The Science of Creativity: How Art Classes Boost Productivity in the Workplace

According to the Harvard Business School Online, creativity in business does not just belong to graphic designers or marketing professionals. It is important across all job descriptions because business challenges require innovative solutions.

This article looks at how art classes can boost productivity in the workplace and the unique benefits of artistic team-building exercises.

The Healing Power of Art

What’s your favorite way to wind down after a challenging day at work? Do you head to the gym? See a movie? Attend a sporting event? While those activities may be temporary diversions, they can’t soothe your soul the way art can.

Since time began, humans have craved artistic expression as an antidote for stress. Art has a way of making us feel happy, relaxed, and inspired, which makes it a powerful tool for self-care and mental health. Studies suggest that art therapy can be invaluable in treating depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even some phobias. Art is a great way to express emotions without using words, process complex feelings, and find relief. Pablo Picasso said it best: “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

Releasing the “Happy Hormone”

Creating art stimulates the release of dopamine, a type of neurotransmitter known as the “happy hormone” because it tends to spike when we experience something pleasurable. Art also provides:

• Stress Relief: Body aches and sleepless nights might be trying to tell you it’s time to take a break. Stress can have a profound effect on our physical and mental health. Study after study has shown that drawing, doodling, coloring, and simply creating something for 20 or more minutes reduces cortisol, the primary stress hormone that can wreak havoc on our well-being. (In other words, cortisol is the “evil twin” of dopamine.)

• Increased Self-Esteem: Remember the pride you felt when you presented your mother with that handmade ceramic ashtray in second grade? You can rediscover that same feeling as an adult. Creativity makes us feel good about ourselves and validates our ability to turn our ideas into something physical. Taking time to indulge in crafts and hobbies can provide a sense of self-worth and confidence.

• Healing: It takes time and patience to recover from trauma, but art can help process pain and establish a direct connection between the mind and body to accelerate the healing process.

No Previous Experience Required

The best part of therapeutic art is that it focuses on the process of creating art, rather than the final product, so it is more about finding meaning and connection in your life than about becoming a great artist. You just need to be willing to experiment--and fluid art is the ideal way to do that.

Art as a Team-Building Activity

At leading art studios such as Hawaii Fluid Art, you can take group classes with your co-workers. Art projects are a great team-building activity because they are something everyone can enjoy, whether they are the next Rembrandt or are struggling to draw stick figures. With the right materials and skilled instructors, anyone can produce a work of art while bonding with their teammates.

Babe Ruth once said, “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.”

Whatever your industry or role within your corporate structure, team building not only allows people to get to know each other, but also builds camaraderie and trust. Activities that foster team building also help remind people that work is never just about them; it is about the entire group. Encouraging a team to do something together, rather than individually, demonstrates that the group’s success should be a priority. If you have ever been a part of a group that was overly competitive or lacked unity and confidence, this is an especially helpful learning experience.

How Fluid Art Can Foster Team Building

As mentioned above, creating art increases the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine, also called the “motivation molecule.” Dopamine can boost your team’s focus and concentration. Art also encourages creative thinking and allows team members to come up with their own unique out-of-the-box solutions.

At Hawaii Fluid Art, your team can hang out together and choose from a variety of fun and hassle-free projects:

 Acrylic Pour Painting is just what the name implies. Each team member chooses their favorite colors and then pours them onto a special fluid base to create abstract patterns that emerge and evolve right before their eyes. Your team can create original artwork they will be proud to hang in their individual offices or display as a collection in your corporate lobby.

 Resin Beach Scenes will have you dreaming of a day in Hawaii as you layer pebbles, shells, and starfish on a wave-filled blue background.

 Resin Tumblers are another fun group activity. You can create a one-of-a-kind insulated coffee or wine cup using resin, pigments, and creativity.

 Glass Painting is an easy, fast, and fun activity for all ages. You simply select a silhouette image, such as an animal or palm trees, to paint in solid black on glass, then add a stunning background with acrylic pour paint colors of your choice.

With all of these options and special group discounts, you can make fluid art a recurring activity.