It is proposed that both curiosity and intelligence are necessary but not sufficient conditions for creative production. Research literature is discussed concerning curiosity as a motivational construct (a state of arousal), and as a personality trait, supporting the notion that curiosity is necessary to creativity. Research relating intelligence and creativity is then discussed, coming to the general consensus that creative individuals must have at least minimal ability to deal inventively with symbol systems and to conceptualize the environment. The authors find that both traits correlate significantly with high scores in a test of creativity. Some 75 nursing students were asked to complete intelligence and curiosity tests as well as the Remote Association Test and a test which required production of humorous captions for a number of Thematic Apperception Test cards. Results generally supported the hypothesis. (BP)