How the Brain Creates: A Simple Guide to Creativity and Neuroscience

Eduardo Anceschi
May 5
2 min read

Understanding how creativity works in the brain can help us become more creative ourselves. Thanks to neuroscience, we now have a better idea of which parts of the brain are involved in creativity and how they work together. Here’s a breakdown of what science tells us:

1. The Brain’s Creative Teamwork

Creativity doesn’t come from one single area of the brain. It comes from several brain networks working together:

Default Mode Network (DMN): This network turns on when your mind is wandering or daydreaming. It helps with spontaneous ideas and imagination. (Raichle et al., 2001)
Executive Control Network (ECN): This is your brain’s problem-solving and decision-making system. It helps you focus and improve your ideas. (Beaty et al., 2014)
Salience Network (SN): This network helps you decide what’s important and shifts your attention between the DMN and ECN. It acts like a switchboard for creative flow. (Menon & Uddin, 2010)

2. Two Ways of Thinking: Divergent and Convergent

Creativity works in two phases:

Divergent Thinking: This is when you come up with lots of ideas or solutions. It’s playful and free. It’s linked to the DMN. (Jung et al., 2013)
Convergent Thinking: This is when you choose the best idea from the list. It’s more focused and analytical. It’s linked to the ECN. (Fink et al., 2009)

3. Brain Chemicals That Boost Creativity

Certain brain chemicals help us think more creatively:

Dopamine: Helps us think flexibly and make new connections. More dopamine often means more creativity. (Paul J. Silva)
Serotonin: Helps with mood and emotional balance. A good mood can lead to better creative problem-solving. (Wilkie et al., 2014)

4. Why Mental Flexibility Matters

Being able to switch between different ideas or ways of thinking — called cognitive flexibility — is key to being creative. It helps us make unexpected connections and think in new ways. (Kaufman & Sternberg, 2007)

5. Can We Train Our Brain to Be More Creative?

Yes! Exercises like brainstorming, mind mapping, or free writing can boost creative thinking. These activities build stronger connections in the parts of the brain linked to creativity. (Beaty et al., 2015; Torrance)

In Short: Creativity comes from a mix of brain systems, flexible thinking, and even your brain chemistry. By understanding how it works, we can train ourselves to be more creative and innovative in everyday life.