Thinking about Creativity

I've been thinking about creativity lately. I've been rolling around in my head questions about what makes a creative and how creatives fuel that side of themselves. I've delved into books, pulled up websites, watched TED talks, talked to creatives I know, and from what I can tell, everyone has a different process, a way that works for them that may not work for anyone else.
The writers I know often say they are inspired by books they have read or places they have visited. Artists tell me particulars colors or patterns strike them as fun to play with. Musicians have chords or modes they gravitate towards. Comedians and actors observe human nature. Designers find....well, I'm not quite sure yet. I haven't gotten a chance to ask yet.
In my completely unscientific research, I've made a few general observations:

1. Creativity exists outside of societal views of productivity - Most of the creatives I know aren't creative for business purposes. Some are, some have a side-hustle, but most people I've found are creative outside of their daily work. It seems certain people harbor a need to produce something outside of themselves, whether that be a novel or a video game.
2. Creatives are fueled by their passions - For good or bad, creatives stick with or abandon projects because they have become obsessed with an idea. A passing interest in another culture's celebration's could become a six-year animation project, or a question about how to fix the clasp on grandma's bracelet may turn into a weekend jewelry beading class.
3. Creativity does not happen in a vacuum - Creativity requires outside influences. A person can work on their craft extensively, but without external input, new information to stir the tanks inside the head, there will come a point where the work can no longer improve and the creativity will stagnate.

As a writer, singer, actor, crafter, and generally curious person, I find my ideas flowing from places I've visited, articles I've read, interviews I've listened to, and a plethora of other places. I throw all the input into my brain, press frappe, and let it whirl around until something comes out. Sometimes the process makes something delicious; sometimes I wind up with a hot mess I get to scrape off the walls and into my trashcan. No matter what, I continually seek out new information to pour into my brain. I was posting these on another site, but I've decided to put them here on my writer's blog. I'll keep adding to it as I can, writing about, linking to, and otherwise sharing the interesting bits of information I find and hope will inspire.