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Artistic thinking or how to see the world through art

05.09.2024
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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:
observational skills: the ability to notice details and nuances in the surrounding world;
visual imagination: the ability to envision the invisible or non-existent;
emotional responsiveness: the ability to respond emotionally to visual stimuli;
abstract thinking: the ability to see and create abstract forms and ideas;
technical skills: knowledge and use of artistic techniques and materials.
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:
creating unique and memorable brands with aesthetically appealing and value-communicating company identities;
developing products with an eye for both aesthetics and functionality to attract more clients;
designing user-friendly and visually pleasing interfaces for websites and applications;
creating useful and memorable presentations to enhance the message and help convey the idea to the audience through visually appealing slides;
transforming complex data into clear and understandable charts and graphs to better understand and analyze information;
approaching business problems from an unconventional perspective, finding new paths and innovative solutions;
designing office spaces with an eye for both aesthetics and functionality;
organizing beautiful events that leave a positive impression on visitors and clients.
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:

  • helps to find unexpected connections between different concepts;
  • finds innovative solutions when logical approaches do not work;
  • allows for a deeper understanding and expression of one’s own feelings;
  • accelerates switching between different perspectives and ideas.

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:
  1. Logical thinking is aimed at analysis, synthesis, and problem-solving according to strict rules, whereas artistic thinking allows for ambiguity and the absence of strict logical connections. Artistic thinkers rely more on intuition and subjective perception, while logic demands rationality and clarity.
  2. Abstract thinking operates with general concepts and ideas that are not always linked to specific images. In artistic thinking, on the other hand, abstract ideas are often expressed through concrete images and symbols that convey complex emotional or philosophical meanings.
  3. People with critical thinking evaluate, analyze, and critique information to identify errors or inconsistencies. Artistic thinking is more free and constructive. The efforts of a creative person are directed towards creating something new, rather than analyzing and dissecting the existing.
  4. Creative thinking should not be confused with artistic thinking. These cognitive processes are similar in many ways but not identical. Creative thinking involves generating new ideas and finding unconventional solutions in various fields, including science and technology. Artistic thinking, in turn, is more closely related to aesthetics and art, where not only novelty but also emotional depth and visual expressiveness are important.
  5. Concrete thinking focuses on real objects and situations, while artistic thinking can easily shift from the concrete to the abstract, creating new symbols and meanings that do not have a direct physical counterpart.
  6. Intuitive thinking and artistic thinking share a common feature—both heavily rely on intuition, which is often used for quick decision-making. However, artistic thinking is oriented towards a meditative immersion in the process of creating art, where intuition plays a key role in selecting artistic methods.
  7. Imaginative thinking is also close to artistic thinking, as both types operate with visual and sensory images. However, artistic thinking encompasses a broader range of expressive means. People with this type of thinking focus on the value and meaning of what is being created, not just on emotions alone.
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.

  1. Awareness and Interest.

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.

  1. Development of Skills and Understanding.

At this stage, we move on to developing skills and delving into artistic concepts and techniques. The main features of the second stage include:

  • studying and applying basic techniques and approaches: composition, color palette, texture;
  • testing various artistic materials and methods to expand practical experience and understanding;
  • developing the ability to evaluate both your own and others’ work – providing constructive feedback.
  1. Self-Expression and Creativity.

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.

  1. Deep Understanding and Influence.

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:
Family. Support and encouragement from relatives play a key role in our creative development from an early age. Families that value creativity influence the formation of a child’s interest in artistic activities.
Education. The quality and accessibility of artistic education in schools and clubs affect the development of technical skills and theoretical knowledge. These educational institutions can provide us with the necessary resources and support.
Cultural Environment. Visiting exhibitions, museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions enriches our perception and inspires creativity.
Personal Qualities and Interests. Some people have innate artistic abilities, often noticeable from early childhood. However, inner motivation and personal interest in more mature years are equally important. They play a significant role in continuing and deepening creative activities. If we are confident in our abilities and view our work positively, it will contribute to further development.
Support from Society. Just like family, society can influence the development of our artistic thinking. If it values art, it will positively impact our growth. In a hostile society, we may struggle to focus on creativity.
Influence from Peers. Being surrounded by other creative individuals who strive to acquire artistic skills will inspire and strengthen the desire to develop.
Emotional State. Don’t avoid emotions. Both positive and negative feelings can become the driving force that directs and stimulates our creativity.
Psychological Resilience. Lastly, it’s important for any creative person to learn how to handle criticism, failures, and negativity. This is a crucial skill needed to continue developing one’s voice in artistic form.
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.
Engage in drawing or sketching for 15-30 minutes each day. Try to depict objects, nature, and people around you. Use different materials and techniques: pencil, charcoal, watercolor, oil.
If you enjoy photography, approach it thoroughly. Work on color presentation, shooting format, different types of lighting, and texture. Then create several collections of photos on different themes. This exercise will help you be more attentive to details.
Develop the habit of keeping a journal where you record your feelings, thoughts, and ideas. Include not only verbal descriptions but also miniature images, diagrams, sketches, and doodles. This will visually enrich your notes and help better express ideas. Keeping a journal with drawings develops associative and emotionally-visual thinking.
Learn to play musical instruments and listen to different musical genres. Music lessons will contribute to your emotionally-visual development. Dance classes, on the other hand, will help you express emotions through body movements. You need to train not only the mind and imagination of the artist but also the body. This way, you contribute to overall artistic perception.
Regularly visit museums, galleries, and exhibitions. Interacting with the works of other creative people will inspire you and broaden your horizons. Going to the theater, concerts, book presentations, and other cultural events will enhance your emotional sensitivity. You will learn to evaluate different forms of art.
Enroll in drawing, painting, photography, or other art courses. Professional training will provide you with a theoretical knowledge base, and teachers will monitor the development of technical skills. It will also be helpful to find insightful literature on art, watch educational videos, and attend online courses.
Regular meditation will help develop concentration, intuition, and inner perception, which are important for the creative process.
Contemplate. Pay attention to details in everyday life. Observe nature, architecture, people, and the surrounding world – enhance your attentiveness.
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

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.
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.
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:
  1. Perception and observation. It can be both intentional and spontaneous. The artist closely observes objects, people, nature, and events, noting details, shapes, colors, and shadows.
  2. Associations and images. The artist connects what is seen with personal experience. This initiates the process of forming primary images, which can be both real and abstract.
  3. Imagination and transformation. The artist alters the shape, color, composition, and symbolic meaning of the initial image, creating new artistic ideas.
  4. Composition and planning. Based on intuitive and analytical skills, the artist decides how to arrange elements in the space on the canvas, selects the palette, and determines perspective and balance.
  5. Creation and realization – bringing the concept to life with the possibility of making adjustments to the initial idea. The artist creates a sketch, works with materials, applies paint to the canvas, etc.
  6. Reflection and evaluation. The artist independently assesses how well the intended vision has been conveyed. At this stage, viewers can be engaged to provide feedback.
  7. Assimilation and new cycle. The artist reflects on the gained experience, which can become the foundation for creating a new work.
The process of artistic thinking is not always linear. The artist can return to previous stages, rework ideas and look for new ones.
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.
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.
  1. Creative thinking is applied in all areas of life, while artistic thinking is mainly used in the field of art and aesthetics.
  2. Creative thinking can be expressed in abstract concepts, logical solutions, and images, whereas artistic thinking is expressed in images, symbols, and aesthetic categories.
  3. Creative thinking is used to create something new and original. Artistic thinking is useful for creating aesthetically significant works that can evoke specific emotions in the viewer.
Thus, artistic thinking is a specific form of creative thinking, applied in the field of the arts.
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.

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