What Are The Driving Forces of Creativity?

At what point did it become common to force creativity? Is art still beneficial when pressured to create? #seriousquestions

— Nelly (@seewhyNELSA) May 21, 2014

"Creativity uses unconscious cognitive processes and is stimulated by hormones and the desire to understand one’s environment in order to find new path and new way of viewing things" -UNESCO

Veni, Vidi, Vici @ The Eno State Park

 I often wonder why there are times when I feel extremely inspired to pick up my pencil or paintbrush to draw or paint, while at other times I find it a complete drain of energy to do so.  Branching out after some time to accept graphic design gigs to create logos and illustrations for others has been a great learning experience. I realized how much I depend on art to help me turn my thoughts and desires into creative pieces of work. Art is my outlet. When someone "hires" me or requests for a piece of artwork to be created, my flow just does not work the same. I have read a number of blogs and articles in attempt to solve this flaw, but I somehow don't know just how to fix it. Finally, I can say that am okay with that. I've learned that there is nothing wrong with just saying, "no". I've thought long and hard enough about what kind of work I want to be doing, and that mostly is work that I enjoy. If it's going to cause unnecessary stress, then I don't see any reason to put in futile effort. What I am saying, "yes" to is a healthier lifestyle. That includes less stress, doing more of what makes me "come alive" (i.e. outdoor activities, the arts, exercising, etc) and using those experiences to fuel my creative energy.  We are halfway through 2014. Lets give the rest of 2014 our best! 

---