Creativity Research & Why we do What we do.

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The 4C model of creativity looks at 4 distinct types of creativity as leveled by experience. The graphic shows how individuals can move from one level to the next and what culmination looks like. 

mini-c 

• Mini-c creativity is creativity that an individual experiences. These experiences are personally meaningful and creativity results from the personal interpretation of these experiences. Mini-c creativity brings a beginner’s mindset to creativity and will usually be experienced early in life. Adults can help to cultivate and mentor mini-c in children¹.  

little-c 

• Little-c creativity is more than explorational to the individual. It is creation that fits the standard definition of creativity: little-c creativity typically is creation that is both original and useful. To move from mini-c creativity to little-c, it is helpful for children to have a balance of constructive criticism, meaningful praise, & curated opportunities². 

Pro-c   

• Pro-c creativity is a category for adults who have passed the amateur level of little-c creativity and have not reached Big-C creativity. Pro-c creativity typically applies to adults who have expertise within a given domain and apply their creativity to alter their domain in some way. Types of Pro-c creative acts may be replication, redefinition, forward incrementation, reconstruction and or redirection, reinitiation, and or integration within a domain of expertise¹.   

Big-C

• Big-C creativity is reached by few creators. These are people who have already influenced their domain of expertise, and the acknowledgement of being a Big-C creator is many times acknowledged posthumously, as it can be challenging to distinguish lasting contributions from fads¹.  Examples of Big-C creators are Marie Curie, Nikola Tesla, Steve Jobs, and Yoko Ono.   

At A-Z Creativity, our classes and curriculums focus on developing mini-c and little-c creativity, setting participants up with a strong foundation of behaviors, habits, knowledge, and experience to continue to develop their creative practice and abilities as they grow.  

¹ Kaufman, J. C., & Beghetto, R. A. (2009). Beyond big and little: The four C model of creativity. Review of General Psychology, 13(1), 1-12.  

² Beghetto, R. A., & Kaufman, J. C. (2007). Toward a broader conception of creativity: A case  for "mini-c" creativity. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 1(2), 73-79.