Creative dress and identity

Does the way we dress and behave affect our creativity?

I very much believe we're all individuals with our own unique ways of expressing ourselves. I don't like to generalise or categorise people.

That said, however, there are certain "looks" or styles we can recognise or describe if asked.

For example if you you were asked "What does a rock musician look like?", maybe you'd have an image in your head of Liam Gallagher, Jon Bon Jovi or Mick Jagger (depending on your age!). Or someone else entirely.

If you someone posed the question "Can you describe what an abstract artist looks like?" or "How would you recognise a writer?", again you'd have certain images and ideas in your head.

The point is that whether we agree with it or not, there are certain styles, clothes, attitudes and behaviours we associate with certain creative people.

So how can we use this to stimulate our own creativity?

As an experiment, try being a completely different creative person for a day. Something very unusual and unfamiliar to you. It could be a specific person or just an image you create yourself.

Dress like them, act like them, assume the same behaviours, attitudes, ways of speaking. Do all you can to get into the role of this creative person.

If you can't imagine doing this for a day, at least do it for a few hours, and go to a major town or city. Notice any changes in the way you feel, the way you look at things around you. Notice also any difference in the way people look at you and treat you.

Finally, do some creative work, or start a new creative project, while still in this different role. Again, notice any differences in the way you are.

You may find you like it so much you take on certain parts of this new style and attitude permanently...