In celebration the 2024 WindowsWear Awards, we asked 80 diverse creatives to delve into the genesis of their imaginative journeys. Creativity, at its core, is the capacity to conceive original and valuable ideas, transcending established boundaries and thinking out of the box.
What does creativity mean to you?
I’ve never thought of myself as a particularly “creative” person but as a cultivator of creatives. In my world, it means always remembering the people who are at the core of everything that my work affects.
What is your first memory of being creative?
My first memory associated with ‘being creative’ is really centered in music and being fascinated by bands and orchestras and how all those different people and musicians could all come together to create something cohesive. That sense of collective creation has been my guiding light ever since.
How do you approach creativity every day?
I view my approach to creativity from a place of seeking. In my role, my goal is to seek out differing views and ideas from across varying functions to foster a space where new solutions, ideas, or approaches are created. Then, it is my responsibility to amplify what is created and celebrate the product.
What advice would you give to someone looking to cultivate their creativity?
Seek out inspiration from fields unrelated to your own. There’s something to be learned from leaders in music, performing and visual arts, architecture, etc. Soon, you will realize how intrinsically intertwined these are, and your bank of creativity begins to pay dividends.
– Mel Montañez, Retail Training & Execution Manager, Burberry