The 4C model of creativity identifies different levels of creative contribution. Mini-c creativity is classified as self-recognized creativity which becomes little-c creativity when we share and get recognition for these ideas. Pro-c creativity takes that recognition to the next level as experts and professionals offer the recognition. An article that gets published or a restaurant that earns a Michelin Star are both examples of pro-c creativity. Finally, big-C creativity is for revolutionary ideas that have stood the test of time.
Most creativity researchers define creativity as a combination of originality, novelty, or uniqueness along with usefulness and effectiveness within a particular social, cultural, and historical context. Put simply, creativity is about meeting task constraints in unique and different ways within a particular context.
Everyone has the potential to be creative, and creativity can occur in any human endeavor. But can we say that a child’s drawing is the same as that of a highly accomplished artist? The 4C model that I developed with my colleague James Kaufman clarifies different levels of creative contribution.
Whenever we have a new and personally meaningful experience, insight, observation, or interpretation, that is mini-c creativity. This is self-recognized creativity. Both children and adults have these experiences. Mini-c creativity can be an end in itself (Nikola Tesla describes having many creative insights that were never shared with others), but we often want to share our ideas with others, to get feedback and to make a contribution to their lives. When we share our mini-c ideas they can be transformed into larger C creativity contributions that have a positive impact on others. This leads us to a little-c creativity.
Little-c creativity is recognized by other people as novel and meaningful in the context of the everyday environment. Coming up with a way to combine leftovers into a tasty dish to share with friends is an example of mini-c creativity. Although it may not be recognized by a professional chef as highly creative, it is still creative in the context of a family meal. The development of mini-c. insights into little-c creative contributions occurs through feedback. A student who shares a new way of thinking about a concept can, with feedback, communicate that new way of thinking to others, and thereby make a little C contribution to other students and even the teacher.
Pro-c creativity is the next level. Like little-c creativity it is recognized by others, but these others are experts and professionals. Pro-c creativity typically results from many years of disciplined practice, and creators need the experience and expertise to understand a domain or profession in order to make a contribution that other professionals recognize. Publishing a scientific article is an example of Pro-c creativity. Producing artwork recognized by other artists and critics is another example. A restaurant that has received a Michelin Star is an example of a Pro-c contribution to the culinary world. This is not to say that less-experienced people cannot make Pro-c contributions, however they typically partner with more experienced people with the resources necessary to bring the idea into the world. With the explosion of digital technologies and social media, it is possible for more people to make Pro-c contributions. Generally speaking, however, it takes on average a decade or more of experience, practice and effort to develop the domain knowledge necessary for Pro-c creative contributions.
Finally, there are legendary contributions which stand the test of time. These are considered Big-C creativity. They are recognized as revolutionary by historians, scholars, experts, and practitioners. The Big-C distinction is often bestowed on works after the creator has died. This is because what is viewed as remarkable during a creator’s or creative team’s life-time may not be recognized until time has passed. Kafka, Copernicus, and Dickinson are examples of people whose creativity was not truly understood or appreciated until after their deaths. Time is therefore a key factor when it comes to making judgments about Big-C creativity. Although modern-day artists and authors might seem now to qualify as Big-C contributors, only time will tell.
The Four C model offers a framework for understanding how we all have creative potential and how our own experiences count as meaningful forms of creativity. With feedback, personally meaningful ideas, insights and efforts can contribute to others' everyday lives and professional domains, and even make profound and lasting contributions to future generations.