Instabilities in creative professions: a minimal model

This paper presents a minimal model that describes the dynamics of production in creative professions, where flows and ebbs are commonly observed. The model is composed of two differential equations, specifying the interactions between the two state variables, namely satisfaction and creativity. Its analysis shows that fluctuating performance is typical of individuals who do not forget their past too quickly and are highly sensitive to trend inversions of satisfaction. A more detailed microfounded model is also discussed, taking into account more specific features of the individual. Its analysis leads to further interesting interpretations. Limitations and possible extensions of this work close the paper.