Some say it’s a good idea to spend time outside in the warmth to gain inspiration. But can inspiration be obtained during unfavorable and turbulent weather conditions?

Despite the fact that spring is known as a season of growth and positivity, the weather can actually reduce productivity, according to the HuffPost. Due to the sunny, clear skies, distractions come easily. 

But since spring marks the end of a dreadful winter, freshman Sally Chik of Hazlet said that her creativity increases as soon as the warmth returns.

“Unlike the lazy feeling I get from winter,” Chik said, “I feel like I have more ideas in the summer and feel more encouraged to be creative.”

On the other hand, a common type of depression arises during the seasons called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to The Maayo Clinic, symptoms include low energy and most frequently, the loss of interest or inspiration. SAD is commonly interpreted to be a fall or winter ailment. The Mayo Clinic have discovered that this form of depression may arise during any change in season, including spring and summer. This lack of motivation can become apparent even through various different mediums.

The creative medium, art, can be viewed with a wide plethora of emotions. With that being said, the AEON magazine states that it is common for artists to associate art with sadness. 

A study conducted by Modupe Akinola, a professor at Columbia Business School, reveals that feelings of melancholy can sharpen one’s attention and increase focus levels. 

Freshman David Pietras of Marlboro said that cold weather influences the mood of his artwork.

“When I’m cold, my ideas take on more of a somber tone,” Pietras said.

For some artists, seasons do not have an effect on their creativity at all. 

According to an article published by the University of Michigan, temperature differences between the four seasons has no actual effect on creativity or mood; but embracing Mother Nature for at least thirty minutes per day can boost creativity levels. Freshman Ella Freydman of Marlboro agrees and does not believe that weather interferes with her artistic talent or workflow.

“I normally feel creative at random points of the year. It doesn’t really matter what season it is,” Freydman said. “Instead, I feel as though art is born out of emotion.”