- Beyond the Story by Epaphra
- Posts
- Do You Actually Know How You Create?
Do You Actually Know How You Create?

Hey Beyonder!
Let me ask you something that might sting a little:
Do you actually know how you create?
Not “what niche you’re in.”
Not “what tools you use.”
Not “what your posting schedule looks like.”
I mean the real thing,
the way your brain naturally produces ideas, turns them into shapes, and transforms them into content.
Most creators don’t know.
Most creators assume creativity is one-size-fits-all.
And that’s why most creators burn out… fast.
Today, I want to introduce you to a model that’s so simple, it will change the way you work forever.
There are only two types of creators in the world:
You’re either a Plotter or a Painter.
Knowing which side you lean towards instantly fixes 70% of your creative struggles.
Let’s break it down.
The Painter
Painters create from emotion.
Their creativity comes from vibes, moods, intuition, chaos, sunsets, heartbreaks, unexpected inspiration at 1 AM, and “I don’t know, it just FELT right.”
Painters don’t outline.
They don’t plan.
They don’t systemize.
And honestly?
They don’t want to.
Painters create magic by being present.
By letting ideas hit them like waves.
By diving in before thinking too much.
But here’s the problem: when the inspiration dips, they disappear.
They ghost their own creativity.
They get stuck, not because they’re inconsistent, but because their muse took a vacation without telling them.
Painters don’t run out of ideas.
They run out of clarity.

The Plotter
Plotters are architects.
Their creativity comes from structure, frameworks, outlines, systems, templates, and “Let me plan this properly before I start.”
Plotters thrive with order.
They need clarity.
They love steps, roadmaps, bullet points, and strategy.
Plotters don’t wait to feel inspired.
They manufacture inspiration using systems.
But their problem?
They can get stuck in perfection.
They overthink.
They hesitate to create without a roadmap.
They love preparation so much that sometimes creation never begins.
Plotters don’t run out of ideas.
They run out of freedom.
Why This Matters (The Creative Identity Crisis)
Here’s where most creators go wrong:
Painters try to become Plotters.
Plotters try to become Painters.
And neither ends well.
Because you’re trying to use someone else’s operating system on your brain.
The moment you stop forcing yourself into the “wrong” creative identity…
your entire workflow starts making sense.
Creativity isn’t about changing who you are.
It’s about working WITH who you are.
The Hybrid Reality
Most creators are not 100% Painter or 100% Plotter.
You’re usually a mix, but one side leads more often.
The trick isn’t picking a side.
It’s knowing which side drives the car and which side chooses the playlist.
How to Work Based on Your Creative Type
If You’re a Painter → You Need Micro-Structure
Painters don’t need heavy systems.
They need a breathable structure.
Try this:
Create in 45-minute bursts
Use theme-based content, not schedules
Start with a story, not a plan
Let inspiration lead, but let structure finish
Only outline the ending, not the entire piece
Painters make magic when they don’t feel trapped.
If You’re a Plotter → You Need Micro-Chaos
Plotters don’t need more systems.
They need pockets of freedom.
Try this:
One “no-outline day” a week
Create content fast, then refine slow
Start stories from the middle
Break your routine once intentionally
Use messy brainstorms before clean outlines
Plotters grow when they let their creativity breathe.
A Brand That Does This Perfectly: Pixar
Pixar films are emotional masterpieces, but they’re not accidents.
Their writers? Painters.
Their story architects? Plotters.
Pixar uses heart + structure,
vibes + frameworks,
intuition + precision.
That’s why every film hits emotionally and logically.
It’s the sweet spot every creator should aim for.
The Quick Self-Test
Choose the statements you relate to:
If these resonate → You’re a Painter
“I get ideas randomly.”
“I create best when I’m inspired.”
“I hate planning too much.”
“My creativity is mood-driven.”
If these resonate → You’re a Plotter
“I like knowing the steps.”
“I need structure to be productive.”
“I love frameworks.”
“I can create even when I’m not inspired.”
Whichever side feels more YOU, embrace it.
The worst thing a creator can do is pretend to be someone else.
This Week’s Challenge
Make one piece of content based on your type.
Painter → Create something raw, emotional, intuitive.
Plotter → Create something structured, clear, framework-driven.
Next week?
Switch types.
Stretch yourself.
Expand your creative identity.
Because at the end of the day:
Both Plotters and Painters can be brilliant.
Both styles can go viral.
Both paths can build a brand people care about.
You don’t need to change who you are.
You just need to understand it.
Keep creating your way,
Epaphra