Let your office creativity fly free

Every office has its hidden Basquiat, scribbling ornate doodles on the backs of official memos; or the would-be novelist who paraphrases Kerouac in their internal e-mails.

For many such creative types, the workplace can be a smothering officialdom of human resources-prescribed procedure — and yet finding some space in your day job to express your artistic side can be as encouraging for your psyche as your career.

“People who are creative can get really frustrated if they don’t get to be creative during the many hours they spend at the office,” says Pamela Skillings, author of “Escape From Corporate America.”

So put your creative skills to corporate use: If you’ve nurtured a knack for visuals, volunteer for the next Web design project or bring self-made graphics to your interdepartmental communication. Don’t be afraid to animate your PowerPoints, or soundtrack your presentations. If you can exhale delightful prose, be willing to edit or write the otherwise dry text withering away on the office blog.

“These are ways you can really stand out,” says creative career coach Michelle Ward, adding a major caveat: “If you know that’s what your particular company values.”

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