15 Ways to Express Creativity (my favorite creative outlets)
All images in this post were created using Adobe Firefly’s text-to-image AI generator.
Finding a creative outlet is awesome. It’s a form of self expression with a myriad of benefits. So these are my favorite ways to express creativity (plus tips on how to find the right fit).
But before getting into my list, let’s explore what creative expression is and some of its benefits.
Let’s get it.
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What Is Creative Expression? (meaning + benefits)
Creative expression is using your imagination, skills and intuition to produce something artistic or personally meaningful.
The thing about creativity is you don’t need to be born with some artistic sixth sense to capture it.
You don’t need to be a Picasso or a Wes Anderson.
You don’t even need to be “good”. You just need to have fun with it and keep an explorer's mindset.
And it’s got some pretty sweet benefits to boot.
Why do we express creativity? (15 benefits)
It makes you smarter
You become more self aware
You’ll feel happier
You can find a new ikigai (the Japanese concept of life purpose)
Discover new ways to express thoughts and ideas
Reduced stress and anxiety
Connect more deeply with your emotions
Build confidence and self-esteem
Build a new network and connect with other creative people
Learn new (in-demand) skills
Improve your problem solving skills with more innovative, creative thinking
Get a leg up in your career
Make an impact in the world
Create a legacy to leave behind
Tap into and practice your intuition skills
Ways to Express Creativity (15 examples)
Creative outlets abound! So here’s my shortlist of the best I’ve found.
Well, the best according to me – but I think they cover the scope of most avenues to pursue.
You can run with these ideas or just use them as inspiration – a springboard, if you will – for discovering something else entirely.
1. Writing
I love writing. It’s been a fantastic addition (and asset) to my other creative ventures.
I actually scribbled some words on this very topic over on Medium recently (read that story here: I accidentally became a writer…).
If you’re struggling with where to start, you can try using writing prompts for some inspiration.
2. Play Around With AI
It’s easy to see AI as only a technological revolution – but it’s also a creative one.
So if you’re looking for a new tech-savvy creative outlet, look no further than AI.
New AI tools are always popping up, but here are some of my current favorites (all of which are free):
Upload information and turn it into your own personal chatbot
Amazing – endless opportunities – let the creativity commence!
ChatGPT
This is fantastic for inspiration and getting over creative blocks
You can get ChatGPT on your phone and use it in astonishing ways
Google
I’m using Labs + Bard
Google has a ton more projects in their pipeline though
Midjourney
Text-to-image AI generator
Works through Discord (as of my writing this)
Also text-to-image AI generator
More user friendly than Midjourney, but still kind of wonky with the output
If you’re keen to stay in the loop on all things AI, I love The Rundown newsletter.
3. Learn Digital Songwriting
Writing music might sound daunting – but hear me out, because it’s an extremely rewarding and creative adventure to go on.
And you don’t need to learn music theory or even know how to play an instrument.
Here are some beginner-friendly ways to try songwriting:
Start with lyrics only
Write a poem (or have ChatGPT write lyrics for you)
Then play around by humming the lyrics into melody ideas
Record yourself singing them into a recording app (like BandLab)
Or use AI (such as Voicemod) to turn text into music and create songs
Use simple digital tools and apps
Again, BandLab and AI are good starting points for non-musicians
Take lessons
Whatever interests you most – singing, guitar, piano, music production…
Start with covering songs
Then practice changing them slightly to make them your own
4. Do Art
Art – a classic way to express creativity.
There are tons of ways to express yourself with art – painting, drawing, sculpting, pottery, generating AI images (like the ones in this post)…
It’s all about preference and finding what resonates with you most.
So have some fun and try out different styles until you find something that hits just right.
5. Fashion + Thrifting
I’m fascinated with fashion and creativity. Because the two are intimately connected.
Creativity fosters style – and style fosters creativity.
Fashion is a fun creative endeavor.
So if you’re looking for a new way to express yourself, consider adding this one to your creativity cart.
I personally love thrifting and finding unique finds while traveling – but wherever is good.
6. Redesign Your Space or Yard
Home design and landscaping are super creative.
Whether you’re choosing colors for a kitchen, moving furniture around or shaping a garden bed with rocks and flowers – creative expression is happening.
So look around your room or space and start planning a new look.
Who knows, things could snowball and you could end up with a new passion and even a new career.
7. Start A Personal Blog
Blogging has a lot of moving parts – and most of them are pretty creative.
From topic ideation and keyword discovery to writing and site design, blogging is really just one great creative adventure.
That’s why it’ll always sit towards the top of my list of creative things to try.
So if you’re feeling more motivated (and slightly entrepreneurial), blogging may be just what you’re looking for.
Recommended: Squarespace for Blogging (my 1-year review)
8. Photography and Filming
I fell in love with filming and photography while traveling and living in Tokyo.
Learning how to express yourself with a camera is a blend of technical know-how, vision and storytelling.
But really, it’s best to not get too bogged down by the “rules” and best practices. Because these things can feel overwhelming if you’re just starting out.
So if you’ve ever had any interest in filmmaking or taking photos, why not grab your phone (or a used camera) and start piecing together some shots and angles.
Who knows, you could be the next Wes Anderson.
9. Dancing
Got some creativity you need to express? You could always try dancing.
Actually, learning to dance has been a low-key goal of mine for a little while now – once I can carve out some time in my schedule…
But of course, we don’t need to be technical or professional here either.
Good dancing (as far as I understand it…which is very little…) involves a lot of creative expression and emotion.
So this could be the perfect outlet if you’re trying to boogie.
10. Make Up Your Own Recipes
Cooking is another creative outlet.
I always have mad respect for chefs – or anyone that knows how to mix spices and flavors together like a potion.
When I have the patience and time, I love being creative with my meals.
Of course, things don’t always work out or taste good – but I suppose that’s the point of creativity.
You’ve got to go through a lot of meh projects in order to learn and reach the best ones.
11. Make Free Graphics With Canva
Canva is a free graphic design tool that anyone can use to make pro-level projects (no experience required).
I use it almost daily.
They have all the templates, creative assets and elements you could need to make your design come to life.
It’s super fun messing around in the platform and can be a great springboard if you’re interested in learning more advanced graphic design.
You can sign up for a free account here.
12. Design Your Own Clothes
I think if more people realized just how easy it is to design your own clothing and tees, there would be textile design hobbyists.
It’s modern life and you can easily design (and even sell) your own shirts, hats, hoodies and more (such as pillows, art prints, shower curtains, coffee mugs…).
It’s entirely online and you don’t need to deal with any equipment or logistical hurdles. For example, you can test out RedBubble or Teespring to create (and even sell) some personal designs.
I mean, what’s more creative than making your own shirts and clothes?
(you can use Canva or Placeit by Envato to find templates or make your own graphics and designs).
13. DIY Projects
DIY projects are super creative.
They also often have the added benefit of whatever you’re working on serving some practical use.
Here are some DIY projects you could try for creative expression:
Woodworking
Furniture restoration
Home decor design
Upcycling and repurposing things
Organization and storage
Outdoor projects
14. Acting
Have you ever imagined yourself acting – even for just a moment?
I know I have. I even dabbled a bit myself – just a couple auditions, nothing serious. But I can tell you it’s a fantastic creative outlet.
Acting is like advanced creativity. It’s self expression, of someone else – some character.
It’s just…cool.
So check out some local acting classes (or online). Record some monologues on your phone. Make a short movie with your friends.
Anything goes here. Just have fun with it.
15. Become A Content Creator
Turning your ideas, knowledge or passions into content is super rewarding and fun.
(and creative)
So this is my last creative outlet recommendation: join us and become a content creator.
There are no gatekeepers and there are no rules (well, there are a few best practices if you want to grow a brand).
But learning how to create value-adding content on the internet is one of the most exciting journeys I’ve had.
I’ve accumulated a myriad of valuable skills, learned tons about myself and become way more creative.
So if you’re interested in this pursuit, I can tell you it’ll be well worth your time.
(just stay patient, love the process and have fun)
Recommended: Vlogs vs. Blogs vs. Social Media (+ how to choose)
How to Find Your Creative Outlet (5 tips)
If you’re still not sure where to start or which to choose, no worries.
Here are some quick tips for more clarity.
Sample Stuff
Try many things. Because you can always change, as often you’d like.
We all know this, but it’s a helpful reminder. So don’t feel like you have to stick with one thing after choosing it.
While skill building and not giving up when things get hard is important, so is playing around and sampling multiple creative outlets to find what resonates with you most.
Because once you do find the one, you’ll know.
Hang Around More Creative People
Meeting and networking with more creative people is a great way to get more ideas and be inspired.
It’s stacking the cards in your favor.
After all, it’s hard to be artistic in a room full of naysayers.
You can check your area for local art meetups and workshops or sign up for classes. Apps like Meetup can also be another way to network.
Follow Your Intuition + Passions
What are you already interested in or already good at?
Are there skill overlaps or things you’d like to get better at?
What makes you excited and what types of activities just feel right?
Answering these types of questions can add some clarity to things.
Practice Creative Thinking
Technically, everything is a creative pursuit – if you have a creative mindset.
Creative thinking embraces curiosity and a learner’s mindset.
Here are some other ways to practice creative thinking:
Practice open mindedness
Try using constraints or adding limitations to boost creativity
Learn to embrace failure
Have Fun (ignore quality)
The most important part of this whole process is have fun.
And one of the quickest ways to destroy that is focusing too much on quality, perfection or trying to do things “right”.
So avoid comparing yourself and don’t attach your efforts to quality.
I’m all for improving and skill building, but try to focus on the process and enjoy the ride.
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