Do seasons affect our creativity?

After several gloomy Winter months, Spring arrives with all its radiance and renewed energy. For many, this feels like the perfect moment to jump into a fresh project or breathe new life into a creative venture getting dusty on the shelf. I guess this is what people call the Spring Fever. (And honestly, I think I got it. I'm planning and creating like a madwoman and I don't want to stop. 🏃‍♀️)

So this led me to wonder: do seasons affect our creativity?

If we consider that seasonal changes have an undeniable impact on human mood and behavior, then the answer is quite straightforward: it surely does. But... how? And is it even a general rule for everyone?

Artworks: Anne Ten Donkelaar & John Kasyn

Different season, different energy

Here’s the thing: it’s not just the aesthetics of the seasons that we tune in to - it’s the energy too. When the temperature changes and the landscape starts trading its colors, so does our mood and the way our inspiration is fueled.

Autumn, for instance, is a visual and emotional feast for me. It’s by far the season I feel more prompt to create and experiment. Winter is when I have the deepest thoughts and ideas, but I rarely find the energy to materialize them - especially if there’s a new tv-show gaining popularity on Netflix. And Spring is great. It makes me feel renewed, hopeful, and optimistic like I can actually be the next Matisse. Summer follows a similar trend but eventually turns into lethargy when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees.

Am I alone in this?
I hardly doubt it.

Artwork: Franklin Carmichael

And as it turns out, there’s a logical explanation for all of these creative mood swings: warmer weather (or the mere expectation of it) makes us more inventive, positive, and receptive to new ideas.  Studies show that the human brain gets more mentally fit and connected to its creative hub when out in the warmth.

Moreover, a University of Michigan study also found that being outdoors in enjoyable climates can improve memory and broaden cognitive style, which is linked to more creative thoughts.

So you see, it’s not just sunshine and happiness that are interlinked!

The cold seasons, on the other hand, invite us to be more introspective and do the necessary inner work that prepares us for the impulse that spring brings. Winter is the time of fermentation, hibernation, and regeneration, but it is also handy to do some gentle investigation of ideas and strategize. 

Artworks: Franz Richard Unterberger & Tim Pugh

But is this like that for everyone?

Absolutely not. 

Every creator/artist knows that creativity ebbs and flows in mysterious ways. It can't always be planned or scheduled, much less according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. And the same goes for creative struggles.

People vary in the ways they react to the different seasons, which makes it impossible to conclude how exactly the weather affects creativity. Although there are some general traits, this is not a foolproof recipe. It's just a theory - like 90% of things surrounding creativity.

Moreover, it’s great that we get to experience all these changes and inspiration swings. The glory of living with seasons is the excitement of a new chapter, a renewed cycle of life filled with potential.
Each cycle brings its own brand of inspiration and, as artists, the best we can do is take advantage of all these different atmospheres and feelings.

(But please, do get some sunlight. It really offers a way to reset your mindset, even if you end up spending the day procrastinating on a patio and being zero creative!)