The Creative Act A Way of Being
Reviews
I wanted to stop reading it multiple times. I wish there would have been a more structured and well thought approach to the topic, but all in all, it was an easy read.
Maybe one of the best books on creativity by one of the most creative people currently roaming this planet. Part inspiration, part guidebook, The Creative Act perfectly encompasses why we creative people, ultimately, have no other choice than to create. It is the only way we can feel whole.
I think Rick Rubin, the person, is someone to be admired. The modern-day Buddha who is able to completely ignore what the world perceives him as and do things for himself. Some will assume that that's some "hippy-sh*t," but that's mostly people who think too much of what other's think of them. This book really isn't about creativity. This book is about being true to yourself and your passions. If you think Rick cares what people think of this book in the end, you clearly didn't read the book. You may have looked at the pages though. If you came here for a "manual on creativity" you will walk away sorely disappointed. If anything, this is more of a mission statement for Rick and Rick alone. Whatever you take away from it, is entirely up to you, just don't assume Rick cares.
Rupi Kaur vibes… what is this guy talking about? So many better resources for creatives, event philosophically leaning ones. The kind of book a pretentious but deeply simple and slightly stupid person who has never been exposed to good art and thinks he’ll be the next Van Gogh would enjoy.
Had a few nice nuggets of wisdom, but a lot of fluff around the points.
Makes you rethink your creativity in every way you can’t imagine.
A good read for when you are in a creative block. For me Rubin presents his ideas too broadly and lacks some kind of narrative to relate to.
Relaxing to read and good perspective on approaching various aspects of life as a artist/creative.
Bible
Really inspiring book on the creative process. I read it cover to cover but I think it would be better suited to a book you read when stuck in a creative rut. The chapters are short and snappy so you could get a chunk of inspiration when you need it.
i think i missed the part where this book was gonna be spiritual. i tried to get into it but i didn’t feel like i learned anything. meditative though
Probably should have had his appendix out
It's beautiful in a slightly woo woo sense of the word. Some parts of what I've experienced in the creative act ring true, though I really have to open my third eye wide open to see it. But true none the less.
For me, this book mostly makes sense looking backwards and less so when trying to deduct tools for going forward.
Anyhow, enjoyable read.
A meditative journey with Rubin as he describes the creative act. Much like any spiritual practice, it was a bit awkward at first but as you spend more time and reflecting, your inner artist is ready to get up and create once more.
Obviously Rubin has good insight into the creative processes of hundreds of artists, however he presents his anecdotes and allegories too broadly. Lacks coherence and narrative element.
A bit fragmented. Lack coherence
Highlights
By practicing to improve, you are fulfilling your ultimate purpose on this planet.
Be as specific as possible with your feedback. Zoom in to discuss the details of what you’re seeing and feeling. The more clinical the feedback, the better it will be received.
Saying, “I think the colors in these two areas don’t interact well together” is more helpful than, “I don’t like the colors.”
Hold back on offering a fix immediately; the recipient may be able to come up with a better solution on their own.
Chapter: Cooperation
It’s best to wait until a work is complete to discover what it is saying. Holding your work hostage to meaning is a limitation.
Chapter: Freedom
If you're at an impasse in an A/B test, consider the coin toss method. Decide which option will be heads and which will be tails, then flip the coin. When the coin is spinning in the air, you'll likely notice a quiet preference or wish for one of the two to come up. Which are you rooting for? This is the option to go with. It's the one the heart desires. The test is over before the coin ever lands.
Chapter: How to choose
To create is to bring something into existence that wasn’t there before. It could be a conversation, the solution to a problem, a note to a friend, the rearrangement of furniture in a room, a new route home to avoid a trafic jam.
– Thinking that anything outside of your control is in your way.
From “Thoughts and habits not conducive to creative work” (Chapter: Habits)
Our critical mind may kick in, taking note of what we agree with and what we don’t, or what we like and dislike.
Darkness and light are only meaningful in relationship with each other. Without one, the other wouldn’t exist.
Holding every rule as breakable is a healthy way to live as an artist.
you’ve already exponentially narrowed what’s possible,
it’s to amplify the differences, what doesn’t fit, the special characteristics unique to how you see the world.
An intention is more than a conscious purpose, it’s the congruence of that purpose.
The inspired-artist aspect of your self may be in conflict with the craftsperson aspect, disappointed that the craftsperson is unable to create the physical embodiment of the inspired artist’s vision. This is a common conflict for creators, since there is no direct conversion from abstract thought to the material world.
Distraction is a strategy in service of the work.
When we reach an impasse at any point in the creative process, it can be helpful to step away from the project to create space and allow a solution to appear.
doubting the quality of your work might, at times, help to improve it.
Ultimately, your desire to create must be greater than your fear of it.
Gratitude can also help. Realizing you are fortunate to be in a position that allows you to create, and in some cases get paid to do what you love, might tip the balance in favor of the work.
papancha, which translates as preponderance of thoughts. This speaks to the mind’s tendency to respond to our experiences with an avalanche of mental chatter.
Perfectionism gets in the way of fun.
The mission is to complete the project so you can move on to the next. That next one is a stepping-stone to the following work. And so it continues in productive rhythm for the entirety of your creative life.
chimes of the cosmic clock ring,
The experience of our inner world is often completely overlooked.
The person who makes something today isn’t the same person who returns to the work tomorrow.