How creating art can boost your problem-solving skills

Problem-solving is one of the most valuable life skills you can cultivate, especially in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world. But how do you get good at it? In this blog, we answer just that, and explore how creating art can help sharpen your problem-solving abilities.

Why good problem-solving is a superpower

If you can solve problems efficiently, congratulations, you’re at an advantage! Outside of the more obvious benefits (such as resolving issues and being a great skill to demonstrate on your CV), problem solving has many indirect advantages too. Some of these include: 

• Boosting your confidence 

• Strengthening teamwork and morale

• Improving your efficiency when it comes to those challenging tasks

  
  

How to get good at problem-solving 

Problem-solving is like a muscle. Anyone can strengthen it, but it takes consistent effort and intentional habits in your daily life. Here are a few ways to build and enhance this skill:

• Training your mind to explore multiple options and solutions, rather than just one solution

• Breaking bigger problems down into smaller manageable ones

• Cultivating a growth mindset : where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth

• Practicing critical thinking more regularly

• Surrounding yourself with people who challenge your ideas and think differently to you

Learning a new skill that requires creative thinking, such as taking up an art-based hobby is an easy way to cover many of these habits at once. This is because creative thinking engages multiple brain regions, particularly the ones involved planning, organising, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Five ways creating art can make you a more efficient problem solver

Creating art has many advantages. As well as developing your artistic skills and giving you the opportunity to express yourself, it can help make you a more efficient problem solver. Let’s explore five ways it does this: 

1. Encourages creative thinking 

Creating art pushes you to think outside the box and experiment with different approaches to expressing ideas. This strengthens what we like to call your “creative thinking muscle”— one you’ll use regularly when solving complex problems.

2. Enhances adaptability

Even though you might begin your creative piece with a plan in mind, the process can be an unpredictable experience. From discovering different textures, tones and shapes, to embracing mistakes as part of the journey. Being flexible and adaptable when creating art is key. This mindset can also be transferred to problem-solving — when things don't go as planned.

3. Improves attention to detail and analytical Skills

One of the more obvious benefits! Whether you’re painting, sculpting, drawing or making a collage, the details matter. For example, when you start a painting, things like brush size, line placement and colour choice — are all important details to consider. It's no different when it comes to problem-solving. Attention to detail can make you much more effective and efficient in this area. 

4. Fosters persistence and resilience

When you’re deeply invested in creating a piece of art, you realise fast that it's rarely a straightforward process. While it’s incredibly rewarding, there are often moments of frustration. However, persevering until you reach the finished piece helps build the patience and persistence needed to overcome challenges. This is a skill that can keep you focused when solving problems in other areas of life.

5. Develops your decision-making and critical thinking

When you make art, you're making decisions in real time (for example, deciding when a piece of art is finished). This encourages critical thinking and helps you build confidence in your ability to make choices— a transferable skill that directly enhances decision-making in both personal and professional challenges.

Creating art has tons of benefits for people of all ages. Read all about how creative practice helps with cognitive development in children .

Practical ways you can incorporate creative practice into your life

Thankfully, you don’t need to be the next Da Vinci to explore your creativity. In fact, anyone can start and along the way, you’ll naturally boost your problem-solving skills. Here are some practical ways to begin creating art:

• Attending creative events, classes and workshops. Discover art exhibitions and events in London

• Investing in a sketchbook, or other art materials for dedicated creative time

• Designating  a space in your home to creativity

• Adding art to your mindfulness routine