What is creativity, and why is it important to learn?

Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas and express them through words, actions, or other means. We are all familiar with expressions of creativity in art forms like fiction writing and music, but it is also an increasingly important skill in business as well as in our personal lives. In today’s fast-changing world, creative thinking is an essential tool for discovering new pathways to success and fresh approaches to problem solving. While creativity is often spoken of as an innate talent or quality, it is also a skill that can be learned and practiced. In entrepreneurship, the “innovation mindset” is all about cultivating a creative way of seeing the world - and recognizing opportunities to disrupt the way it currently works. And whether you’re a startup founder or working within an established company, there are brainstorming techniques and approaches to collaboration you can learn to help find new perspectives on shared goals.

What kinds of careers can I have with a background in creativity?

Creative thinking is an important skill for a wide range of careers and roles, as this capability can help you come up with new problem solving solutions and recognize emerging opportunities. It’s particularly important for entrepreneurs starting a company as well as “intrapreneurs” working for change within an established organization, as the tools of creativity can catalyze unique insights on existing problems and uncover hidden potential for innovation. For artists, musicians, and writers, creativity is an absolutely essential tool of the trade. Whether you’re seeking to share your unique vision of the world or simply come up with an impactful branding campaign as a copywriter, the ability to translate imagination into creative reality is invaluable if you want to pursue a career in these fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , writers and authors earn a median annual salary of $63,200 and typically have a degree in English, communications, or journalism in addition to their creative mindset.

Can I learn about creativity by taking online courses on Coursera?

Absolutely! Whether you want to discover innovative business solutions or prepare for a career in the arts, you can learn valuable techniques and practice your creative thinking skills through a wide range of courses and Specializations on Coursera. You can learn remotely from top-ranked schools like Imperial College London, State University of New York, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Wesleyan University while paying a much lower tuition than on-campus students. And, because you can view and complete course materials on a flexible schedule, online courses about creativity on Coursera lets you learn whenever inspiration strikes - or, whenever your existing work and family life allows!

What kind of people are best suited for roles in creativity?

People who enjoy envisioning things and then turning those visions into reality are typically best suited for roles in creativity. People who enjoy creating beautiful, flavorful meals, new garment styles, or unique home decor items can also be well suited for creative roles. Creative roles can be suitable for people who want to build architectural structures or develop new business structures. Both introverts and extroverts can explore creativity, with curiosity and willingness to explore new ideas typically being central factors. Creativity is important in many careers for both laborers and managers who work together to solve problems.

What are common career paths for someone in creativity?

Some common career paths for people who enjoy exploring creativity include writing and fine arts. Additionally, creative people who enjoy interacting with others may enjoy careers as hairdressers, nail technicians, or makeup artists. Landscapers and florists are creative career paths for people who enjoy plants or spending time outdoors. Graphic design and game design are career paths for creatives who enjoy spending a lot of time on the computer. For people who enjoy being behind the lens of a camera, photography and videography are options to consider that allow for creative expression. Marketing and advertising are two more professions that are heavily based on creativity.

What topics can I study that are related to creativity?

Some topics you can study that are related to creativity include graphic design, contemporary art, and photography. You could also study writing, content strategy, or creative problem-solving techniques. Entrepreneurship and business studies are some other possible options for studies that allow for you to explore creativity. If you enjoy combining analytical thinking with creativity, you could study topics like engineering or architecture.

What types of places hire people with a background in creativity?

Some places that hire people with creative backgrounds include beauty salons and educational facilities that may tend to look for a dramatic flair in potential teachers. Theaters and TV stations typically hire people who have backgrounds in creativity. These jobs can include work areas like scriptwriting, performing, working as a lighting technician, and being behind the camera as a videographer. Publishers and content providers typically hire writers and editors who have creative backgrounds to create and improve written text. Manufacturers typically hire creatives who also have engineering skills to develop new products. Landscaping companies and design companies also typically hire people who have creative backgrounds for both design work and hands-on labor.

What are the benefits of taking an online Creativity course?

Online Creativity courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Creativity skills. Choose from a wide range of Creativity courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Creativity courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Creativity, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Creativity Courses - Learn Creativity Online

Explore the Creativity Course Catalog

University of Colorado Boulder
Giving Helpful Feedback
Skills you'll gain: Constructive Feedback, Team Motivation, Performance Management, Employee Performance Management, Management Training And Development, Emotional Intelligence, Coaching, Creativity, Professional Development, Communication
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Build a free website with WordPress
Skills you'll gain: WordPress, Content Management Systems, Web Content, Web Design and Development, Information Architecture
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
University of Virginia
Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction
Skills you'll gain: Journals, Writing, Storytelling, Writing and Editing, Timelines, Liberal Arts, Creativity
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
605 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Pensamiento científico
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, General Science and Research, Creative Thinking, Research, Critical Thinking, Independent Thinking, Creativity, Culture, Social Sciences, Decision Making, Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The University of Sydney
Problem-Solving Skills for University Success
Skills you'll gain: Creative Problem-Solving, Problem Solving, Creative Thinking, Analytical Skills, Resourcefulness, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Research, Communication
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Minnesota
Integrative Health and Medicine
Skills you'll gain: Patient Education and Support, Clinical Nursing, Patient Referral, Nursing Practices, Patient Treatment, Nursing Administration, Treatment Planning, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Health Care, Train The Trainer, Patient Coordination, Clinical Research, Food Quality Assurance And Control, Stress Management, Patient Safety, Empathy, Safety Audits, Creativity, Educational Materials, Pharmaceuticals
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Yale University
Roman Architecture
Skills you'll gain: Architectural Design, Architecture and Construction, Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aesthetics, Cultural Responsiveness, Liberal Arts, Design, Creativity
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
673 reviews
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Berklee
Introduction to Ableton Live
Skills you'll gain: File Management, Media Production, Multimedia, Automation, Live Streaming, Software Installation, Creativity, Performance Testing, Computer Programming
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Multiple educators
Innovación en los Negocios y Disrupción Digital
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Storytelling, Design Thinking, Business Strategy, Business Modeling, Marketing Communications, Data Visualization, Brand Strategy, Project Portfolio Management, Business Planning, Growth Strategies, Technology Strategies, Business Process, Strategic Planning, Digital Transformation, Risk Management, Business, Innovation, Strategic Thinking, Market Opportunities
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
60 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Arizona State University
Creative Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, Brainstorming, Resourcefulness, Creativity, Curiosity, Strategic Thinking, Independent Thinking, Innovation, Decision Making, Collaboration
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California, Irvine
Essentials of Entrepreneurship: Thinking & Action
Skills you'll gain: Business Planning, Feasibility Studies, Entrepreneurship, Market Opportunities, Business Management, Innovation, New Business Development, Business Strategies, Ideation, Business Process, Business Analysis, Business Operations
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Rochester
History of Rock, Part One
Skills you'll gain: Cultural Diversity, Sociology, Media and Communications, Creativity
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months