Frank Ocean: Creative Advice, Protecting Your Energy, and How to Finish Projects

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Heavy Hope: • HEAVY HOPE - ANOTHER W...
Brick L: / @206brick
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Thanks to Frank Ocean, Little Simz, Steve Lacy, Steven Pressfield, and all the other artists featured in this one.
If any musicians/producers out there would like the opportunity to submit their music and possibly have their track included in a future C.M. video, I released a newsletter piece explaining how to get involved. No ads or need to sign up necessary - just check out the guidelines if you fancy the opportunity: insidecreativeminds.substack....
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I am a passionate creator myself, and I make these videos to inspire/educate myself and others. All the footage I have sourced is used under Fair Use.
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Source Material:
Frank Ocean BBC News interview - BBC Sound of 2012
• Frank Ocean interview ...
Frank Ocean for MTV 2011 Interview
• Prelude 🟧 Frank Ocean:...
Little Simz - Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (Track By Track) - EP. 1
• Little Simz - Sometime...
Steve Lacy Talks #1 Song Bad Habit , Mac Miller, Love Life, Working With Kanye West + More
• Steve Lacy Talks #1 So...
13 minutes of frank ocean being just a guy, not a god
• 13 minutes of frank oc...
Frank Ocean - Pyramids (Official Music Video)
• Frank Ocean - Pyramids...
Frank Ocean Jets Through Airport In Wig Disguise TMZ
• Frank Ocean Jets Throu...
Little Simz - Protect My Energy Live
• Little Simz - Protect ...
frank ocean in the studio
• Frank Ocean - Nikes (L...
Frank Ocean Shares Summer Remains #DimplezTV
• Frank Ocean Shares "Su...
Odd Future - Oldie
• Odd Future - "Oldie"
Frank Ocean - Nikes [Live at Way Out West] (10 08 17)
• Frank Ocean - Nikes [L...
Frank Ocean- Novacane (Official Video HQ)
• Frank Ocean- Novacane ...
Frank Ocean- Bad Religion Live on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
• Frank Ocean- Bad Relig...
FRANK OCEAN - ENDLESS VISUAL ALBUM VIDEO [2018]
• FRANK OCEAN - ENDLESS:...
(FREE FOR PROFIT) Bryson tiller Summer Walker type beat Options.mp3
• (FREE FOR PROFIT) Brys...
[FREE FOR PROFIT] Acoustic guitar type beat - "saint" // free for profit beats guitar
• [FREE FOR PROFIT] Acou...
[free for profit] sad lofi storytelling xxxtentacion x nf type beat down under - rap instrumental.mp3
• [free for profit] sad ...

[@andrewgayda9028]

Nobody becomes an overnight sensation. Sure, there are a lot of external factors that can impact a persons success in the arts. It can feel almost random at times, like how of all people? But it truly comes down to surrounding yourself with positive influences and collaborators, being consistent in your work and what you stand for, and above all producing work that you yourself are extremely proud of. The beauty of being private is allowing yourself the time to experiment, hone in on a craft or idea, free from the public’s interference. It’s bound to make a bigger splash. But its really not even about that, its about your own personal grown and the exploration of your own identity and the ideas you want to express. Be thankful for the moment you’re in right now, because once you’ve so called “made it” - things only become harder for you to create. Flip the script and start realizing that being at “the bottom” of your career is a liberating experience. You can comfortably move in any direction as you wish. Something I think a lot of established artist miss from their past. Just keep moving, and ignore that feeling of being someone. Be you, and share that if you’re comfortable, that’s all that really matters anyways.

[@emile3]

Nothing but Facts!

[@TENOVISION]

YES. 👌🏾

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks for adding this beautiful piece of advice to the page.

[@pansexualdickhaver6878]

As someone who has been around a couple of celeb artists/managers,I can agree that this is a very common thought process lol and it’s great advice also haha

[@Blakemusicnz]

very well articulated! do you make music yourself?

[@97JG]

I love Drake, but he himself knows he’s very accessible. The modern day artist posts a lot on Instagram and knows how to use social media to stay relevant (for their art, not drama) and can also use it on their roll out. Frank has created a brand where he dropped two albums within 24 hours with no previous announcement. The album, the art itself IS THE announcement.

[@BrickL]

What steve lacy said about having the confidence without ego just being confident in the love of music hit me because it’s true I’m confident that I’ll forever be doing this along with the follow up of frank saying that he has to do it in excellence. That’s one thing about me is I’ll do a take 3 4 5 times or in different studios until it’s right. This one is inspirational going to the studio right after I get my groceries. Thanks for the feature as well Will 💜 Love

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks for sending over the music, and to anyone reading, if you feel like checking out a fellow community member, click over to that KZbin channel now.

[@tomfordlegacy4271]

I understand the point of his work ethic and outcome but he is already a world star and has no outside pressure or financial problems. He can take his time with his art and with his projects. If you are a new artist you don't have that privilege. Either you release constantly and fast or you don't get any attention... That's the way it is.

[@daggerdionmusic]

I agree I feel like this process only works of you already have a cult following I Love Frank though but this lind of process wouldn't work all the time with independent atarting artists.

[@raykincaid684]

You gotta find a balance between the 2

[@daggerdionmusic]

@@raykincaid684 kinda agree with you

[@captain.tell.me.hoe.]

Find your community . Get their respect first . . .

[@chancepope7395]

Nah how do you think Frank got famous bruv. You don’t ALWAYS have to release early

[@stephenhenry7901]

I’m an athlete but I see sports as art. I love seeing the way other artists go about their way of creativity and how I can translate it to the field. Great videos 👍🏾

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks for your support, and so glad the videos are connecting with people across disciplines.

[@donventura2116]

Sports can definitely be considered unscripted and improvisational performance art. There are tons of parallels between the complex pattern recognition of athletes on a field and a jazz quartet on stage. Both a musician and athlete train their minds and body for peak performance. And playstyles of athletes allow for tons of individual expression too as no two athletes are built identically.

[@grooviestmaster]

Insular is the way of artists. I feel like a lot of the artists I consider to be successful/iconic/genius do not find themselves exerting so much energy that they cannot tend to their craft. It's always a moment alone or finding themselves to be alone that leads to their minds to explore new spaces. Honestly, one moment in particular, when Tyler, the Creator made "Boredom" he mentions how he was alone in his house and unable to find anything interesting to go to. Rather than forcing himself out the door and preoccupied with other people's presence, he grabbed a journal and started to write about his feelings. He gave the song some purpose, created a world for his ideas to coexist, THEN BAM! The Grammy nom happened and he's been ineffable since. I do believe this makes for a lesson to be replicated, ya know? 😉

[@mynameis9291]

which interview was this?

[@grooviestmaster]

@@mynameis9291 from "Flower Boy: a conversation" It's on his YT channel

[@sunflaree5092]

nice example

[@Daynejordan3d]

Your work is essential. On behalf of the creative community worldwide, from an artist to an artist, THANK YOU!!!!!! Please keep these videos coming.

[@creativemindsyoutube]

I will keep them coming no doubt. I love making these. I've been looking through the comments on this one, and just so happy with how it seems to be resonating with people. To anyone reading this, and supporting in the comments, or sharing their own stories - know that your support is keeping this thing going ❤+✌

[@alexanderlong2819]

Frank has always been a huge inspiration for me as I became involved with music. The truth that he shares about not inviting everyone into your creative process is often overlooked. There is only one you! & Social media makes it so easy for anyone to share anything and receive instant validation, but hearing about how Frank would travel with the drive that he's sending to work on his songs shines light on true commitment to one's craft. Everyone has their own creative process and to invest in that while focusing less on others' opinions is a worthy investment.

[@fullfab]

If you can enjoy something without having to share it with others first, congrats. That's rare nowadays.

[@drinkbleech]

dude i love how you differentiate yourself by saying "higher vibration" i think that is so crucial and you are doing so much good by operating and spreading light in your higher vibrational state.

[@NiallWadeOfficial]

The narrative of this video was extremely well written. A lot of these styles of videos just repeat things other people have said but you did a great job at contextualising and elaborating on certain areas. Thank you for this 👏🏻

[@2win1now]

Well done mate...always love your content!

[@ladyvibes123]

Powerful. Thank you. Part 2 xx

[@paolabueso]

These are some really key points of the creative process. Thank you for sharing.

[@ahartford5]

This was so enriching and inspiring. I needed this! Thank you 🙏

[@ameera.abubakr]

this makes me not want to be so afraid of creating anymore. at some point i was getting somewhere with a following but some life events happened and i stopped creating. then i started back up but i don't know how to promote or maintain my vision or get help. it's a weird thing, like artistic shame or something. something that makes me think i'm only as good as people tell me i am and if i stray away from that i won't be liked. thinking i shouldn't feature certain themes or become more experimental and vulnerable with what i want to show/convey because, "what will they think?" to the point i won't even create what inspires me even if it won't be shown to other people. i forgot how to 100% accept myself regardless of everything else. yeah most people are not going to like my experimental work, it's going to make some people uncomfortable but i should still do it. if i think it's worth it, then it is, because i love doing it.

[@jblocker01]

You’re awesome dude, thanks for this momentum boost

[@coz.y9727]

Understanding the creative process through your journey while being aware of your position can take you a long way as a creative/ artist ☁️☁️

[@jeffreyzie]

Your videos are a gem bro. Thank you for your service ♥️

[@soaked189]

Somehow you made all these clips I’ve seen so many times feel so fresh

[@Luyanda_Lups]

This was a really insightful and motivating subject. Thanks to all the contributors.

[@tapeexperiments]

Great message. Create because you love it. Period.

[@IAMBYHAZE]

Love this dearly!

[@basbasgeist]

Amazing! Thank you for the great video :)

[@TiffanyStringer]

needed this video. thank you.

[@narcisoanasui246]

Love Frank Ocean. And looking forward to your video about Steve ❤

[@Yolocheese]

Wow thank you for this, I will surely study the vid! GOD bless ❤️

[@RickDiezel]

❤❤❤❤ I love these discussions

[@HonorineUwase]

Well I’m glad I watched this. This is work that transforms! Grateful xx

[@parisestrella]

I really enjoyed and appreciated the motivating vibes in this video. I learned a lot of new things about Frank Ocean, woot woot! As a music artist myself, I too have trouble finishing songs/projects out of fear of perfectionism. More like a BIG enemy of mine lol. After watching this video, I felt like just getting into my creating mode and going at it. That's such a powerful feeling to feel and it's too amazing that you were able to do that through this video. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@itstonycia]

Yay a new video! And it’s frankocean this time...perfect!

[@Bob-fj7lr]

This video is incredible. From top to bottom it is perfect. It's an incredible video about Frank, and your analysis is so interesting and honest and I got a lot from it. This is one of those YT videos you find that changes your life man

[@fizz5611]

I love this channel so much and also this video, I’m an athlete and an artist who loves music, drawing, and photography/film. I have problems in both of these avenues though, I’m constantly getting injured in my sport and it can be demotivating, in art I find myself procrastinating by distracting myself with other things. Even With these obstacles, I still see myself persevering in the future with new ideas coming in everyday. This channel has been really cool to see different perspectives of people who are so motivated and relevant in our culture. Keep up the great work man

[@radicalloner8496]

After watching this video something really moved in me. Almost like my gut saying “that’s what you needed right?” Thank you for this piece of art.

[@DrDelightful]

This was a very helpful reminder of the problems most creative minds face. Very inspiring thanks for sharing your talents with the world xxxx

[@MusicByKMR624]

thanks for sharing!

[@newprincessofpop9208]

Wow! I really enjoyed this video. I think it’s going to help for sure! One thing I struggle with is finishing and like frank im more of a singer, and I struggle with producing because mostly I feel negatively when I create, which ultimately stops me from creating bc I doubt myself about everything. I don’t know if it’s fear or what. This channel is truly a gem and I definitely think it’s going to help bc I don’t feel so alone

[@theolajola]

This was tremendously insightful. I've been talking to myself a lot about how I need to build the skills that allow me to show up for myself musically... And represent the uniqueness that I have to offer to the best of my ability.

[@LavenderFieldsForever]

Your videos are brilliant 🙌🙌🙌

[@HEAVY_HOPE]

LUV this one. Thanks so much for including my video + song toooo

[@regorajczi]

ty bro I needed to hear that

[@MrFtw11]

Love this

[@pyaaratofu]

This video changed my life

[@ImWesHarris]

Loved this

[@rekag8858]

it's so refreshing to see other artists with the same mindset as me. i've always feel so bad after sharing unfinished pieces of my work to people because then i tend to lose my tunnel vision and i spend more time focusing on meeting the people's expectations rather than creating what feels right to ME

[@EverythingWithAse]

Great Vid... I appreciate the info homie

[@TouMuchMedia]

thank you

[@etu666]

Such a dope channel bro. Love the community aspect you include. As someone who works behind the scenes in the music industry this really motivated me to get back into my creative mindset and continue making clothing. I think one thing that stuck out was “people suck at finishing” and for me that’s true af. Appreciate the inspo!

[@creativemindsyoutube]

`Yeah trust me I heard that 'people suck at finishing' tip too. Thanks for supporting, and just glad this video could jump you back into making again. ✌+❤

[@J-Louis]

My favorite channel at the moment 🤞🏽

[@fredrickenelamah4805]

Your Content is amazing 🌟

[@liricabox]

Hey! Thank you for sharing this video. I really like it. Also i want to thank you for putting real subtitles. I really appreciate them, im deaf/hard of hearing, and they are really helpful for me. Thank you for taking the time to put them. I love your channel, i always get inspired. Thank you! Have a good day and enjoy the journey! Lots love!

[@creativemindsyoutube]

That's such a good piece of feedback to receive. I had somebody comment on a previous video asking for subtitles with proper punctuation, and I made the change because I thought they might be asking regarding accessibilities issues. In light of that, this is so good to hear, thanks for taking the time to let me know and support.

[@christopherclayton417]

I also appreciate the subtitles In case someone is whispering or soft spoken, or they have a little accent. I am not okay with missing a word that can change the whole context. As you likely already know hearing and visualizing Information helps memory. So that is something I utilize even my streaming services I always bring up CC. This also helps me to do plenty of reading and I am slightly dyslexic so I believe it helps. I have worked factory most of my life and it has caused some mild hearing loss. All combined I appreciate what many might consider a small thing. To me I actually and truly glad you put in the extra effort. Many people that watch things with me get annoyed by the CC they claim it is a distraction. I will say that it takes some getting used to, but within a year if you already have some skill at reading you will find that you now read things at a glance. And I actually read the CC and still catch anomalies and facial expressions that many people either miss or never payed attention to it. It is a stretch but when I first began to practice this I told myself that it was a distraction also and I had no faith that I would not only one day not consider it a distraction but instead a valuable tool that has increased my memory, understanding, and comprehension. So just going along with the general theme of self talk in what you believe you can achieve in art or any discipline of life you can talk yourself right out of something unfamiliar if you approach things with an attitude of negativity you are more susceptible to giving into that voice that says you can't learn or grow. or you can trust the process and reap the rewards of diligence. But more big picture their could be a new deaf pianist that needed this feature. in pure gratefulness you taking the time could impact a life that impacts millions more.

[@QueenZsWorld]

your next favourite musician could be watching this video right now, getting inspired. 🌟 thanks for sharing

[@jobach]

i see everything as art, and that changes how i approach everything

[@fuckl0wlif3]

Love your vids bro

[@creativemindsyoutube]

And they love you back, thanks for taking the time to be dope and support, it matters

[@Nicoda1st]

Bro, thanks for inspiring me… plus I never really heard bout little simz and i must say it knocked me off my feet, specially the song "protecting my energy" and "I love you, I hate you" thanks again

[@user-ey9fp5co1r]

What a great video! Loved it 😁 There is something about the flow of things that gets interrupted when you try to force something in general. And that forcing can come from yourself or others it feels. And then about that when you share too early with other people, if they dont have the ability to let it flow naturally, they start forcing it for you into a specific direction. And thereby cuts the connection to that flow with source, or dance with the creative force in reality. Like when you have a conversation with someone who is like that, compared to someone who is in tune and can flow together with you. It is different. So it is perhaps a principle of reality that is beyond creating music or art, but also interacting with people and nature.

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Mak. I really appreciate people adding their stories and info to the page here. I totally get that feeling of when you share an idea or something with someone, and you kinda know inside that was the weak step to take, and you should of developed it more first. Thanks again for taking the time to drop in.✌️✌️

[@user-ey9fp5co1r]

@@creativemindsyoutube Mhm exactly! Appreciate your reply. Will watch for new videos :)

[@diegovera1353]

I feel like I’ve severed my relationship with my creative drive, often the idea of creating in any way just fills me with anxiety, sometimes I even want to throw up or not eat at all, this, thanks for sharing, I’m sure this will help

[@robinnornvall8040]

Inspiring video, 🙏

[@xii44]

Love this channel

[@creativemindsyoutube]

And this channel loves you.

[@prodJSTEW]

good shit man

[@LandonGonzo]

needed

[@newnolohpez]

Great video

[@LEIF_10119]

great video 🤩🤩

[@colmmcgrady4000]

Best channel on KZbin

[@jenny4979]

This video is motivating me to finish a footwear project that’s been stagnant for a while. It was more for myself than any other purpose. I am definitely an artist/designer that struggles with finishing. I’m still finding confidence in myself and my creative process. It feels like an emotional flux because I identify so strongly with my creative self. I wonder how I can find my own lane in fashion beyond working for corporations.

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks for sharing your journey, and it sounds like you're thinking about all the good questions that creatives moving forward ask themselves. I have a video on clothing brand building, that is the only thing I specifically did on fashion stuff, which might help so I'll link below - but otherwise yeah, thanks for taking the time to comment and share that piece of your story, and good luck with the ongoing work. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6jPoJqGeZZ0p6c

[@suarey5054]

Best channel 🔥🔥🔥

[@lazeaylo.2718]

Him and childish should do something together 💯💯🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@haltwhogoesthere47]

Two of my favorite artists ever. That would be beautiful 💯💯

[@lazeaylo.2718]

Fr tho I was like yo wtf why haven’t I thought about this before 😂🔥🔥🔥

[@ifichukwu]

“ here we see a foundational piece to artistic confidence: …a commitment to the art itself, as opposed to the approval structures that might or might not come from the output of his work As artist, living inside a market, driven society, these foundational commitments can offer us the freedom to move in directions that might feel true to us but not look to represent huge financial value or approval” 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@nusoull]

There’s definitely a level of intrigue to a mysterious artist ina world where it feels like everyone is seen and accessible due to social media. Frank is a master of the elusive perception. And it adds to the allure of his output.

[@VEGAS-NERVE]

Lana Del Rey too

[@lusdaco]

Mannnnnn keerp up your videos are fking awesome❤❤

[@ttixolo]

shit takes time. been trynna live off of that, think its an important concept for every artist to have in their thinkin space.

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks for all the support and comments on this series. Part two is now live here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2muhphrlJuUftk

[@TheEncouragementKid]

damn first son, this channel is nutty bro keep it up (:

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks for the support. Seen you out in these comments a few times, really appreciate you taking the time.

[@TheEncouragementKid]

@@creativemindsyoutube yeah bro your channel helps me man, you're a G so thank you

[@abelnocera3500]

I don’t know bout the last part of the title but cool

[@Zzzunknown.]

💤 was here!

[@prestigequickcod]

Frank Ocean is so Underrated

[@giancarlo1905]

Idk if that was true 2 months ago….but it definitely is now lol. I’m so lucky I saw him at Coachella

[@ashle9034]

We all know that no matter what happens, his album will be successful. His album will be #1 debut. But it's the expectations. He knows that if he doesn't meet the unfair expectations of the world, he will be seen as wasting the better half of a decade. He will take his time and we will wait. I respect it.

[@jaa3307]

"How is all this externalization, affecting the creative work itself?" Self-ownership as the protective creator. I feel like TikTok and Instagram has made people choreograph aspects of their life. Something that could be explained through by just talking into the camera becomes a dancing act and consuming the content can be draining for the audience. Yeah, if it's not your cup of tea you can just skip it but if we think from the creator's perspective they possibly think if I create this kind of content then I'm able to add to my brand or image and in some cases, to me, it comes off not genuine. I understand what Frank was saying about not telling people. When I was in the process of publishing my first real project (which I later did) I didn't tell a lot of people. Probably only a few friends but I didn't tell my parents. I wanted it to be hidden. The portion of Little Simz talking makes me think of what I've been saying all along, "I want to be the artist that doesn't feel stress wondering if this is good enough or not while in process of making it because that ruins the vibes and the flow of creative juices." I've been on the end of not doing this where I was stressing myself out if people will like the project or not and it made me change things around so I could please others but also myself and that confused the heck out of me and possibly the direction of the project. I also feel like the idea that you can be free but also you should be inside the studio and not let anyone know what you are doing is with established creators or people that have made it. For up-and-coming artists and creators, I need to go to that event and establish those connections, I need to tell people what I am doing or how else will people put my name in rooms when I am not there. Why do people create stuff? It's not a black-and-white answer but the chance to blow up while doing something you love and that you'll know (or hopefully will) grab people's attention has been more in my mind these days than I'm going to "be free and create and change the world with my creations". If I am able to put out that first song or that first short film that grabs people then, in my head, I'm set. But what makes that hit song or hit short film, it comes from being free (very cheeky conclusion). I will also say I suck at finishing. I don't know if it's the wave of spirit that brings me ideas every week as a nudge to work on music but I can't seem to finish the song I start but right now I feel like I am in a transition period where instead of writing poetry poetry, I feel like I should write song poetry. This comment is for a class assignment that was really supposed to be 300 words, carry on and ignore lol.

[@barkingdogmediausa]

"If anything about externalizing creativity strikes a chord, please make sure to let us know by externalizing in the comments." 🤣🤣🤣

[@liltootie2031]

For me it's building an album effectively... do you record a lot of random songs that u feel and put them together or do u make songs around d a vibe?

[@vforvendetta4345]

I would definitely do it around a vibe, a theme almost. That’s kinda what the best albums are when you think about it. Blonde was a story about frank oceans love through the seasons, DAMN was a story of weakness and wickedness and Kendrick told the story of him turning away from wickedness and become “weak” through god. Flower boy was about Tyler coming to terms with his homosexuality. Albums work beautifully together when connected by a theme ❤

[@Just1nmusic]

So I have a question so do you think I should take time off posting music to focus on becoming a better singer

[@chentaichicudanalupan2509]

once you finish one time… everytime wil be just as difficult to finish.

[@HaydenBuchanan]

This has fast become one of my all time favourite channels

[@Midori22222]

11:15 that lowkey hit hard:/

[@BillyLaSigny]

something came up for me

[@MEKEYEMEGA]

😍

[@Zack-ly7ck]

The more people you just invite into a process that means so much to you, is more of an opportunity for someone to taint your canvas

[@bensyoutubeacc]

Anybody know the song or artist name of 5:32?

[@VEGAS-NERVE]

Little Simz - Protect My Energy

[@zed712]

I’m lost.

[@retrofunk24]

It’s the way it is until it isn’t.

[@Marcustrh]

Where the brockhampton creative video Ian Joba and the crew are just as creatively as odd future

[@ophhate]

Its easy to be a star when you had all of odd future to carry you

[@IdkFoxii]

He carried them. He made their songs

[@ophhate]

@@IdkFoxii not the good ones

[@jaylenbrown6696]

It's easy to diss artists when you aren't the one performing earning millions

[@conceptualizing]

im here cuz im desperate for Frank content

[@dubg7likemike]

If you're a rapper that waves a gun at a camera. Take a note on what Steve lacy said

[@RenBen10]

Failing is apart of the artist process

[@icaris78]

ive released 50 songs in past 2 years i get alotta dope comments but i havent got heard yet ive been recording my own music since 2000

[@lilac_jun]

Needed🫀

[@kfcrazymicconturkey]

He ate out JB yucky

[@Keviekev115]

I would’ve thought him and Tyler would have more classics together

[@AP90x]

Learn how to release a album once every 25 years?