As I settle down in Starbucks with a Peach Green Tea Lemonade next to me and some classic hip-hop streaming through my earbuds, I realize that this is what being an artist is all about. There’s a certain atmosphere here that encourages creative flow and innovative thoughts. Part of being a creative is finding your local Starbucks to be the most beautiful place in the world for the moment, but at the same time, knowing that wherever you go next can be just as beautiful.

Being an artist is even more fun when you have other creatives around you. There is a certain bond and understanding artists have with each other, that – I would like to say – no one else understands. So, here are five of the best parts of being in the family of creatives; if you’re an artist, I know you’ll relate. If you’re not, then here’s a little glimpse into our special relationship.

1. Getting the nod of respect

When one artist sees another one in person, and they give each other a little head nod of appreciation and respect. On social media, artists often back each other up with likes, which is like a virtual head-nod

2. Artist lingo

Artists can talk about mood, feeling, aesthetic and other abstract concepts that most people don’t fully understand. I've noticed that when artists are talking to each other, sometimes the non-artists around them look as confused as if they were listening to a conversation in Chinese.

3. Collaboration

This is truly one of the best part of having creative friends. This happens all the time both on the local scene and in popular media, whether it’s photography, fashion, music or a combination of a couple disciplines.

4. Adventures

If you spend time with other artists you’re bound to go on a few artistic ventures, and even a simple trip can turn into a great adventure.

5. Competition

There’s two types of competition: the one where an artist is constantly working to be the best ever and the friendly kind which happens when artists banter back and forth, trying to one-up each other in good humor. Both of these types are important to artists and they're a way for artists to push each other towards constant improvement!

Artists have so much fun together and being around each other really brings out the best creativity. Take a moment to be thankful for the creatives in your life.