Oh wow..this is my first post here, but something I can relate to and have a keen interest in as well. I'm an artsy type too, and have been experimenting with mostly natural nootropics for the last two months with some successes. Creative ideas have always come to me...ideas themselves typically flutter around in my head like they are tenants who pay rent. I thought what I needed was enhanced creativity beyond the stuff I already came up. However, I discovered by accident, taking things that helped to reduce anxiety and depression, helped me not worry so much about enhanced creativity. Instead now I can focus on doing the work, little by little without the overwhelm that can come from feeling like the work isn't good enough. Then it's like hey, I created something cool there, and the way to execute the idea came a bit clearer and faster.
I even ventured down the road to see what it would be like to have that extreme focus of not at all being distracted--that was an experimental time as well (it was a pure accident, like "oh let's see what happens when I add this")...the funny thing is, for me, taking stuff that increased dopamine more than usual (NOW L-Tyrosine and Mega Mind by Source Naturals in one day on top of 2 Yerba Mate cups) provided a lot of focus, but it was like the part of my brain that wanders and likes finding connections in different things was turned off...so I didn't even have any inclination to do any creative projects and designs didn't come fluidly. I didn't like that. I was like, Holy Crap..this is what it must be like in other ppl's head's who aren't always thinking about making artsy stuff..Then it got boring! I haven't gone back there mentally nor have I taken those specific products anymore.
I also work at an Art School and I see of lot students with similar challenges of being easily distracted, not focused, forgetful and having issues with anxiety.
I'm still working on my stack of stuff, but within the last two months I've experienced notable changes in my mood and energy levels throughout the day. Since my brain isn't fried after work everyday, I now have some time to devote to my own endeavors.
I take:
Upon Waking
ALCAR + ALA
SAMe 200
DMAE
Kacip Fatimah (malaysan herb reputed to balance hormones and increase libido, like male version Tong Kat Ali...But the only thing I notice it does is potentiate the first three supplements and make me feel really really calm and at peace..that helps with creativity b/c I'm not stressed
Later in AM
Shatavari
Bacopa
Red Korean Ginseng
ARO Pre Workout Supplement by vitacost (Has creatine, yerba mata, rhodiola, guarana, eleuthero root and other stuff)
With breakfast/food
-Women MultiVitamin pack from Isagenix
-Ashwaghanda -Adaptogen
-Eleuthro Root (Siberean Ginseng)- Adaptogen
-Gingko Biloba - Memory
-Gotu Kola -Memory
-Ubiquinol CO QH - Brain Health (dunno specific mechanism, but I feel good when I take it)
-Vitamin D
Phosphatidlyserine Complex (Vitacost)---this stuff gets a mixed review because I feel good on it and it allows me to be creative but focused when I am working..but it increases my desire to be social, which means I take it I'm more prone to wander off into a conversation with some one or physically go explore something. I am naturally a social person and I never meet strangers...when I'm in the mood to be chatty. The problem with Phosphatidylserine is it induces my social charm and chattiness even when I have other things I need to be working on
Evening:
-Women MultiVitamin PM pack from Isagenix
-Ashwaghanda -Adaptogen
-Eleuthro Root (Siberean Ginseng)- Adaptogen
-Gingko Biloba - Memory
-Gotu Kola -Memory
Sometime PS Complex depending on the kind of day I had
Alpha GPC and CDP at 300mgs each taken at different times gave me headaches, which produced grumpiness and didn't help with creativity. I still need to play with the dosages maybe.
It also helps to know your body and your brain to figure this stuff out if you aren't the scientific type...lol I'm the artsy intuitive type who doesn't mind experimenting and taking chances. I figured out that I needed stuff that increased Acetylcholine and Dopamine (keeps the creativity flowing but I can stay motivated and focused on one project without dropping it and starting something different!...Nootropics help a lot with that!)
That helped me get a better handle on what kind of stuff to take and what to leave alone. I think that's a good place to start as it relates to finding what will enhance creativity.
OMG, I typed a freaking essay. I will blame that on the Phosphatidylserine!!