yes there is a connection. I am active in artistic stuff and always create new dreamscene by drawing them out ( sketching ). Before starting to draw ( everytime ), I used to imagine the image im gonna draw and this made me to have vivid imagination. Eventually, I have vivid dreams every night and total dream recall, which I am able to recall my dreams everyday 100% TRUE ( without intentionally effort )!!! I won't record my dreams as remembering dreams is a norm for me. As for your question, YES. Those stuff do actually influence your dream and creativity is the key to the gateway of LUCID DREAMING!