Make Something out of Nothing: A Series of art-Based workshops taught by world-renowned influencers of DIY culture. Produced in conjunction with the  theatrical release of the acclaimed documentary Beautiful Losers

Ed Templeton, hosts a workshop to help kids unlock their creative potential and shows how to express yourself through designing skateboard graphics.

We create to inform. We create to share. We create to express. We create to fail. We create to make a difference. We create to learn. We create to inspire. We create because we can.

Be it illustrators, artists, designers, architects or musicians. Why do we create? Why are we creative individuals?  It is not because we blend typography and imagery. It is not because of the mastery of our brush strokes or that perfect note. It is not because we see the glass as both half empty and half full. It is not because we are talented. It IS because we can put all of these traits together and create harmony with the elements given. We bring organization to the chaos that is clients, photography, type, paint and sounds.

I think that I am creative person. I have learned over the years that is not just one thing, but all things that make met hat way. I do not to blindly accept things as they are and question information, not in a defensive way, but as someone who seeks to understand. I believe understanding is one of the most important parts of design. As I sit down and tap my fingers to the keys to write this, I know that I am yet to be the designer I could be, want to be and need to be. This why I constantly reinvent my brand and redesign this site (we are on version 3). I also have much to offer younger designers, older designers, myself and the design community. Still I have yet to realize my fullest potential, but with my collaborations, creative interests and support from my family and friends I know I am getting closer.

But to answer my own question:
I create because it is in me. It is a driving force that keeps me going. I am not aware of the notion that says that at 5 o’clock, the whistle blows and I stop working. Even when I leave work I am working! Thinking of new ideas, sketching and planing what to create next. I wish that sometimes I can just turn it off, but then I run the risk of losing it and that’s never a good thing.

Staying organized (in any way that suits you) is the best way to stay on top of your creativity. Gather your thoughts, keep those sketches close, collaborate with friends and prepare yourself for some harsh feedback. Then get right back up and do it again, creativity never dies it just needs some re-inventing.

We have asked other artists, designers and thinkers this same question… Why do you create? or Why are you creative? and these are the responses we received.

Bruce Colthart

“For me, I think it comes down to regularly conducting exercises in making order out of a perceived disorder. Or reordering someone else’s arrangement or composition of something.”

Rob E Bowen

“Great question, George. You know, I guess it started with me as a child, I had this creative energy that just wanted out. My friends and I would act out skits for our families from our favorite comic strips, and I loved that element of performing. When I was eight I remember starting to want to be responsible for what was on the page rather than performing from it, and I began writing song lyrics. Nothing major or to be that proud of, but I was beginning to play with letting out that energy and I was really loving it. Years went by and the energy became more fluid and I began writing poetry. For years I wrote as an outlet, to assist me in some dark times that I went through in high school, and it was then that I realized the power of this creative energy. It had saved my life.

It was through this realization that I dove into the arts and I never looked back. This energy yearns to be free and I have found so many outlets for it to explore, each one enriching my life and my experience on this planet so much, that the consideration of a life without this creative expression seems hollow and half-lived. I just can’t do that. My pen has guided my journey since and opened up new directions for me to walk. I create to honor that energy. To honor the artforms that have sheltered and shielded me. I create, because I know no other way to live. It is who I am and who I have become.”

David Soto

That’s a hard question to answer. Because I have no idea why I’m a creative person. I really don’t think it’s anything I can control. Its part of me and my personality I guess. What I find interesting is how I can’t really answer the question with assurance. I’m always in a “problem solving” state of mind. Which im sure all you graphic designers out there can relate to. I also have a competitive personality which may explain why I push myself so much. What I do know for sure is, I’m addicted to being creative. Or at least trying.

We also asked on twitter and here are some responses...

Thank You for the great responses to this simple, but complex question…

Hey! Why are you creative!?

Do what makes you happy.

As creative people we usually do work for other people such as our bosses, clients and even sometimes friends & family (I suggest stay away from friends and family). So when creating we are normally not concerned about our own happiness as long as the client likes it. But how about you, the designer, the artist, or the painter. What do you like? Are you fulfilled by what you design? What make you happy that you get to create all the time?

I like to work on projects that have short parameters. Designers need some type of parameters! Projects without guidelines are very difficult and ones with too many are restrictive. When the opportunity presents itself and I am able to work on a project with just the right amount of give and take, that’s when it’s fun. The worst part is to execute a project solely based on ALL the rules of the client.

I like design iconography and manipulating type, it gives me a sense of freedom. Sometime I can’t find clients to push me in a creative directions so I become my own client with self-initiated design projects. These projects keep my mind going and the juices flowing. I  try new ideas and techniques without the fear, without the critiques and without questions. Like most designers, designing  for ourselves is harder than any client could be, because YOU are the client.

Happiness is about how good I feel about the piece I’m working, or its subject matter. I think most of all I think I am most happy when it’s DONE! Then I can move on to the next project, sit back and relax or recharge the battery. Maybe  get away from the computer, taking in some nature and creating something organic.

There is no perfect answer, so I asked some fellow designers From the VS Project & Design Democracy their thoughts on “doing what makes them happy” and here is what some of them said:

“At work I get happy when we discuss the conceptual side of developing new technologies and ways of doing things differently, ie a new version of the site or a new implementation of something that doesn’t quite work right.

At home I get happy when I don’t have to think about the world around me. I’m in DC and the people around me stress me out constantly, so going for a run or biking or walking the dog… something physical makes me happy. That’s especially true if my wife joins me.”

~Mike N Garrett

My first thought is “it’s complicated.”

Big picture is that I’m doing what makes me happy, in terms of my choice of career and [self-] employment situation. I’m very happy I’m able to do this; it’s what I’m meant to be doing (I think). But there’s plenty with this business/job that I’d love to change. It’s hard work and to be more profitable is even harder. Sacrifices need to be made daily, if not hourly. Sounds vague, but only an essay would address it I’m afraid…

The doodling phase is my favorite part of any project, ideally on paper. If a project doesn’t require doodling or sketching, I know it’s not going to be all that fun or rewarding.

Helping others with their projects is perhaps my all-time favorite past time – I get to avoid my own work and solve problems that i don’t have to “own.” There – I said it.

~Bruce Colthart

I love working with small businesses. Its fulfilling to be apart of a project that has impact and that enables people to be successful. I also work alot with non-profits, freelance and pro-bono. Its allows me to engage with my community, by applying visual communication to things I believe in.

~Andrea La Valleur