Many creative people have uttered these words in a moment of enthusiasm--they express the joy of creative work. But they also hint at some of the pitfalls that lie in wait for creatives . . .

In one sense, creative people have no problem with motivation. We fall in love with our creative work and pursue a career that allows us to do what we love every day.

Psychological research confirms what we know in our hearts: we are at our most creative when we are driven by intrinsic motivation--working for the sheer joy of it, regardless of rewards. Focusing on extrinsic motivation--such as money, fame, or other rewards--can kill your creativity.

If you don't feel excited by the task in front of you, it's impossible to do your best work, no matter what rewards it might bring. You may be determined not to sell out, but selling yourself short can be just as damaging. And when it comes to public recognition, comparisonitis and professional jealousy can consume far too much of your creative energy.

Working for love is all well and good, but if you're a creative professional you can't ignore the rewards: you need money to enjoy your life and to fund your projects. You may not need to be famous, but you do need a good reputation within your professional network. And if you're in a fame-driven industry you need a powerful public profile, whether or not you enjoy the limelight.

There's a precious balance at play--get it wrong, and you could seriously damage your creativity and even your career.