Rick Rubin | A Guide to 'The Creative Act' (book report, and key takeaways)

Access bonus Creative Minds material and support the creation of more work like this: : / creativemindsmembers
Part One On 'The Creative Act' Here: • Rick Rubin Shares a Li...
For more advice and discussion from Rick Rubin come check out: insidecreativeminds.substack....
The community artists this week are linked below. Go explore and support:
Kakuyon - / @kakuyon
Aysia BerLynn - / @aysiaberlynnmusic
Rae Larz - / @raelarz
DOGLOVER95 - / @doglover9530
Thanks to Rick Rubin and his book 'The Creative Act', also Neil Gaiman, David Lynch, Toni Morrison, Margaret Atwood, Hayao Miyazaki, and all the other art works and creators that made this video possible.
CM SUPPORTERS - If you would like to help with the creation of more in-depth videos like this one - consider a small donation to support my time building them: www.buymeacoffee.com/Creative...
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....
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:45 Catching Inspiration
07:54 Cultivating The Ideas
12:00 Crafting Process
16:00 How To Finish
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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.
Please feel free to contact me for any further enquiries: [e-mail]
Main Source Material:
Rick Rubin the legendary music producer on working with Run DMC, Slayer and Johnny Cash
Rick Rubin Legendary Music Producer Lex Fridman Podcast #275
Rick Rubin How to Access Your Creativity Huberman Lab Podcast
Kendrick Lamar Meets Rick Rubin and They Have an Epic Conversation GQ
Author Neil Gaiman's Dark World
David Lynch on The Culture Show
Hans Zimmer - making of INTERSTELLAR Soundtrack
How 'Dune' Composer Hans Zimmer Created the Oscar-Winning Score Vanity Fair
Margaret Atwood's Top 5 Writing Tips
Paul McCartney x Rick Rubin - A Forthcoming Documentary Event (Trailer)
quarantine
Kakuyon - Same Kind : • Kakuyon - Same Kind
Aysia BerLynn - Manifesting : • Manife$ting ft. Royce ...
Rae Larz - Tea in the Stratosphere : • Rae Larz - Tea in the ...
Doglover95 - Good Friends : • Doglover95 - Good Friends

[@Rhekluse]

"When you believe the work before you is the single piece that will forever define you, it's difficult to let it go. The urge for perfection is overwhelming. It's too much. We are frozen, and sometimes end up convincing ourselves that discarding the entire work is the only way to move forward." 🖤

[@jamesbonar5963]

If you are doing it right, you are constantly growing, which means we as artists have the tendency to see our projects through the lens of "it could still be better" given we are always growing. You should always hold yourself to a high, but reasonable standard. The difference between high standards and toxic perfectionism is like a balloon filled with helium vice regular air. No matter how much perfectionism you add to the balloon, it won't be able to float any higher. You're just exhausting yourself trying to achieve an impossible standard.

[@mrsir9606]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqfVk4ujoJegf9E

[@Novakane.]

Over analysis leads to paralysis

[@rachelsmyth9912]

This hits

[@drmindriot]

on point

[@teddnagurski5583]

Rick Rubin took most these ideas from a book from the 80s called "A Kick in the Seat of the Pants: Using Your Explorer, Artist, Judge, and Warrior to Be More Creative" by Roger Von Oech

[@labsanta]

Takeaways: 1. The video is a book report and discussion of Rick Rubin's book, "The Creative Act." 2. The video focuses on one of the central motifs of the book, which is how Rubin builds a creative project from start to finish. 3. Rubin takes the creative Muse very seriously, approaching his search for ideas and inspiration as a relationship with this unseen force. 4. Rick describes our own ideas and point of view as emerging from deep inside of us and the momentum or motivation to create as being akin to the cycles of the natural world. 5. The video also mentions the importance of being willing to commit oneself to doing everything one can to be better than they are now. At time: 03:59 1. Creatives can catch small fragments of ideas and use them to attract more inspiration. 2. The creative process involves both a mysterious, unknowable side and practical, formal processes. 3. Establishing good habits and routines can provide a structure that allows for more freedom in creative expression. 4. Environment and routine are crucial factors in accessing inspiration. 5. The initial stage of the creative process involves open exploration without deadlines or constraints. At time: 07:59 1. The next phase of cultivating ideas involves experimentation and allowing the seeds to take root naturally. 2. It is important to relinquish control and not manipulate the ideas, but rather nourish them. 3. The artist's work is to collect seeds, plant them, water them with attention, and see if they take root. 4. This approach involves being open, listening, and being neutral without forming opinions. 5. The purpose of a seed may be to propel us in a completely new direction, and the work reveals itself as we go. The mindset of creation at this stage involves being open, unjudgmental, and curious. At time: 12:03 1. The crafting phase is the third phase of a project, which occurs after the seed code has been cracked and the project has a clear sense of direction. 2. During the crafting phase, the project takes on a more solid form, and the focus shifts to building and applying skills to make the ideas a reality. 3. This phase can be the longest period of the project and involves spending a lot of time with the work at hand, testing ideas, and allowing the project to morph and develop. 4. It is important to remain open to discovery during this process and keep the project flexible enough to shift around and incorporate new ideas. 5. The final stage of the crafting phase involves exploring all available options and achieving the project's full expression before closing it out. At time: 16:26 1. Rick suggests that having a project deadline during the completion phase can be helpful and may not hurt the project. 2. Many artists struggle with finishing and delivering their work due to the overwhelming urge for perfection and fear of the work defining them forever. 3. To overcome this, Rick suggests detaching from the work and developing a healthy level of disregard for it during the final stage. 4. This period can also be a great moment to start looking beyond the project and building something new and exciting. 5. Embracing the unknown can lead to a healthier experience in life, as breakthroughs may come in unexpected ways or through iteration. At time: 20:15 1. Rick's phases offer a slow and non-linear movement from open idea-catching to closed completion. 2. The process involves distilling ideas and communicating their true essence to the audience. 3. The audience's interpretation of the piece is not contingent on the artist's intended interpretation. 4. The best art allows both the artist and audience to have their own experience. 5. The video encourages viewers to check out Rick's book and a free newsletter for further discussion and thanks the community for watching.

[@multimalves]

Wow thanks, I'm a bit short in time

[@bronwynpillay2113]

God bless

[@kristinakelly2358]

Thank-you!

[@TyReeL7]

You’re the best

[@bryandubon9665]

Doing the lords work!

[@SebastianTinajero]

Im a painter and the process of continuing things not being extremely sentimental or attached with each single piece one creates is something I learned from a painter I admire, and I can say it is a beautiful mindset to adapt. Whenever I paint or draw even before I’m done with the piece my mind is already onto the next one, because I know I’m going to paint thousands and thousands more paintings the growth and process I experienced from doing said painting or piece is what I’m focused on not so much the finished product.

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Really glad it connected for you Sebastian. This might not be relevant, but when I read your story, I couldn't help but think of a podcast I listened to the other week, where one of the speakers is a painter/illustrator, and discusses this exact thing also. Maybe the podcast won't hit in the same way for you, or feel a bit random, but I'll link it anyway as it feels like the guy on there is aligning with exactly your point open.spotify.com/episode/6Qv4iWM5fj5QAQ6FKEKOme

[@SebastianTinajero]

@@creativemindsyoutube great I love a good podcast episode, I’ll be listening to this today. Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelreilly7635]

yes

[@jakeEDITsyt]

yeah same, by the time I'm in the editing stage of a film I'm working on. I am so ready to move onto the next thing and I've had like 5 or more different project ideas

[@machoren]

My issue is when I start a song I hear the finished product in my head and end up not having patience or interest to finish it why?

[@DanielBarberMusic]

These ideas describe the creative process beautifully. It's a delicate dance, a pas de deux (ha, fancy!) between the narrative mind and direct experience. This is where, it seems to me, we all can go. And there are gargoyles at the gate. The thing is, not going through the gate doesn't look too promising, either. Fortunately, there are allies in unexpected places. And ultimately I'm drawn to the notion that love wrote this play, so... Let's do this! (And thank you, Rick Rubin, for sharing your take on things.)

[@kakuyon]

You're the goat, and Rick is the goat. I'm honored you included my track to intro this iconic video. Love what you do!

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Great to make the link Kakuyon. Your videos are dope too, and enjoyed working editing to your track.Thanks for taking the time to reach out.

[@kakuyon]

@@creativemindsyoutube ❤‍🔥🙏🏾

[@jenjen2744]

I've read the book & it's an instant classic. Your editing & examples were artful as well. Thank you

[@LauraDia]

My upcoming EP is the biggest project I’ve had to lead myself so far in my career and all of these stages resonated so much with me. I didn’t realise how much of a rollercoaster it would be. Thank you for this breakdown and I’ll definitely need to read the book now 🙏🏾

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Really glad you got something from the piece Laura. Good luck with your upcoming EP - I just jumped over to your KZbin, anyone reading this, head over and support a UK artist from this community.

[@LauraDia]

@@creativemindsyoutube thank you so much!

[@Theironchief]

After listening to pt.1 I bought the audio book let me tell you this will be a life changing classic for generations to come

[@hannespi2886]

Is it read by Rubin? Im interested too

[@Theironchief]

@@hannespi2886 yes he read the whole book

[@shinobijomar4977]

thank you for this page. Currently starting a clothing brand while balancing life as a barber and producer/artist. I really appreciate people like you that doesn’t gate keep knowledge and life tips that can help others grow

[@ziggyzaagsma473]

Finally after all these years a book that I do want to read.

[@RaeLarz]

Incredible piece! And thanks so much for the feature dude! You're spreading light into this world, keep killin it👽

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks for reaching out with the music. Great to link and collaborate, ✌+❤

[@freyna]

Love that concept of creating the conditions to access inspiration, cultivate the ideas, full expression ❤

[@michaelduffproductions8976]

Glad to see part 2!!

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Additional notes and resources - insidecreativeminds.substack.com/p/rick-rubins-the-creative-act. ✌+❤

[@nashmichaeld]

These videos are brilliant, man!! Thank you and your guests

[@okaytayo]

I appreciate these videos so much ❤

[@MichaelDooney]

Thanks for putting this together. Wasn't aware of the book until seeing this, so you've inspired me to pick up a copy!

[@jukijukeson6050]

A lovely "Way of Being". "My mojo is working in the sun"/son.

[@victorlu9735]

Love this, I wish I had listened to this 10 years ago. Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesbonar5963]

If you are doing it right, you are constantly growing, which means we as artists have the tendency to see our projects through the lens of "it could still be better" because we are always growing. You should always hold yourself to a high, but reasonable standard. The difference between high standards and toxic perfectionism is like a balloon filled with helium vice regular air. No matter how much perfectionism you add to the balloon, it won't be able to float any higher. You're just exhausting yourself trying to achieve an impossible standard.

[@yeahsteph_]

Thank you so much brother. You are a Gift

[@SwiftDreamer]

I highly recommend anyone to not only buy the book, but get the audio version rick narrates if you can. I find it to be worth it

[@Zombiezay]

Absolutely so happy this came up on my recommended

[@THK4LIFE]

Thank you for listing the sources for all the interview clips!

[@therealjohngalaxy]

Great video! Thanks!

[@matijavukosavljevic2251]

Great video! Thank you!❤❤❤

[@RaeLoumusic]

This is fantastic! I’ve just got Rick’s book for my birthday. I cannot wait to start reading it… and see what ideas come to me from engaging with his book!! 📚❤️🙏🏼✨

[@corneliusapplebaum]

This is one of the best and most inspiring videos I have seen on this platform. Thank you.

[@pr5pr]

nice video. great work! Rick's perspective and ideas remind me of some of the Zen master Shunryu Suzuki quotes. for example, this one: “ In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few. "

[@arknark]

I'm gonna have to pick this book up. Thanks for the video dude!

[@schaschuschascho]

Thank you. This feels great to watch and listen to.

[@attheranch4876]

Excellent!! Bought the book👍

[@cciv6100]

Thank you. Will pick up the book because of your coverage. Well-done ❤

[@floracash]

Love the channel man! ❤️

[@terrybrownbill2175]

Thanks,really helpful.

[@marcopallotti465]

Great video... thanks for doing this.

[@michael_viteritti]

Beautiful, very inspiring. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@colorlovemusic2489]

Thank you! I've been loving your videos :) really nice!

[@hoodoosmusik]

I’ve read Rick’s book and I enjoyed your analysis.

[@puseletsotsilo]

You are a blessing 🙌 ❤

[@jaikumarsivalingam]

Thank you!

[@cheetorb]

Great summary! Really appreciate your work, thank you so much. It’s very inspiring.❤️

[@budsworld_]

Okay 👍 I’m okay okay 👍 I’ll try it to make sure it works better with you lol 😂 I’ll see what happens tomorrow and then we’ll get it out of my house 🏡 I’ll come over to you and I’ll be here on time for sure the next week and I don’t have time no no problem 😉 I’ll see what 😊

[@kaoscreations865]

My favorite works of my own 'take on a life of their own', changing several times before it's done. And when it's done, I move on to the next one that has come to me while working. A part of me is in the work, but not everything.

[@darioscomicschule1111]

Thanks!

[@tommyrocker33]

Only recently found your channel, really enjoying your content. Just wanted to say I appreciate what you're doing, and a massive cheers. All the best 👍

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks for taking the time to spread the support and kind words there. It's appreciated. Thanks for dropping in.

[@whoiskevinagain]

my absolutely favorite channel

[@daevgg]

awesome video !

[@MVergaraQ]

Really awesome content, keep it up!

[@KyleJames860]

Just discovered you and binge watched all you vids! These are very informative and inspiring 🎉

[@creativemindsyoutube]

That's amazing to hear. Really glad these are resonating with you, and thanks for taking the time to drop the support.

[@lysn8]

Great video, viewed at the perfect 👍🏽 time

[@VitoMartinok]

Great man !

[@christianaracelyvargasespa1996]

Great video 🔥

[@malcolmsolomon37]

great video!

[@G-OVL]

Your comment @ 4:43(ish) about creating the correct conditions. Reminds me of very similar words in a John Cleese book about his creative process and findings. Just found this Channel.. love it, keep up the work.

[@ArdalanShamsMusic]

Phenomenal content

[@DONTHAWONN]

BLESSINGS LOVE LIGHT

[@Jordndeon]

Rick is a genius. I hope i can meet him one day 🖤

[@Chewedgum108]

I love this

[@scalesstudio4670]

Thanks for sharing

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Just checked out you YT and enjoyed one of the Basement Social videos. Good to get an eye into a music culture out there.

[@shayrider9354]

Great video bro.

[@TheSawzy]

Every song is a growthstone.

[@dawgblanky4818]

Amazing

[@Chewedgum108]

This reminds me of Diana Pasaulka book “American Cosmic” there was a guy in the book who had a strict protocol to “download information” to his brain from the “cosmos” and he would come up with some of the worlds technology and inventions and then she found several other people who would do this… astronauts, engineers, artists really interesting stuff

[@nicolasb.henry294]

I really like what Rick said about dateline and perfectionism.

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

I picked up the book a few months ago, and started it, then other distractions came up. Now I stumble across this (thanks, Universe/ KZbin algorithm?), and I'm going to dig back in. So much rings true for me. Thank you

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks for taking the time to drop into the comments and share your story on coming back to it. I found a whole heap in the book that was beautifully written, and nice to come back to myself when looking for some inspiration. Hope it's valuable for your work✌️+❤️

[@Crazyibbes]

thank you mate :)

[@khumaratone5061]

May the light continue to guide you in your truth 🫶🏾

[@robot7759]

Keep on flowing the gigo 🤘

[@carrie227]

Coincidentally my copy was delivered yesterday.💫

[@barefooted001]

Subscribed

[@InclusiveMusic]

Great job, love the format, using the original or so and you summarise it. Thank you

[@Gabrielle4870]

With this also, he's collected good ideas and reorganised them and presented in his own way, carving out a niche as a bit of a sage 😅

[@InclusiveMusic]

@@Gabrielle4870 Yes, I've just found hime and gotten into him.

[@CreativelyUnblocked]

Almost at the 100k!

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks for noticing - appreciate the support

[@hannespi2886]

20:37 POT OF WEEEED

[@marcrampion6207]

Glad to see FZ on a screen there

[@realnoahbanx]

Rick at 0:12 is a vibe 😂

[@Original50]

Expression is not complete until it has generated an impression on other minds and hearts. The work cannot be 'done' until it does something.

[@daniel_najar]

"We can all be better than we are now"

[@GethinElwyn]

Love

[@georgegeysen6499]

Rubin's approach to the creative act is brilliant in it's simplicity and profundity ... but not if you're acquainted with the teachings of Zen Buddhism. That's why is seems so revolutionary ... because it is. You may want to check out some core Zen teachings about "self" and creativity.

[@rubyax6751]

uma hora eu vou ter esse livro

[@ianyork1759]

Great video and visuals. Curious, what Anime is used in the video? So peaceful

[@jayarikishii]

Key insights 🎨 The Creative Act offers practical methods for artists to access their best ideas and set themselves up for inspiration. 🎨 David Lynch believes that inspiration is a gift and catching an idea you love is a beautiful day. 🎨 The creative process requires a balance between freedom and structure, with good habits and routines enabling us to access inspiration and execute our ideas. 🌱 Rick Rubin emphasizes the importance of starting with a blank slate and being open to new ideas in the creative process. 🌱 Sometimes the purpose of a seed is to propel us in a completely new direction and become our finest work yet. 🎶 Letting a song grow is key to transformative work in music creation, rather than forcing it to be something it's not. 💡 Testing every idea is important in the creative process, as it can lead to unexpected and great results. 🎨 The best art is open enough for both the artist and the audience to have their own unique experiences and interpretations. TLDR: Creativity is a collaborative process influenced by life experiences and the natural world, requiring a balance of freedom and structure to establish consistent habits and routines, and letting go of toxic perfectionism is key in accepting that everything you create is a reflection of a moment in time. 1. 00:00 🎨 Creatives can improve by focusing on the creative act, building projects from start to finish, and approaching inspiration as a relationship with an unseen force. 1.1 The focus is on going beyond normal and striving to be better than we currently are, as explored in Rick Rubin's book "The Creative Act." 1.2 The speaker offers practical takeaways for creatives by detailing how he builds a creative project from start to finish and emphasizes the importance of approaching inspiration as a relationship with an unseen force. 2. 02:15 🎨 Creativity is a collaborative process influenced by our life experiences and the natural world, requiring a balance of freedom and structure to establish consistent habits and routines. 2.1 As creators, we are the sum total of our life's experiences and our ideas and motivation to create emerge from deep inside us, influenced by the cycles of the natural world. 2.2 Creativity is often a collaborative process with inspiration coming from a spiritual realm, as discussed by David Lynch, and the act of desiring an idea is like bait on a hook. 2.3 Creating the correct conditions for the creative process to occur involves balancing freedom and structure by establishing consistent habits and routines. 3. 05:49 💡 Having a structured routine and environment can lead to more productive writing and creative expression. 3.1 Having a structured personal regimen allows for more freedom to express oneself, and giving oneself permission to do nothing can lead to more productive writing. 3.2 Gaiman discusses the importance of routine and environment in accessing inspiration for creative work. 4. 07:50 🌱 Plant and nourish ideas without control in the seed phase to achieve surprising and unknown territory. 4.1 In the seed phase, the artist's role is to set the scene and nourish the ideas without trying to control or manipulate them, by collecting seeds, planting them, watering them with attention, and seeing if they take root. 4.2 Be open, listen without preconceived ideas, ask questions, and allow inspiration to change plans to achieve surprising and unknown territory in internal discussions. 5. 10:08 🌱 Letting a seed grow requires an open and curious attitude, leading to new and refined creations in music and coding. 5.1 The purpose of a seed is to propel us in a new direction and sometimes it may morph into our finest work yet, as discussed by Rick and other artists like Amy Winehouse. 5.2 Letting a song grow requires an open and unjudgmental attitude and a naive and curious spirit, as reflected in Hans Zimmer's approach to music. 5.3 In the crafting phase of seed code deciphering, a clear sense of direction arises and the labour of building begins, including trimming or combining plants to create something new. 6. 12:53 🎶 Hans Zimmer creates unique instruments for Hollywood movies, such as a PVC sub-contra bass duduk, through the crafting and testing process. 6.1 The crafting phase is where we apply our skills to realize our ideas into being, which can take a long time but allows for new ideas to develop. 6.2 Testing every idea is crucial in the process of building conceptual ideas into real consumable things and remaining open to discovery through this flexible project. 6.3 Hans Zimmer crafts exotic instruments for Hollywood movie soundtracks, including a sub-contra bass duduk made from PVC piping. 7. 16:12 📅 Committing to a project deadline is important for providing a finish line and realistic countdown clock, even for artists, and letting go of toxic perfectionism is key in accepting that everything you create is a reflection of a moment in time. 7.1 When finishing a project, it is important to map out timelines and commit to a project deadline. 7.2 Deadlines can be helpful in the final stage of a project, even for artists, as they provide a finish line and a realistic countdown clock. 7.3 Let go of toxic perfectionism by detaching yourself from your work in the final stage of a project and accepting that everything you create is a reflection of a moment in time. 8. 18:48 🎨 Create something new during the closing period to generate excitement for future work and embrace the uncertainty of the creative process. 8.1 Look beyond the current project and start building something new during the closing period to generate excitement and energy for future work. 8.2 The approach helps artists retain joy in the process of creating and embrace the uncertainty of not knowing, leading to a healthier experience in life, while Rick's phases offer a slow and non-linear movement from open idea catching to closed-off completion. 8.3 The process of creating art involves distilling ideas and communicating their essence to the audience, with the ultimate effect being built and felt through the audience's interpretation and experience.

[@virginia9865]

which AI do you use for doing summaries like this?

[@funnybot77]

3:42 ❤

[@georgenaylorfilms]

Just found the channel, been bingeing as I draw, had a creative block for about a year but I’m breaking out and learning new habits to get me back on track as an illustrator. I’ll be following the channel closely :) is there a discord server for the channels community?

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Hey George. Really glad you enjoyed the video. I'm looking into the option of setting up a discord, but don't have anything at the moment. Good to know you're getting something from the channel, thanks for taking the time to drop the comment and say hi.

[@Joeltraylorart]

Minute 3:07 contradicts what Rubin said a couple minutes earlier. I was surprised Rubin said it doesn't come from within... It comes from your experiences. I think both are true. What the narrator said, however, is in conflict. I believe it comes to us through us; within and without. In rare and sometimes cultivated times; perception.

[@max-a-million]

i know not everybody has the funds to cop the book so jus cop the ebook from libgen

[@keleniengaluafe2600]

❤❤❤❤

[@JCImageInc.]

Heybrotherfromanothermother.Keeptheworkpumpincausewhatyourdoinisreallysumthin!

[@willemhekman1788]

What is the name of the anime? The one at 2:50, 4:11 and 8:05?

[@jefffpv2759]

this guy lives off of others creativity.

[@alanhansmannkurtcobain8811]

Cool. He is a Hot producer.

[@occasum13]

is 7:18~8:30 a real music? I really liked that

[@occasum13]

its so smooth in the background I wish I could rhyme on that

[@lorenzojavier-av]

Who was the man playing the flute?

[@thereallycool]

"Magick"

[@leonardoaubert]

So this is other people’s content just clipped and with some personal notes on top of it? What’s YOUR input or added value?

[@anthonytinoco2723]

are you the headspace guy?

[@YomsterFUT13]

bro - what's the sort of strumming instrumental playing in the back?

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Hey, this is taken from a song by Doglover95, one of the community artists linked in the description. This is the song open.spotify.com/track/4PduaT72PA4Y75mmwoerE5

[@sullenbode283]

Is Creative Minds aka n-o-d-e? The intro sounds super similar

[@thesouringgentleman]

If I ever become a world famous flautist, I’m really gonna have to reconsider my hair.