[jacques00]

For me, drawing goes in two ways: draw because you want to, or draw because you have to. The former relates to drawing because of self-interests. If you love the subject matter and you really want to do draw it, then draw it! The latter relates to drawing out of necessity, such as earning money or giving back for some kind of trade. If your priorities are set right, these are the kind of drawings you do because it's a part of the business.

Of course, these two can overlap, and when they both agree, I can say that personally my production level raises dramatically--meaning I'll keep interests a lot longer and I'll more than likely get the job done a lot faster. So it always helps if you are doing something you like and you know you'll get something extra in return.

As for what get's me going? Usually if I see something that really inspires me--like a piece of animation, another artist's work, or just a random idea after reading a story. These things give me motivation to get started on something, but depending on the level of ambition, it can either take me forever or never to finish. Usually though, the quickest drawings are done for the reason of "I just felt like it" without a lot of outside input--so personal reasons have a lot to do with how motivated you are.

With exception to drawing for others because of necessity, if you are drawing for yourself, the best mood to be in is to draw and not care about what anyone else thinks. Should you really care if it's been done a million times before, or if it's unique and original, or even if it's something totally radical that you lose your audience completely? Should you even share it anyway? All these put external stress on what you want to do and becomes a de-motivator for personal work. If it requires that you need to listen to music, jog a lap or two prior, or drink a glass of milk, then by all means--Just get yourself in the zone!

Honestly though, in addition to what I mentioned above, I find that I am the most productive when I have no music, no Internet (or limited Internet use), and when I'm not near anyone who would likely interrupt me when I draw, regardless if what I am drawing is for personal of business use.

Anyway, sorry for the lengthy reply and if any of this makes any sense, I hope it helps!