Are Left-Handed People More Creative?

Discover how the world has adapted to left-handed creators and if they really are more creative than right-handed people.

On August 13, thousands of left-handed individuals celebrate their rare but amazing connection, on a day known as left-handers day! Left-handed individuals have always been a minority and make up about 10% of the population. But, their influence on the creative world is significant! Just look at artists like Pablo Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci, and Jimi Hendrix, they were all left-handed and had a great impact on this community!

Adaptations in a Right-Handed World

Musical Instruments:
The music industry has made significant strides in accommodating left-handed musicians. Today many guitar manufacturers, including Fender and Gibson, produce left-handed models that mirror ordinary, right-handed guitars. This allows left-hand musicians to play more comfortably without having to restring or modify their instruments. This also means left-handed musicians can express their creativity without limitations!

Art Supplies:
Historically, left-handed artists have faced challenges with tools like scissors, which are typically designed for right-hand users. Now, manufacturers have begun to produce scissors specifically made for left-handed people! They feature ergonomically designed handles for comfortability, and have reversed blades to ensure cutting efficiency and visibility. These kinds of innovations allow left-handed artists to practice their craft without all the physical discomfort and limitations that usually come with shoving your opposite hand into a pair of right-handed scissors.

Writing and Drawing Tools:
Have you ever tried to draw or write something with your left hand and been left with black or blue smudges all over your fingers and the pages? Thankfully, pen manufacturers has begun to design pens that prevent smudging with quick drying ink. They also feature specially angled grips that promote a more natural writing position. Just the same, binders and notebooks have been released that accommodate left-handed writers, instead of them having to wrest their wrists on the metal spirals while working. These adaptations ensure that writers and illustrators can work more efficiently and comfortably.

Inclusive Workspace:
Just as inclusive materials and tools are important to left-handed creators, so is an inclusive workspace. Many art schools, music schools, and educational institutions are starting to recognize the importance of this now and have begun to provide left-handed desks, adjustable equipment, and new teaching methods that do not only favor right-handed learners. By having a comfortable and inclusive environment to learn their craft, creativity and innovation are sure to flow more abundantly.

Are Left-Handed People More Creative?

This question has intrigued scientists and the public for years. While some studies might suggest that left-handed individuals may have a slight advantage in creative thinking due to a more substantial development of the right side of their brain, the connection is not definitive. The right side of the brain is associated with creativity, spatial awareness, and holistic thinking but creativity is influenced by a variety of factors including environment, upbringing, and personal experiences. While being left-handed is rare, it is not a guaranteed indicator of greater creativity… apologies to all the left-handed individuals out there!

Left or right handed, here are some resources we think you’ll find interesting:
5 Artists You Didn't Know Were Left-Handed, an article by Domestika