Hey Creators,
What if I ask you to give me the top three skills that every creator should have?
You must be thinking about having skills in the artistic space or something that has to do with having more imagination and abstract thinking. Although these skills are important for any creative work, there is not a fixed number of skills that every creative should acquire. The creative skills can vary based on which area or domain you are trying to apply your creative skills in. A musician will have a different set of skills than a poet or a writer. A scientist will possess skills that will be different than what you would find in an entrepreneur or a business strategist. A carpenter will have creative skills that a renowned chef might not have. All these domains are creative in their way, and it’s important to note that we are all creative and own a unique set of skills that is unique to us and the area we choose as our creative outlet.
This is best explained using an analogy of an amusement park. James Kaufman and John Baer, are two psychologists and creativity researchers who have bridged this gap between having general and specific skills in creativity using an Amusement Park Theoretical (APT) model of Creativity.
In this week’s edition of the Creative Insights newsletter, I am going to write about thus theory and understanding how it can be applied to the different phases of our creative skills.
What does it mean to be a creative person? Does every creative person have the same set of skills, or does it vary as per the activity the person is involved in?
This is known as the generality-specificity issue, which is explained using the Amusement Park Theoretical (APT) model of creativity. The model states that creativity is best understood using the metaphor of an amusement park. Similar to an amusement park, creativity can be divided into four different phases:
When you start to plan a trip to an amusement park, you need to think about certain initial requirements that are a must for this trip. These include buying a ticket to the park and arranging for transportation to get to the park. Similarly, when it comes to creativity, some initial requirements must be fulfilled as a stepping stone towards our creative journeys. There is a certain level of intelligence, motivation, and a suitable environment needed as the first base level in becoming creative.
The next crucial decision to make is always about what kind of park you want to visit. Is it a zoo? A water park? Any other kind of amusement park? This is the same decision we make while exploring our creative interests. If you want to be creative, you need something to be creative in. A domain, an outlet, an area in which you can experiment and explore your creativity. Tons of these areas can be chosen as your medium of choice to be creative. For example, there is art, sciences, business, sports, etc.
Once you have narrowed down a thematic area, you must then choose a particular park. For instance, let’s say you feel like going to a water park. Of course you would have more than one option to pick a water park. This is where you need to decide exactly which water park you want to go to. Similar is the story of our creative journeys. If I choose arts, I have a gazillion options and ways in which I can be artistic. I can pick dancing, music, painting, sculpting, digital design and animation, and so much more.
Finally, when you have decided on the park to visit, you are faced with another choice of which rides to experience and enjoy while you are at the park. You experience the same dilemma in your creativity as well. Once you have picked a domain, let’s say music, you are presented with a ton of options to focus on and get better at. You can be a rock guitarist, jazz pianist, drummer, or any other instrument or genre.
Understanding the Amusement Park Theory can be a game-changer for how you view your creative path. Too often, we compare ourselves to others and feel like we’re not "creative enough" because we don’t fit into a particular mold. But creativity isn’t a one-size-fits-all skill. Its deeply personal and always evolving.
The beauty of this model is that it helps you pinpoint where you currently are in your creative journey. Are you still figuring out your general interests? Have you found your domain but are unsure which micro-domain to focus on? That’s perfectly fine it’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.
This layered understanding also removes the pressure to master everything at once. You don’t need to become a “creative genius” overnight. Instead, you can focus on enjoying each phase of your creative amusement park, from exploring different rides to eventually finding the one that gives you the biggest thrill.
Here are a few ways you can use the APT model to navigate your creativity more intentionally:
Ask yourself: What broad category excites me? Is it the arts, sciences, business, or something else? You don’t need to commit yet, this is your sandbox for exploration. Be curious and have fun along the way.
Once you know your general area, dive into a few specific domains. If you’re drawn to the arts, try painting, songwriting, photography, or storytelling. Follow your curiosity without any judgment.
Notice what sticks. What do you return to again and again? That’s a sign you may have found your micro-domain. Now’s the time to go deeper, refine your craft, study your heroes, put in the work, and create consistently.
Just like a real amusement park, it’s impossible to ride everything in one day. Give yourself grace as you explore. Each phase is meaningful. Each ride teaches you something.
The Amusement Park Theory is more than just a model, it’s a reminder that creativity isn’t linear. It’s a vibrant, unpredictable journey filled with choices, experiments, and joyful detours. Wherever you are right now, whether you’re picking a park to go to or buckling in for your favourite ride, you’re exactly where you need to be.
So this week, reflect on your creative amusement park.
What rides have you tried?
Which ones are calling you next?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just hit reply and tell me where you are in your creative journey.
Until next time, keep exploring and stay curious.