THE HABITS OF CREATIVE PEOPLE: BAS KORSTEN

Alberto Benitez
3 min readDec 23, 2024

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There is no such thing as being creative.

Each of us can become creative.

Bas Korsten, a renowned advertising creative, invites us to train our brain to enhance our creative capacity.

Bas Korsten is a renowned advertising creative with an extensive career in the industry. He has led creative teams at world-renowned agencies and is known for his innovative vision and commitment to creativity. He currently serves as Global Chief Creative Officer, where he drives innovation and digital transformation in the advertising industry.

1. Curiosity as a Creative Driver:

Korsten emphasizes the importance of keeping an open and curious mind. By exploring new topics, ideas, and experiences, we broaden our perspective and generate unexpected connections.

Tips:
Read about diverse topics: From science fiction to ancient history.
Visit new places: Explore your city or travel to other countries.
Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask why things are the way they are.
Try new activities: Try a new sport, learn an instrument, or take a cooking class.
Talk to people from different backgrounds: Expand your network and listen to their perspectives.

2. Observation as a Source of Inspiration:

Observing the world around us is an endless source of creative ideas. By paying attention to details and relationships between elements, we can find patterns and connections that can inspire new solutions.

Tips:
Observe nature: Landscapes, animals, and plants can spark our imagination.
Analyze everyday objects: How do they work? In what other ways could they be used?
Visit museums and art galleries: Exposure to different artistic styles can stimulate our creativity.
Keep a sketchbook: I jot down ideas, observations, and sketches throughout the day. Do guided observation exercises: Focus on an object or scene and try to describe it in as much detail as possible.

3. Practice as a Teacher:

Creativity, like any other skill, develops with practice. By spending time on creative activities, we strengthen our neural circuits and increase our ability to generate new ideas.

Tips:
Dedicate time to creativity every day: Establish a creative routine, even if it is just for a few minutes.
Experiment with different creative techniques: Drawing, writing, music, etc.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: Mistakes are part of the creative process.
Seek inspiration from other creators: Analyze their work and try to understand their creative processes.
Collaborate with other creatives: Exchanging ideas can generate synergies and new perspectives.

4. Collaboration as a Catalyst for Creativity:

Teamwork can stimulate creativity and generate more innovative solutions. By sharing our ideas with others, we get feedback and can build on each other’s ideas.

Tips:
Participate in working groups: Join a book club, writing group, or art workshop.
Organize brainstorming sessions: Invite your friends or colleagues to share ideas on a particular topic.
Collaborate on online projects: Participate in crowdsourcing platforms or creator communities.
Attend events and conferences: Meet other creative professionals and network.
Be open to constructive criticism: Feedback from others can help you improve your ideas.

5. Rest as a Source of Renewal:

Allowing our minds to rest and disconnect from daily stress is essential for creativity. By relaxing and enjoying pleasurable activities, we allow our ideas to mature and new connections to emerge.

Tips:
Get enough sleep: Adequate rest is essential for cognitive function.
Practice meditation or yoga: These activities help reduce stress and increase mental clarity.
Spend time in nature: Connect with the natural environment and disconnect from technology.
Make time for your hobbies: Do activities that you enjoy and that relax you.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no and disconnect from work during your free time.

Which of these will you start 2025 with?

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Alberto Benitez
Alberto Benitez

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