Fashion industry professionals’ viewpoints on creative traits and, strategies for creativity development

• Twenty-eight fashion industry professionals were interviewed about creativity.
• Major creative traits within the industry were risk taking, open minded, and determined.
• Strategies for developing creative thinking were discussed.
• Industry professionals viewed creativity as artistic creativity and creative problem solving.

Through in-depth interviews, the study explored fashion industry professionals’ viewpoints, on creativity, focusing on traits of creative people and how creativity can be developed. Four creative, traits were identified, including different thought processes, determination, having an open mind, and, risk taking. About one-third of participants believed that creativity is innate, and therefore, some, people were born creative whereas others were not. Another third of participants maintained that, everyone has some creative potential that can be further developed. The remaining fashion, professionals distinguished artistic creativity from creative problem solving. Suggested strategies for, creativity enhancement and development included (1) practicing creative thinking strategies, (2), formal training, (3) diverse experiences and exposure to the world; and (4) creating a safe, yet, challenging environment.