How Finding Out My IQ Changed the Way I See My Creativity.

For most of my life, I never really believed I was an intelligent person. In fact, I didn’t even know what my IQ was—if I had one at all. Intelligence seemed like something other people had, maybe the “geniuses,” the super-smart, the ones who could breeze through math or schoolwork effortlessly. I always thought creativity was separate from intelligence—something more mysterious, emotional, and unpredictable.

But recently, out of curiosity, I took an online IQ test. I wasn’t expecting much. Maybe a number somewhere around average, or maybe I wouldn’t even take it seriously. So, when I saw the result—118—I was surprised. That score is considered above

average. It made me pause and reflect in a way I hadn’t before. Suddenly, I felt a quiet confidence stirring inside me. I began wondering: What does this number really mean? How does my IQ relate to my creativity?

IQ: What It Measures and What It Doesn’t

IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a measure designed to assess reasoning, logic, problem-solving, memory, and some forms of learning ability. Scoring 118 means I’m above average in these cognitive areas—I can grasp concepts quickly, learn new tools with relative ease, and spot patterns others might miss.

In my creative work, I see this play out in practical ways:

• I pick up new music production software, plugins, and editing tools faster than many around me.

• I notice patterns in sound and structure that help me arrange or mix tracks more effectively.

  
  

• I solve creative challenges quickly—whether that’s untangling a clashing harmony or reshaping a lyric that doesn’t feel quite right.

  
  

• I enjoy exploring abstract or complex ideas through my music and visuals, often finding fresh ways to express what I’m feeling or thinking.

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These abilities have been an unspoken advantage in my artistic journey. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how much of a foundation my intelligence provides, allowing me to build creative projects with clarity and precision.

The Shadow of Doubt and Learning to Own My Worth

Despite these strengths, I’ve had people tell me the opposite. I was once told I wasn’t smart, or that my creativity wasn’t significant or capable of making an impact. And for a while, I think a part of me believed them. Those words—harsh, sometimes casual—lingered in my mind and slowly chipped away at my confidence. It’s incredible how easy it is to internalize the doubts of others, especially when you already question yourself.

But with time, self-reflection, and experience, I began to realize something important: those opinions often reflected more about the insecurities of others than about me. Everyone carries their own wounds, fears, and unresolved struggles. Criticism—especially when it’s not constructive—often comes from people wrestling with their own inner battles.

Recognizing this shifted something for me. It helped me stop carrying the weight of their words and start carrying my own truth.

Creativity: Beyond IQ, Beyond Logic

What I’ve come to understand most deeply is that creativity isn’t simply a product of intellect. It isn’t confined to logic or problem-solving skills alone. Creativity flows from something deeper and more mysterious—intuition, emotion, lived experience, and the courage to experiment and take risks.

Creativity is messy. It’s not always neat or rational. Sometimes it comes as a gut feeling, a sudden spark, or an emotional outpouring that defies explanation. It’s that raw, undefinable spark that drives me to create music, to tell stories, to make art that resonates on a soulful level.

This understanding aligns with a concept called the “Threshold Theory,” which suggests that once you reach a certain level of intelligence (around an IQ of 120), additional IQ points don’t necessarily predict greater creativity. After that threshold, traits like openness to experience, emotional depth, playfulness, persistence, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty become the real engines of originality.

How My IQ Supports My Artistic Vision

Knowing my IQ hasn’t made me feel “smarter” in the conventional sense, but it has made me feel more capable and empowered. It has given me confidence in my ability to think critically, to absorb new techniques quickly, and to solve problems that arise in my creative process. That sense of empowerment isn’t about ego—it’s about acknowledging my strengths without diminishing the more intuitive, emotional parts of my artistry.

Moreover, this awareness has opened up new ways to help others. I’ve found that understanding the balance between intellect and creativity allows me to support fellow artists who struggle with self-doubt or feel disconnected from their own potential. Sharing this perspective has become a part of my mission—to inspire others to trust both their minds and their hearts.

The Artist’s Journey: Embracing Both Sides

As an artist, I embrace both the thinker and the dreamer within me. The structured logic that helps me lay down a beat or mix a track, and the wild, untamed impulse that drives me to experiment with soundscapes or pen vulnerable lyrics.

In many ways, my journey has been about learning to honor both sides—giving space to my intellect while nurturing the emotional depth that fuels my creativity. It’s about accepting that intelligence and creativity don’t exist in isolation but dance together in a complex, ever-evolving relationship.

Moving Forward: What I’ve Learned

If you’ve ever doubted your own intelligence or creativity, I want you to know you’re not alone. It’s easy to get caught in that trap. But remember:

• Intelligence provides tools, but creativity is the heart that wields them.

  
  

• Your unique experiences, emotions, and perspectives are what make your art original and meaningful

  
  

• Confidence comes from knowing your strengths and accepting your vulnerabilities.

  
  

• Doubts from others often reflect their own struggles—not your truth.

  
  

For me, discovering my IQ was not about labeling myself but about unlocking a new layer of self-awareness. It was a step toward embracing my full creative potential—the balance of mind, soul, and spirit.

Final Thoughts

Creativity is a journey without a fixed destination. It’s messy, unpredictable, and beautifully human. My IQ of 118 is one part of that journey—a foundation that supports my growth, but not the whole story.

What truly defines me as an artist is the passion I bring to my craft, the risks I take, the emotions I channel, and the stories I dare to tell.

And I’m just getting started.