Welcome to the 2012 Creativity 50--our eighth installment of the year's 50(+) most influential and groundbreaking creative thinkers and doers, representing a broad spectrum of disciplines. Over the last year, their contributions have shifted the creative landscape in advertising, art, business, technology, pop culture and more, making the world a much more invigorating, entertaining, caring, innovative--and overall, better place.

Among them, you'll find those carrying out the legacy of a brand synonymous with happiness, the production pros who translated their lessons from the commercials world to a Tony-winning Broadway hit, the agency-turned gaming boss who proved that creative skills are incredibly useful--and lucrative--in the CEO seat, talents who bridge the gap between branding and entertainment, an aspiring politician who has taken on the charge of steering more young women toward careers in technology and more. While you may recognize a number of this year's inductees, we trust that you'll find many surprises as well. But most important, we're hoping you come away more inspired, and more excited to make your own bold ideas happen.