What Defines a Creative Visionary?

I’m adding more thoughts on how I’m defining “creative visionaries.”

Although there are many types of visionaries, it’s my supposition that ALL visionaries are “creative” thinkers. In other words, they are ahead of their time and thinking outside-the-box.

Creative visionaries are:

  • pioneers
  • people who aspire to greatness
  • people who change the course of history
  • change agents
  • radical visionaries
  • creative outside-the-box thinkers
  • muses
  • creative thought leaders
  • forward thinkers
  • magicians
  • transformation entrepreneurs
  • people who transform old outdated systems, paradigms, and radically challenge the status quo
  • prophets
  • innovators
  • “imagineers”
  • big picture thinkers
  • idea generators

Amazing, Innovative Art

Just saw this on Twitter via @Kaypearl from @bitrebels.

The detail is amazing, and I love all the “round pegs” and “rebel” references. Click the links below the image to see the full image and to click through to the artist’s gallery.

Wow.

Steven_Paul_Jobs_by_dylanroscover

Steven Paul Jobs by ~dylanroscover on deviantART

The Search Is On

I’m starting this new blog to get started on a new project to understand what inspires and supports creative visionaries to stay on track with what they were put here to do, in the face of what must often be incredible pressure to conform and let go of their radical ideas.

I’m defining creative visionaries (so far) as:

  • Creative geniuses
  • Imagination-based entrepreneurs
  • Thought-leaders
  • Cutting edge designers
  • Technological innovators

Here are the questions I’m asking so far:

  • What kind of legacy does a creative visionary long to leave?
  • What does a creative visionary do when they get off track or lose their way?What causes them to lose their way? How do they get back on track?
  • What is a creative visionary’s life purpose? Do they have a sense of it? How does it guide their actions?
  • What does a long dark night of the soul look like for an imagination entrepreneur and visionary?
  • What challenges does a creative visionary have and how do they overcome them?
  • What kinds of  non-supportive labels have creative visionaries struggled with over the course of their lives?
  • How do visionaries deal with the doubts and fears of the people around them about the visions they hold?
  • What kinds of obstacles have they faced and overcome to get to where they are now?

Here are a few of the creative visionaries I’ve thought of so far:

  • George Lucas
  • Steven Spielberg
  • Steve Jobs
  • John Lasseter
  • Peter Jackson
  • Carly Fiorina

I’d love to interview some of them — and other similar types — to begin to answer these questions to understand what enables their success.

I’d love to hear your suggestions and thoughts.