Trait-Based Origins of Creativity

Abstract

Chapter 2 provides an overview of scientific findings on correlations between each of the Big Five dimensions and creativity. The author notes that we can’t know everything about artist personality or the intricacies of artistic process, but that does not mean we can’t know anything. The research has been done, and the job, now, is to sift through it, identify what’s known, and craft a general portrait. A generic artist personality profile is outlined. The author presents a contrast between the average scientist and the average artist. From there, the author focuses on the trait-based roots of creativity, including detailed discussion of the exact Big Five profiles of two accomplished creatives: Kuwaiti painter Shurooq Amin and American writer Walter Kirn.