Creativity is not learned. If anything, it is remembered from childhood and kept alive by a need for innovation and problem solving throughout our lives. It has always been a driving force in us since birth. It has allowed us to grow and learn and develop all the necessary tools to become the individuals we are today. But I believe creativity is most influential when it is implemented and directed through and by many of our most important virtues.

Here is a list of a few of the ways that these virtues make us more effective in our creative processes:

• Creative Acceptance – Understanding the true nature of a thing is critical when trying to develop an original idea around it or for it.

• Creative Confidence – Trusting your original capacity and your natural ability to discover opportunities is essential.

• Creative Cooperation – The ability to work with others and utilize their artistic considerations to strengthen your own is an example of creative cooperation.

• Creative Courage – One of the essential artistic virtues. Facing your fears of being judged or of failure is critical to reaching your full creative potential.

• Creative Fairness – Allowing others to have their moment will encourage them to contribute more in the future and establishes a healthy creative environment.

• Creative Gratitude – Showing gratitude when asking others to share a thing is as important and personal as an idea. Treat others with respect and they will willingly contribute better ideas and stronger solutions.

• Creative Honesty – Not being honest with yourself or about your capabilities is like lying during an eye exam. The only one you are hurting is yourself.

• Creative Idealism – Nothing great ever came from a clinical perspective. Always search for the light when others live in the dark.

• Creative Patience – Creativity is a process, not an event. With practice and better understanding, you will be able to become more efficient. But it does take time.

• Creative Tenacity – No matter what the score is or how late in the game, always play to win. Put everything you have into your work. Consider any idea no matter how strange.

• Creative Trust – Have faith in your creative capacity and the capacity of those around you.

• Creative Wonder – A sense of wonder is the icing on the cake. Enjoyment of your creative ability and cherishing the results will prove to be very motivating.

The list goes on. You could try finding a virtue that is important to you and discover how it applies to your creative process. I feel confident it will become a useful tool in your development.

Alex Raffi serves as creative director at Imagine Communications.