10 rules for creativity: inspired by Corita Kent
Corita Kent (1918–1986), the Pop Art nun, a visionary artist, educator, and activist left behind a powerful legacy of creativity and social justice. Her 10 rules of creativity for artists, educators, and everyone in between offer inspiration to unlocking our full creative potential.
In this post, we’ll cover:
Corita Kent's influence on her peers
10 rules of creativity
Applying Corita Kent’s rules to entrepreneurship
Corita Kent's influence on her peers
Born in Iowa, Corita enters the religious order Immaculate Heart of Mary aged 18, eventually teaching and then heading the art department at Immaculate Heart College. During the course of her career, her artwork evolved from using figurative and religious imagery to incorporating advertising images and slogans, popular song lyrics, biblical verses, and literature. Throughout the ‘60s, her work became increasingly political, urging viewers to consider poverty, racism, and social injustice.
Her work was a breath of fresh air in the mid-20th century art world. Her bold, colourful, and often socially conscious pieces challenged the norms of traditional art. Her influence extended beyond the art world, inspiring educators and activists alike. Her unique blend of pop art, Catholic imagery, and social commentary resonated with a generation seeking change.
At the time of her death, she had created a body of work, comprising nearly 800 serigraphs, thousands of watercolours, and many public and private commissions.
10 rules of creativity
In the 1960s Corita created her ten rules as advice to her Immaculate Heart College students. Corita Kent's 10 rules have been an inspiration for me, reshaping my own views on creativity. Her guidelines serve as a holistic framework nurturing the creative spirit within us all.
Find a place you trust, and then try trusting it for a while. Cultivate a safe, supportive environment for your creative process.
General duties of a student – pull everything out of your teacher; pull everything out of your fellow students. Engage actively in learning, drawing knowledge and inspiration from those around you.
General duties of a teacher – pull everything out of your students. Encourage and challenge students to reach their full potential.
Consider everything an experiment. Approach tasks with an open mind and a willingness to explore and learn from both successes and failures.
Be self-disciplined. Commit to your work and processes, setting and adhering to your own rules and guidelines.
Nothing is a mistake. There’s no win and no fail. There’s only make. Embrace every outcome of the creative process as a valuable step in learning and exploration.
The only rule is work. If you work, it will lead to something. Dedication and effort are the foundation of progress and discovery.
Don’t try to create and analyze at the same time. They’re different processes. Separate the acts of creation and critique to allow for freer expression and more effective refinement.
Be happy whenever you can manage it. Enjoy yourself. It’s lighter than you think. Find joy in the creative process, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
“We’re breaking all the rules. Even our own rules. And how do we do that? By leaving plenty of room for X quantities.” Stay flexible and open to the unexpected. Allow room for spontaneity and the unforeseen in your work.
Helpful hints:
Always be around.
Come or go to every thing.
Go to classes.
Read anything you can get your hands on.
Look at movies carefully, often.
Save everything - it might come in handy later.
There should be new rules every week.
Applying Corita Kent’s rules to entrepreneurship
As entrepreneurs, we face unique challenges and opportunities. By applying Corita Kent’s 10 rules, we can navigate these challenges and build a successful business using some of these strategies…
Build Strong Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with other women in business. Support each other and learn from each other’s experiences.
Embrace Your Unique Perspective: Your unique perspective as a woman can give you a competitive edge. Don’t be afraid to share your voice and challenge the status quo.
Balance Work and Life: Prioritise your wellbeing. Make time for self-care, family, and hobbies.
Seek Mentorship and Sponsorship: Find mentors and sponsors who can help you grow your business and achieve your goals.
By embracing Corita Kent’s philosophy of creativity, hard work, and perseverance, we can make a significant impact on the world. Our voices must be heard – more than ever right now.
Comment below to let me know if this resonated with you and which rule(s) you are going to take forward into your work and your business. More than ever, the world needs the gifts that only we can share.
Go out and do the work.
Make. Create. There are no mistakes. Go out and break all the rules!
