The TVTropes Trope Finder is where you can come to ask questions like "Do we have this one?" and "What's the trope about...?" Trying to rediscover a long lost show or other medium but need a little help? Head to Media Finder and try your luck there. Want to propose a new trope? You should be over at You Know, That Thing Where.
KD
Since: May, 2009
28th Jul, 2020 03:55:41 PM
There's a trope for its inverse — Too Upset to Create.
And then there's Cope by Creating which is close, but specifically about artistic endeavors being used as a mechanism to reduce depression. It doesn't fit the "can only create good stuff when..." part of your question.
mightymewtron
Since: Oct, 2012
28th Jul, 2020 03:58:24 PM
The idea that you need to suffer to create good art plays into True Art Is Angsty.
I do some cleanup and then I enjoy shows you probably think are cringe.
Is there a trope for stories about an artist (writer, musician, whatever) who can only create good stuff when he's depressed, angry, stressed out, unhappy? That is to say, he has Writer's Block if his life's good. Or, alternatively, he still creates new stuff, but fans prefer the earlier work.