Artistic thinking is an aesthetic way of thinking outside of frameworks and templates. Some people have an innate artistic mindset, although it is a skill just like reading or writing. It can be mastered and developed. Despite the fact that it seems like artistic thinking is only needed by people in creative professions, this is not entirely true. It can be applied with excellent results in any field of activity. Sometimes, artistic thinking is the only way to solve problems, both personal and professional.
We must clearly understand how the skill of thinking through the lens of visual art will improve the quality of our lives if we begin to develop it.
What does artistic thinking mean in art and business?
Artistic thinking is a specific way of perceiving and interpreting the world through the prism of visual images and forms. Artistically minded people see and feel the world through art. And we are talking not only about the creation of works of art, but also about how a person perceives visual stimuli, reacts to them and explains them.
Professional artists, who possess artistic consciousness, have defining qualities such as:
They are capable of seeing beauty in everyday things, creating harmonious and expressive compositions, and noticing visual images that they can later recreate from memory on canvas. People with an artistic way of thinking understand symbols and metaphors. They can analyze and evaluate artistic works, which makes them good experts in specific fields of art: literature, music, painting, etc.
Although artistic thinking has its roots in art, it can also be useful in everyday routines. For example, if you are a designer, an aesthetic way of thinking will help you use principles of composition and color harmony to create a cozy and beautiful space in homes. It will also help you better understand how to frame shots, choose angles, and lighting when photographing a space. Artistic thinking can assist you in choosing clothing and accessories, matching colors and textures. Even when creating presentations for work or study, knowledge of basic composition and design principles will make your material more attractive and understandable. Moreover, artistic thinking provides a sense of liberation. You will be able to relax and fully enjoy the beauty of nature and artworks, benefiting your mental health.
A creative mindset will be useful in business. Just imagine what you could do! This means:
Artistic thinking in both art and business helps improve visual aspects of communication, develop unique and attractive products and services, and approach problem-solving from a creative perspective. It is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance a company’s competitiveness and success.
Types of artistic thinking: psychological aspect
Artistic thinking, as a unique form of cognitive activity, represents a distinctive combination of imagination, intuition, and emotional sensitivity. It plays a key role in the creative process and is significantly different from traditional logical and analytical types of thinking. In psychology, several types of artistic thinking are distinguished, each playing a special role in the process of perceiving and creating a work of art.
Associative Artistic Thinking
This cognitive process involves linking different images, ideas, experiences, and feelings into a cohesive whole based on subjective associations. This type of thinking is often contrasted with logical and analytical thinking, which relies on strict rules and cause-and-effect relationships. Associative thinking positively impacts the creative process: In psychology, associative thinking is considered an important aspect of unconscious work. It underlies such mental processes as dreams, fantasies, and free associations, which are used by doctors in psychoanalysis. Artists and creative people use associative artistic thinking to generate new ideas and create works of art that can evoke an emotional response from the viewer or provoke thought.Synthetic Artistic Thinking
By using it, a person is able to combine different ideas, concepts, and images into new, original structures. They can create something new by connecting seemingly incompatible elements. Synthetic thinking is especially characteristic of experimental artists who strive to combine traditional and modern aspects, forming cohesive images or concepts. While examples can also be found in music, literature, or cinema. People with a synthetic way of thinking can see common traits in different things and combine them into harmonious works. If an artist applies this type of thinking, they will be able to combine different styles, drawing techniques, materials, and ideas to create unique and cohesive works. Such paintings typically have a multilayered structure, where each new layer of paint or element carries additional meaning. If you develop a synthetic artistic way of thinking, you will be able to create new forms and concepts that have no traditional boundaries.Emotional-Imaginative Artistic Thinking
This is the ability to perceive and convey strong emotional experiences through visual images. An artist who can deeply feel will be able to translate these feelings through color, form, composition, and the structure of the painting. Emotional-imaginative thinking is especially useful when you need to show the viewer or reader your own experiences and elicit a corresponding emotional response: anxiety, sadness, joy, anticipation. Sometimes, to express complex emotions, an artist uses symbols and metaphors drawn from personal experience. Therefore, the rather subjective and individual emotional-imaginative thinking is characteristic of artists working in styles such as Impressionism, Expressionism, and Surrealism. These art movements emphasized the importance of subjective perception and emotional response, focusing on the inner world of both the artist and the viewer. For everyday tasks, the emotional way of thinking should not be applied thoughtlessly, neglecting the advantages of logical analysis and rational planning. Otherwise, you are likely to face emotional swings and seemingly correct but erroneous paths. Understanding these types of thinking is important for deepening knowledge about how creative individuals process information and express their ideas, which makes their works unique and meaningful. Additionally, it is also useful for developing one’s own creativity, emotional intelligence, and interaction with others, finding and discovering unconventional solutions, as well as a way to relax through self-expression and reflection via art. Knowledge of types of artistic thinking enriches both personal and professional life, making us more creative, emotionally aware, and culturally developed.Artistic thinking: similarities and differences with other types of thinking
Artistic thinking differs from other types of thinking in its focus on creative interpretation of reality,perception, and expression of emotional and aesthetic experiences through images and symbols. Let’s consider the main differences between the artistic thinking process and other types:
Thus, the main distinction of artistic thinking from other types lies in its ability to combine intuition, imagination, and emotions to create unique and original solutions. It provides depth of perception and interpretation of reality, making it indispensable in our creative and professional activities.
Why is the development of artistic thinking accessible to everyone? Analysis of the question
In the modern world, we are faced with new challenges and problems that are only growing. Consequently, the need for new and unconventional solutions is also increasing. In such a situation, a good sense of perception, the ability to reflect, design skills, as well as the ability to handle unpredictability and ambiguity become increasingly important. All these qualities are embodied by professional artists. Their ability to think artistically is especially valuable when there is a need for innovative and forward-thinking solutions.
Associative artistic thinking helps find unexpected connections between ideas, which promotes the generation of original solutions and innovations. Synthetic thinking allows for combining disparate elements into a harmonious whole, which is important for a comprehensive and systematic approach to tasks. Emotional-imaginative thinking develops the ability to understand and express emotions more deeply, which enhances emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships.
Artistic thinking is accessible to everyone. I believe that if we incorporate artistic exercises into our daily routine, it will open up new avenues for personal and professional growth.
Try incorporating a new habit in the form of daily drawing. This exercise helps develop attention to detail, improves coordination, and stimulates imagination. You can start with simple sketches of objects you see around you or draw from memory.
Regular photography, on the other hand, develops a sense of composition and attention to visual details. Try taking several photos each day, focusing on different aspects of photography: lighting, color, format, texture.
Set aside time each day to record your thoughts and impressions. Keeping a kind of journal of feelings will promote the development of associative and emotional-imaginative thinking.
Creating collages develops synthetic thinking—teaching you to combine different elements into a single harmonious work.
Artistic awareness can also be fostered through dancing and music. Dancing to your favorite songs not only reduces stress and boosts your mood but also contributes to the formation of emotional-imaginative thinking.
By regularly engaging in these simple artistic exercises, you will stimulate your creative thinking, gain a better understanding of your own feelings, improve your interactions with others, gain insights, and find unconventional solutions to complex problems. You will also learn to reduce anxiety through creative activities.
Start doing these exercises today, and you will be amazed at how much more inspired and friendly your world will become!
On the path to creative consciousness: 4 stages of development of artistic thinking
For a person striving to develop artistic thinking, the path may resemble that of an artist, but with some differences. Even if the goal is not to create professional art, creative thinking reveals previously hidden perspectives in both professional and personal life. Here are the main stages a person goes through on the path to artistic consciousness.
At this stage, we begin to recognize the desire to develop artistic thinking and study the basics of art. How does this manifest? We become interested in different artistic directions and methods. We incorporate simple artistic practices into our daily life: drawing, working with color, creating visual projects. We start to notice and appreciate artistic elements in everyday life: colors, textures, shapes.
At this stage, we move on to developing skills and delving into artistic concepts and techniques. The main features of the second stage include:
At the advanced stage, we actively use skills for self-expression and creating unique works. Here, we search for and develop our own artistic style and approach that reflects personal interests and experiences. We use art as a means of self-expression and conveying personal ideas and emotions. At this stage, experimentation with various forms and ideas is possible.
At the mastery stage, artistic thinking reaches a deep level, and one can influence others and share knowledge. We fully understand and are aware of complex cultural and philosophical contexts in art, and we can teach, mentor, or inspire others. At this final stage, we derive genuine pleasure from engaging in creativity and clearly recognize how valuable it is in our lives.
Every adult goes through the listed stages on the path to creative consciousness. They are like building blocks, gradually forming a strong foundation for creativity and the ability to see the world from a new perspective.
Factors influencing the development of an artistic mind
There are many factors that can influence the formation of our artistic way of thinking. And this influence is not always beneficial. Therefore, it is worth examining this issue to create the right conditions for the effective development of our creative abilities.
So, our environment, personal qualities and interests, social, psychological, and emotional factors can all influence us. Let’s list them:
Now you know how to create conditions for the development of creativity and self-expression.
Features of artistic thinking in our lives
As we have already determined, artistic thinking is fundamentally different from others. Now let’s delve deeper into the differences and explore the unique features of how an artist thinks and how this mindset influences their life.
The first feature lies in visualization and imaginative thinking. People with an artistic mindset often rely on visual images that help them form and convey ideas to others. Artists use symbols to express complex concepts and emotions.
The second feature lies in emotional expressiveness. Artistic consciousness is the ability to convey complex and deep emotions through creativity. Therefore, it is not surprising that professional artists are often empaths. This trait helps them understand and depict the emotions of others on the canvas.
The third feature is creativity and innovation. People with an artistic mindset can find unconventional and innovative solutions. For instance, artists experiment with various techniques and styles to accomplish a particular task on the canvas. As a result, unconventional solutions are born. Anyone can also approach a problem creatively – from an unusual angle.
The fourth feature is intuitiveness and spontaneity. Artistic thinking is based on intuitive perception and spontaneous feelings. By grasping the nuances of this way of thinking, we can improvise and be inclined toward spontaneity in expressing our own ideas.
The fifth feature of artistic thinking is holistic perception. Professional artists can see how to connect disparate elements to achieve a harmonious image. Often, they use a layered technique, infusing each brushstroke with a specific meaning.
The listed features of artistic thinking show its uniqueness and importance for the development of our creative abilities and self-expression.
How to start artistic thinking? Exercises and techniques
To develop artistic thinking, you don’t need special skills or education. You can do it on your own. Just incorporate simple exercises and practices into your daily routine. This will significantly enrich your life and stimulate creative development.
By following these recommendations, you will explore various aspects of artistic thinking and understand which form of creativity best helps you solve personal and professional tasks. Regardless of your level of preparation, the prescribed actions will help you develop creative abilities and see the world through art.
Question and answer
What is artistic-imaginative thinking?
This is a type of thinking in which a person perceives the world through images and emotions rather than logical or abstract concepts. They possess a good sense and developed imagination, and are able to see beauty. People who think in images often choose creative professions: artist, musician, writer, etc.
What is the artist's mindset?
An artist typically has a dominant artistic-imagery thinking style, which allows them to see the world in images, colors, lines, and shapes, and to convey emotions through symbols and aesthetic elements. In addition to artistic-imagery thinking, an artist may also excel in intuitive, emotional, spatial, and associative thinking. Their thought process is multifaceted and usually involves different types of thinking simultaneously to create.
What is the process of artistic thinking?
This is a sequence of mental actions through which an artist conceptualizes and creates a work of art. The main stages of the artistic thinking process include:
The process of artistic thinking is not always linear. The artist can return to previous stages, rework ideas and look for new ones.
What does it mean to have an artistic mind?
This means possessing an innate or developed ability to perceive, interpret, and express the surrounding world through images, symbols, aesthetic categories, and creative thinking. People with an artistic mindset tend to view the world through the lens of beauty, harmony, and emotional perception. They can both create and evaluate various forms of art. Features of an artistic mindset include sensitivity to aesthetics, a developed imagination, emotional depth and empathy, creative thinking, a tendency toward reflection, sensitivity to the surrounding world, intuition, and spontaneity.
Is artistic thinking the same as creative thinking?
These concepts are similar but not identical. Creative thinking is a broader concept that includes the ability to generate new, original ideas and find unconventional solutions to problems in various fields: science, technology, art, business. Creative thinking is aimed at creating something unique. Artistic thinking, on the other hand, is a form of creative thinking. It is related to the creation and perception of images, aesthetic forms, and symbols. People with an artistic mindset express ideas and emotions through visual, auditory, or literary images, working with materials in an artistic context.
Here are a few tricks to distinguish creative thinking from artistic thinking.
Thus, artistic thinking is a specific form of creative thinking, applied in the field of the arts.
What is artistic intelligence?
It is the ability of a person to understand, create, and evaluate works of art, as well as to perceive and interpret aesthetic and cultural values. This type of intelligence includes a complex of cognitive, emotional, and creative abilities that enable a person to interact effectively with the world of art.
Examples of artistic intelligence include an artist’s ability to create visual images that convey deep emotions and conceptual ideas. Or a musician’s skill in composing pieces that evoke specific emotional states in listeners. The ability of a poet to use language and symbols to create powerful poetry. And the skill of a viewer or critic to evaluate works of art in terms of technical mastery, symbolic content, and cultural significance.
Artistic intelligence allows a person not only to create but also to determine the value of a work for culture and society.
