personal and professional lives.
- Innovation: Creativity is the driving force behind innovation and progress in a variety of fields, from technology to the arts. Innovative ideas can lead to new products, services and processes that can improve people’s lives and benefit society as a whole.
- Career success: Creative thinking is a valuable skill in the modern workforce and is increasingly sought after by employers. By demonstrating their ability to think outside the box and generate new ideas, individuals can stand out from their peers and advance their careers.
- Mental health: Engaging in creative activities can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Creative expression can be a means of self-care and can help individuals to manage stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges.
Final thoughts about creativity challenges in the modern world
It has never been easy to make a living out of creating art for the majority of artists. Artists throughout history share similar creativity challenges.
The ability to monetise their work and sustain it, societal pressure, the educational system and new technologies are just a few of the creative challenges that many artists face today.
In my opinion, AI-generated art is here to stay and I believe this is only the beginning. I expect that it will progress and expand rapidly over the next few years. I guess AI-generated art is becoming a new art movement in the 21st century.
It is unique and has its own characteristics like all current and previous art movements in history. It will spread so quickly and the demand will increase due to lower prices of AI-generated art.
But, then, the law of supply and demand will kick in and we will begin to see an upward change in prices as well as in the quality of produced AI-generated art.
Once it reaches that position, the art market will determine its artistic status and stability within the modern world.
A new generation of younger people will rise to the challenge and demand for AI-generated art. While traditional, modern, abstract and contemporary art styles will take a back seat for a while. And the demand for those will likely rise again after a while.
These are my thoughts about the changing world of art. Nobody knows how long each stage will take.
So, I will just continue to make my abstract art irrespective of any changes.
What about you? Please share your thoughts about the future of art in the comments section below.
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23 May 2025 @ 4:01 am
Thanks for writing this blog post, I enjoyed it very much!
In some ways, I think that art is just too far outside the realm of surviving, that although it is visually appealing and essential in its own way, it just won’t fill the belly. Or keep the rain off our head. It is like a non-essential perk, not one of the basic needs. I do agree with all that you have said with regards to the need to express, and the benefit from creating and seeing art, but I still think society does not rate it as important, and that relates to where artists land on the ladder of professional placement.
Although I have never pursued earning a living from my art, I have always maintained jobs that allowed me to be creative on a daily basis. Although I like the idea of others seeing my art, I don’t think I could part with it, as I always feel that what I create is a part of me and my journey. There is also a mixed bag of feelings from “what if I can’t attract buyers,” or “how can I compete in a world where there are so many others better than I,” when it comes to art.
I really liked your comment about how we are each unique, that there is nobody else like us. That is true, for sure.
I also don’t like the idea of chasing fans or likes or the elusive sale. That seems like a crazy pursuit to me, but I do realize that if one wants to monetize their art, it might require selling off a bit of your soul. Maybe that is not true, but it is what strikes me as something real, when I see others online doing so, especially if they are posting in every social media app and every other available avenue. Then again, I have never found wealth sitting in my chair, afraid to make a name for myself. Combine that with a feeling that I am supposed to be unknown, for my own benefit and growth – an attempt to get away from the need to have other people’s approval, so I feel okay about myself. I hope that makes sense, and anyone who reads this, as a professional artist, doesn’t think I am judging them for trying. As I said, it is just a mixed bag of feelings I look at it all with.
As an artist, I think art is as essential as breathing, and I am so happy that I have the ability to create and the honor of sharing the art of others. I also agree that art allows the human species to dig deep and bring out all those ideas that help propel humanity in such glorious ways.
When I was in my early 30’s I had been asked to take part in some aptitude and abilities testing. I rated in the 99th percentile for special perception, so I felt that I was born with an innate need to create and explore the essence of life in all its shapes and forms. Since then, I have always felt that was one huge “atta-boy,” if I can be so bold to admit that.
Thanks too for your views on AI art. I like a lot of what is happening in that regard, and I agree that it is a movement, maybe one we didn’t expect to come so fast. My only pet-peeve is that too many are creating it and claiming it as their own. That is very sad, and I think it is unethical. In my mind, AI is not just a tool, like the paintbrush, or a digital drawing program, which still requires the human input we know that true artists pour into their art.
Sorry for the long reply, but your blog posts bring forth so much to ponder.
Keep writing and sharing!
23 May 2025 @ 4:05 am
Just as a side note, I love how you share you blog posts. You just share your experience and never come across as someone who thinks they know it all. You seem a gentle soul, just someone who wants to share without expecting others to respond. Anyway, I think that is the essence of a good blog – people can choose to read it or not. I have read a few of yours now, and I am sure I will read more.
23 May 2025 @ 12:39 pm
Don, thank you for your thoughtful comment, not just this blog, but on my others as well. “Conversations like this make sharing our works so rewarding”!
You’ve touched on some really interesting points and got me thinking about this whole topic from a few different angles.
The Artist:
I truly believe art has been part of what makes us human since the very beginning. We’ve always had this deep need to share what we’re experiencing, what we’re thinking, what we’re feeling. It’s how we connect with each other and make sense of everything around us.
Art is probably one of the most powerful ways to do that. You know how they say “a picture is worth a thousand words”. There’s real truth in that.
If you look at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, creativity sits right at the top with self-actualisation, alongside things like finding meaning and reaching our inner potential. Just below that is our need to be unique individuals. So really, what we’re doing as artists isn’t some luxury, it’s fulfilling some of our most fundamental human needs.
The Society:
We’re all individuals but we also live in communities with shared ideas and beliefs. Each society has the same basic human needs, but not every society values or supports the same things in the same way, including art.
The Artist’s Quest:
This brings up something I think about a lot. With 8 billion people on this planet, how do we find our tribe? Like-minded people who really get what we’re trying to say through our art? Not the fake, pushy kind. But the kind where you genuinely connect with people who see the world similarly to you.
That’s where I think the internet, especially social media, comes into it. It gives us the chance to connect with people we never would have otherwise. It works or maybe works well for so many people including artists. But it’s not really for me. I’m not active on social media platforms.
That, of course, depends on the artist if he/she is seeking that quest.
I always think of Peggy Guggenheim when this topic comes up. She was incredible at recognising and supporting artists. Jackson Pollock might have had a completely different story without her. I’ve written about her because she really understood something important. I honestly believe that sometimes it’s not just about the work itself, but about having people who believe in it and talk about it. And Guggenheim realised that very well.
Your kind words about how I share my blog posts without expectation puts a smile on my face because it reminds me of being told by “experts” that I should use “click bait” tactics to get more subscribers to my newsletter. I think those “experts” failed to understand it’s not about numbers for me, it’s about people.
Thanks again, Don.
23 May 2025 @ 3:04 pm
Thanks for the great reply!
Thanks too for the reminder about Maslow. I am very familiar with his work as I wrote much about him in works years ago. I guess my memory worked against me at this time, or perhaps I was just thinking about a seemingly general consensus that still has a footprint today. Maslow was at a time, and of a mindset, that truly understood human basic needs.
I am not familiar with Peggy Guggenheim, so I will have to look her up. With that last name, I assume she is/was part of the family who the museum with the same name comes from, but I will see when I look her up.
My only social media is my YouTube channel, but I have never allowed comments or rating, and the artist forum where we both participate. I have tried others in the past, but always shut down after feeling it was just so unsocial, the opposite of what I was looking for. That is not to say it does not work for everyone. I am sure some must love and thrive in it.
Great chat! Thanks!