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The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Nonfiction (2023)From the legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us.
"A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere, and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment." --Anne Lamott
"I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be." --Rick Rubin
Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day. Rick Rubin is known for something else: creating a space where artists of all different genres and traditions can home in on who they really are and what they really offer. He has made a practice of helping people transcend their self-imposed expectations in order to reconnect with a state of innocence from which the surprising becomes inevitable. Over the years, as he has thought deeply about where creativity comes from and where it doesn't, he has learned that being an artist isn't about your specific output, it's about your relationship to the world. Creativity has a place in everyone's life, and everyone can make that place larger. In fact, there are few more important responsibilities.
The Creative Act is a beautiful and generous course of study that illuminates the path of the artist as a road we all can follow. It distills the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime's work into a luminous reading experience that puts the power to create moments--and lifetimes--of exhilaration and transcendence within closer reach for all of us.
"A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere, and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment." --Anne Lamott
"I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be." --Rick Rubin
Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day. Rick Rubin is known for something else: creating a space where artists of all different genres and traditions can home in on who they really are and what they really offer. He has made a practice of helping people transcend their self-imposed expectations in order to reconnect with a state of innocence from which the surprising becomes inevitable. Over the years, as he has thought deeply about where creativity comes from and where it doesn't, he has learned that being an artist isn't about your specific output, it's about your relationship to the world. Creativity has a place in everyone's life, and everyone can make that place larger. In fact, there are few more important responsibilities.
The Creative Act is a beautiful and generous course of study that illuminates the path of the artist as a road we all can follow. It distills the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime's work into a luminous reading experience that puts the power to create moments--and lifetimes--of exhilaration and transcendence within closer reach for all of us.
406 pages, Hardcover
First published January 17, 2023
About the author
Rick Rubin
25 books810 followersRick Rubin is an American record executive and record producer. He is the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, founder of American Recordings, and former co-president of Columbia Records.
Rubin helped popularise hip hop by producing records for acts such as the Beastie Boys, Geto Boys, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, and LL Cool J. He has also produced hit records for acts from a variety of other genres, predominantly heavy metal, alternative rock, hard rock, nu-metal, and country.
In 2007, Rubin was called "the most important producer of the last 20 years" by MTV and was named on Time's list of the "100 Most Influential People in the World".
His debut book, The Creative Act: A Way of Being, was published in January 2023.
Rubin helped popularise hip hop by producing records for acts such as the Beastie Boys, Geto Boys, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, and LL Cool J. He has also produced hit records for acts from a variety of other genres, predominantly heavy metal, alternative rock, hard rock, nu-metal, and country.
In 2007, Rubin was called "the most important producer of the last 20 years" by MTV and was named on Time's list of the "100 Most Influential People in the World".
His debut book, The Creative Act: A Way of Being, was published in January 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,061 reviews
August 29, 2024
I heard Jacob Collier say "I don't believe [Rick Rubin's] audience is creative people. I think his audience is people who aren't creative, for whom creativity is novel" and now my entire perception of this book is refracted through that lens
Some great one-liners but this reads like a book of quotes and quips with padding around them, and suggests one specific way to be 'creative'. Any truly, innately creative person would not confine themselves to this ideology, and so emerges two different types of people: those who are creative by nature and those who believe creativity is frivolous, the antithesis of work. By pandering to the latter, this unfortunately fails to provide much useful advice. There's a definite disconnect between creative people and the target audience for this book, The Creative Act.
Some great one-liners but this reads like a book of quotes and quips with padding around them, and suggests one specific way to be 'creative'. Any truly, innately creative person would not confine themselves to this ideology, and so emerges two different types of people: those who are creative by nature and those who believe creativity is frivolous, the antithesis of work. By pandering to the latter, this unfortunately fails to provide much useful advice. There's a definite disconnect between creative people and the target audience for this book, The Creative Act.
January 28, 2023
For such a beautiful and thick book, the content is surprisingly empty. The chapters are each 2-4 pages and between each one is a one or two line snippet, an ersatz proverb about creativity. For example, I opened a random page and the only text reads, “Sometimes disengaging is the best way to engage.” A lot of the advice is kind of eye-rolling and obvious, like it wants to be a Buddhist text so bad. But it’s not all bad. If you’re down on yourself about creating, I can see it being helpful to flip open to a random page and really remind yourself that creation is a holistic process that ebbs and flows. I would recommend Rob Walker’s The Art of Noticing for more practical advice about getting out of a creative rut while you enjoy this one’s pep-talk to your spirit.
July 12, 2023
absolutely insufferable. "my appendix burst but then I flipped a book by a medical quack open to a random page and it said not to get your body parts removed so I still have my appendix" yeah ok buddy.
Skeevy vibes abound. Gave the impression of a man who has been incredibly lucky and now thinks he is a creative prophet.
If you can make it through the nauseating, crunchy granola word salad, you might find a few nuggets but I promise you it's nothing you can't find by simply logging on to Pinterest.
Skeevy vibes abound. Gave the impression of a man who has been incredibly lucky and now thinks he is a creative prophet.
If you can make it through the nauseating, crunchy granola word salad, you might find a few nuggets but I promise you it's nothing you can't find by simply logging on to Pinterest.
February 8, 2023
Rick Rubin stans, let's fight. What was the purpose of this book? Is Rick trying to start a cult and recruit new followers?
The Creative Act was line after line after line of superficial inspirational quotes written by Rubin that were interspersed with *checks notes* inspirational quotes written by others. It's not to say that there weren't really beautiful and inspirational things said, it's that they were said in a vacuum with no reason to exist except that it's author is really famous and given the room to espouse inspirational advice.
For someone with such vastly artistic output across literal decades and genres, this book was hollow and insufferably pretentious. The emotional distance of his written advice greatly differed from the description of his process on 60 Minutes.
I expected more than just a cash grab.
PS--for those who listen on audio: 1.) it's narrated by Rick and 2.) the cult reference above has to do with the chiming bell at every pause in the audiobook.
The Creative Act was line after line after line of superficial inspirational quotes written by Rubin that were interspersed with *checks notes* inspirational quotes written by others. It's not to say that there weren't really beautiful and inspirational things said, it's that they were said in a vacuum with no reason to exist except that it's author is really famous and given the room to espouse inspirational advice.
For someone with such vastly artistic output across literal decades and genres, this book was hollow and insufferably pretentious. The emotional distance of his written advice greatly differed from the description of his process on 60 Minutes.
I expected more than just a cash grab.
PS--for those who listen on audio: 1.) it's narrated by Rick and 2.) the cult reference above has to do with the chiming bell at every pause in the audiobook.
July 16, 2023
men who take lsd for the first time and “discover” emotions
January 17, 2023
Is this Rick Ruben’s magnum opus; Or, is the best still to come?
The clear message in the Creative Act – a way of being, is; creativity belongs to everyone. It starts with a warning and invitation to a new way of being. Flip to any page for nuggets or full drumsticks of wisdom. Some of the creative mechanisms are familiar and some seem downright nutty, like beating a pillow for five minutes straight. It’s kind of a self-help book that doesn’t read anything like a self-help book. Not a step-by-step recipe, but rather a set of ingredients that one combines for a variety of multi-course meals in creativity. Not something to read once, but to revisit when one is stuck. Imagine if, in notes to friends; arrangements of furniture; holidays; passion projects; family or professional life – the Creative Act was an option. Ruben reminds us that many of life’s moments present occasions for creative expressions. A way of being that can be enhanced by turning into – Source; Not a thing per se, but more of an idea-essence-active-practice. The seeds for creativity exist in abundance if we learn to seek them out. Rick Rubin has produced many of the great musical productions of our generation. In the Creative Act, Rubin has curated experiences and deep knowledge about creative practices into a charcuterie of snacks or meals that require no particular sequence. This book is fun, quirky, and complex with its many patterns, paths, crescendos, and decrescendos that might not hit you on the first read. Look again and you’ll notice there are no numbered chapters, instead 78 areas of thought about creativity. In between most of the areas of thought are pithy quotes that speak as much to sub-consciousness as they do to creativity. It doesn’t need to be read in-order from start to finish, rather each bite can stand on its own. It activates memories, marvels, and even bit of mania about what most of us have been missing. The Creative Act is a seed for more of us to pursue a way of being where creativity is the first option. This book is what many schools have lost – a guide to a way of being that is sure to produce more ways of being - An opus indeed. It will be required reading for my students. *****
Graham Strickert, PhD
Associate Professor
School of Environment and Sustainability
Global Institute for Water Security
University of Saskatchewan
The clear message in the Creative Act – a way of being, is; creativity belongs to everyone. It starts with a warning and invitation to a new way of being. Flip to any page for nuggets or full drumsticks of wisdom. Some of the creative mechanisms are familiar and some seem downright nutty, like beating a pillow for five minutes straight. It’s kind of a self-help book that doesn’t read anything like a self-help book. Not a step-by-step recipe, but rather a set of ingredients that one combines for a variety of multi-course meals in creativity. Not something to read once, but to revisit when one is stuck. Imagine if, in notes to friends; arrangements of furniture; holidays; passion projects; family or professional life – the Creative Act was an option. Ruben reminds us that many of life’s moments present occasions for creative expressions. A way of being that can be enhanced by turning into – Source; Not a thing per se, but more of an idea-essence-active-practice. The seeds for creativity exist in abundance if we learn to seek them out. Rick Rubin has produced many of the great musical productions of our generation. In the Creative Act, Rubin has curated experiences and deep knowledge about creative practices into a charcuterie of snacks or meals that require no particular sequence. This book is fun, quirky, and complex with its many patterns, paths, crescendos, and decrescendos that might not hit you on the first read. Look again and you’ll notice there are no numbered chapters, instead 78 areas of thought about creativity. In between most of the areas of thought are pithy quotes that speak as much to sub-consciousness as they do to creativity. It doesn’t need to be read in-order from start to finish, rather each bite can stand on its own. It activates memories, marvels, and even bit of mania about what most of us have been missing. The Creative Act is a seed for more of us to pursue a way of being where creativity is the first option. This book is what many schools have lost – a guide to a way of being that is sure to produce more ways of being - An opus indeed. It will be required reading for my students. *****
Graham Strickert, PhD
Associate Professor
School of Environment and Sustainability
Global Institute for Water Security
University of Saskatchewan
February 9, 2023
Clouds make water, pear trees make pears… and Rick Rubin makes lukewarm watered down parallels between Buddhism, basic psychoanalysis, and the creative process.
March 13, 2023
Very few people here (thankfully) have trashed this book as superficial. It isn't. It instead represents a deeply profound and inspirational way of being, especially for those of us who create for a living. Knowing why we do what we do, how we do it, and why it matters is NOT superficial. It's the very essence of us, the truth of us, and Rick Rubin lays it down magnificently.
Let's face it. Anything that delves deep into the ineffable (e.g., what the heart of "creativity" is) is going to be met with some resistance. Mocked for being "hippy-dippy" or some such thing. Bullshit. Because it's the ineffable that makes us human. Feeling something so profoundly that adequate explanations are both impossible and futile.
If you disagree, try explaining to someone why you love a certain person. Or a certain color. Or a certain poem, pet, painting, food, place, or piece of music. Sure, you'll be able to come up with some kind of explanation, though it won't come close to the totality of what you feel for that person or thing. Because when you feel something is true, when you know it's true, no explanation is sufficient. And that, my friends, is what this book taps into. And why I will be returning to it time and time again. Loved it.
Let's face it. Anything that delves deep into the ineffable (e.g., what the heart of "creativity" is) is going to be met with some resistance. Mocked for being "hippy-dippy" or some such thing. Bullshit. Because it's the ineffable that makes us human. Feeling something so profoundly that adequate explanations are both impossible and futile.
If you disagree, try explaining to someone why you love a certain person. Or a certain color. Or a certain poem, pet, painting, food, place, or piece of music. Sure, you'll be able to come up with some kind of explanation, though it won't come close to the totality of what you feel for that person or thing. Because when you feel something is true, when you know it's true, no explanation is sufficient. And that, my friends, is what this book taps into. And why I will be returning to it time and time again. Loved it.
January 26, 2023
a few good pieces of advice for artists but mostly fake deep bullshit. i expected more
January 31, 2023
Fantastic, deep, universal truths when you're ready to hear them. This is an easy read front-to-back, but it doesn't feel meant necessarily to be taken in as a traditional "book". It's more a collection of proverb-like, concise observations about art, creativity, and life in general. The audiobook version read by Rubin is wonderful and meditative. After reading through initially, I plan to return to this book over and again and use it as a background sound to my day-to-day. I expect the lesson I need to hear will find me when it needs to.
If you read one book on creativity, it should be this one.
If you read one book on creativity, it should be this one.
February 5, 2023
5 Stars for The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin read by the author.
This is the techniques that he has developed and used over decades to help musicians be more creative. Ultimately Rick Rubin has been a big part of creating some of the greatest music of all time. I’m kind of confused by some of the poor ratings this book has gotten. I understand that it may be hard for the average person to implement these techniques into their daily lives but these are the ways that really creative people become more creative.
This is the techniques that he has developed and used over decades to help musicians be more creative. Ultimately Rick Rubin has been a big part of creating some of the greatest music of all time. I’m kind of confused by some of the poor ratings this book has gotten. I understand that it may be hard for the average person to implement these techniques into their daily lives but these are the ways that really creative people become more creative.
August 31, 2023
Unbearably tedious.
Like reading fortune cookies for hours at a time.
Like reading fortune cookies for hours at a time.
March 27, 2023
Not only will it have you roll your eyes at how mundane his “insights” are, his approach to telling you about them will bore you to sleep.
Comically bad.
Comically bad.
May 4, 2023
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Music legend Rick Rubin seems to divide opinion with this one - and I can see why. In the book, he explains how he tackles the creative process, and how he has been helping artists to start, develop and finish their works when they encountered roadblocks - and his methods have obviously been excessively effective. But of course, to be open to Rubin's approach, you have to be open to his Buddhist attitude, so meditation, mindfulness, exercises, etc. - and that's not everyone's cup of tea.
I'm also torn, as I'm the kind of person who finds gongs between chapters aggravating (I listened to the audio book). Still, Rubin's book achieves what it aims at: Readers get a sense of the great producer's thinking and work habits. Not all of his ideas are groundbreakingly new, but that doesn't mean they're wrong (the structure is slightly meandering and partly repetitive though).
Now my creativity peaks when I imagine Rubin trying to teach James Hetfield, Julian Casablancas, and Flavor Flav mindfulness. :-)
Music legend Rick Rubin seems to divide opinion with this one - and I can see why. In the book, he explains how he tackles the creative process, and how he has been helping artists to start, develop and finish their works when they encountered roadblocks - and his methods have obviously been excessively effective. But of course, to be open to Rubin's approach, you have to be open to his Buddhist attitude, so meditation, mindfulness, exercises, etc. - and that's not everyone's cup of tea.
I'm also torn, as I'm the kind of person who finds gongs between chapters aggravating (I listened to the audio book). Still, Rubin's book achieves what it aims at: Readers get a sense of the great producer's thinking and work habits. Not all of his ideas are groundbreakingly new, but that doesn't mean they're wrong (the structure is slightly meandering and partly repetitive though).
Now my creativity peaks when I imagine Rubin trying to teach James Hetfield, Julian Casablancas, and Flavor Flav mindfulness. :-)
February 16, 2023
Surprisingly boring. Seemed like something a college freshman would write after discovering Zen Buddhism. Too bad because I’ve always been curious about Rick Rubin. Almost stopped a couple times but then he’d say something halfway interesting and I’d keep going. Feel kind of bad saying that because I can see a certain type of person or a high schooler reading this for the first time and it all sounding new, but it just felt like a lot of empty phrases and basic, recycled ideas dressed up as depth. Not for me.
April 2, 2023
Immediately stopped reading this when the author claims he didn’t have a burst appendix removed because of something he randomly found in an Andrew Weil book.
January 22, 2023
Don't know why I thought this would be more technical.
I forgot Rubin is more wizard than scientist.
I forgot Rubin is more wizard than scientist.
April 27, 2023
I can not with this guy
April 27, 2023
I'm sorry but if I would have encountered most of these inspirational quotes -albeit true, motivational and even beautiful- without further context, I would've thought they were from an Instagram-page by an avatar named Buddhism for the West, or Creative creatures or Dialy inspirations.
For example::
"When the listener is totally present, the speaker often communicates differently. Most people aren’t used to being fully heard, and it can be jarring for them."
...
"Formulating an opinion is not listening. Neither is preparing a response, or defending our position or attacking another’s. To listen impatiently is to hear nothing at all."
Duh! It doesn't reach further than the wisdom put on kitchen tiles or google images with sunrise backgrounds. Maybe Rubin can start a cult with Paulo Coelho?
For example::
"When the listener is totally present, the speaker often communicates differently. Most people aren’t used to being fully heard, and it can be jarring for them."
...
"Formulating an opinion is not listening. Neither is preparing a response, or defending our position or attacking another’s. To listen impatiently is to hear nothing at all."
Duh! It doesn't reach further than the wisdom put on kitchen tiles or google images with sunrise backgrounds. Maybe Rubin can start a cult with Paulo Coelho?
September 29, 2024
Real work of an artists is a way of being in the world - Rick Rubin
Level up your taste …
What I dig about The Creative Act: A Way of Being so early on is how applicable each comment is in totality. Mr Rubin is speaking to all levels of creativity … even if you’re at the furthest from where you wanna be this book provides applicable starting points. Regardless of where the reader is in their trek.
The difference between this book and The Artists Way is Mr. Rubin’s book does not feel like a chore. As though I need to add one more pile of tasks to the day to stir creativity.
The ideas offered are useful. Stimulating. Tip filled. Less militant compared to how Ms. Cameron’s work came across. Just that, as work.
This said, I’ve met people who swear by The Artists Way.
The largest difference for me, this book feels instantly functional. Practicable. Worth rereading. Which I’m very interested in doing. There’s many points worth revisiting. Practicing. Employing. Sharing.
This first read vibes more of an overview, for me. Due to being SO juicy. Applicable. Tangible while being imaginary at the same time. Stimulating my thoughts into new ideas or fine tuning steps.
Borrowed from the library on Libby audio. It’s very popular requiring waiting a few months. Or, getting a copy for yourself to reread :)
If you’re not a member this is a free 30 day Audible listen. If you’ve got a stack of tokens like me 👇🏼
https://www.audible.com/pd/B0B3L2T9W5...
The author is the narrator. Worth visiting within interviews. YouTube is full of them. Search the authors name for more depth of Mr. Rubin’s ideas worth knowing.
A fun addition on audio, Mr. Rubin using a meditation chime to divide parts of the book. These are a means of supporting a break or pause in thought. Helps one reset mentally for the next chunk of new info. For me, added to the experience listening since I’m familiar with this practice and its helpfulness.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level up your taste …
What I dig about The Creative Act: A Way of Being so early on is how applicable each comment is in totality. Mr Rubin is speaking to all levels of creativity … even if you’re at the furthest from where you wanna be this book provides applicable starting points. Regardless of where the reader is in their trek.
The difference between this book and The Artists Way is Mr. Rubin’s book does not feel like a chore. As though I need to add one more pile of tasks to the day to stir creativity.
The ideas offered are useful. Stimulating. Tip filled. Less militant compared to how Ms. Cameron’s work came across. Just that, as work.
This said, I’ve met people who swear by The Artists Way.
The largest difference for me, this book feels instantly functional. Practicable. Worth rereading. Which I’m very interested in doing. There’s many points worth revisiting. Practicing. Employing. Sharing.
This first read vibes more of an overview, for me. Due to being SO juicy. Applicable. Tangible while being imaginary at the same time. Stimulating my thoughts into new ideas or fine tuning steps.
Borrowed from the library on Libby audio. It’s very popular requiring waiting a few months. Or, getting a copy for yourself to reread :)
If you’re not a member this is a free 30 day Audible listen. If you’ve got a stack of tokens like me 👇🏼
https://www.audible.com/pd/B0B3L2T9W5...
The author is the narrator. Worth visiting within interviews. YouTube is full of them. Search the authors name for more depth of Mr. Rubin’s ideas worth knowing.
A fun addition on audio, Mr. Rubin using a meditation chime to divide parts of the book. These are a means of supporting a break or pause in thought. Helps one reset mentally for the next chunk of new info. For me, added to the experience listening since I’m familiar with this practice and its helpfulness.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 10, 2024
this is the kind of book a finance bro has on their glass dupe noguchi coffee table to seem "well read" when they actually know absolutely nothing about art, where it comes from or how it's made.
this will also not get you out of a creative slump. if anything, it makes the slump seem murkier in an undefinable magnitude.
i think the major takeaway from this is that Warhol used to create and craft with three different things going on: a TV, a radio, and another form of moving media just to distract him enough to focus on his work which made me lol
for those who actually want to get out of creative slumps, i recommend looking at the love of art like Laing's Funny Weather: Art in an Emergency. there you go you're welcome
this will also not get you out of a creative slump. if anything, it makes the slump seem murkier in an undefinable magnitude.
i think the major takeaway from this is that Warhol used to create and craft with three different things going on: a TV, a radio, and another form of moving media just to distract him enough to focus on his work which made me lol
for those who actually want to get out of creative slumps, i recommend looking at the love of art like Laing's Funny Weather: Art in an Emergency. there you go you're welcome
June 20, 2023
I’m devastated I wasted an audible credit on this pseudo-philosophical garbage. The perfect example of text that literally says nothing - the most empty book I’ve ever read.
September 11, 2024
‘Perfection is finally obtained not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there’s no longer anything to take away.’
Antoine de Saint-Exupery, ‘Wind, Sand and Stars.’
Despite Rubin’s meditation on creativity polarising many GoodReaders, I found it both effective and provocative - even if its West-Coast, laid-back approach veered to the horizontal on occasion.
Add it to the list.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery, ‘Wind, Sand and Stars.’
Despite Rubin’s meditation on creativity polarising many GoodReaders, I found it both effective and provocative - even if its West-Coast, laid-back approach veered to the horizontal on occasion.
Add it to the list.
June 27, 2024
I stumbled upon this book while scrolling through my library’s reading app. Attracted to the simple cover design and title—and not noticing the name of the author—I borrowed it. I expected to read a few pages and return it, as this is a common pattern with ebooks and me; instead, I was immediately hooked.
Rick Rubin’s short chapters on artists and creativity were truly inspiring. The book was filled with such wisdom, and spirituality while never feeling overly preachy—though maybe that’s because I fully believe in everything he wrote.
I also started listening to the audiobook a couple of days ago, and I slowed down his voice to make it feel like more of a meditation. I appreciate how he uses a singing bowl to end each section. That’s a sound that always puts me at ease.
I am definitely going to purchase a physical copy for my bookshelf. I’m filing it in with my favourite books of all-time.
Absolutely beautiful.
Update June 27, 2024: I am now the proud owner of a copy of this book. #WorthTheWait #OnlyBuyMyFavouriteBooks #UseTheLibraryForEverythingElse
Rick Rubin’s short chapters on artists and creativity were truly inspiring. The book was filled with such wisdom, and spirituality while never feeling overly preachy—though maybe that’s because I fully believe in everything he wrote.
I also started listening to the audiobook a couple of days ago, and I slowed down his voice to make it feel like more of a meditation. I appreciate how he uses a singing bowl to end each section. That’s a sound that always puts me at ease.
I am definitely going to purchase a physical copy for my bookshelf. I’m filing it in with my favourite books of all-time.
Absolutely beautiful.
Update June 27, 2024: I am now the proud owner of a copy of this book. #WorthTheWait #OnlyBuyMyFavouriteBooks #UseTheLibraryForEverythingElse
December 18, 2023
this is exactly the non-fiction i needed at this time in my life & this time in the year where burnout & imposter syndrome are constantly rearing their stupid little heads. at first i will admit i thought it was going to be all "woo-woo" but there were so many lines that resonated with me by the end & i feel rejuvenated in terms of my creativity. some lines made me realize how many things I'm surprisingly doing right but also taught me some new mindsets & techniques to look forward to applying to my personal creative process.
a lot of these sections also reminded me of my favorite college course years ago: art history. i literally want to contact my professor and recommend this book to him.
as a monetized content creator for my full-time job as well as my side gig as a booktuber, this book was incredibly helpful and i will absolutely be looking back at some of my tabs, notes, highlights, AND dog-ears (which is rare for me to do unless a quote reallyyy hits!).
a lot of these sections also reminded me of my favorite college course years ago: art history. i literally want to contact my professor and recommend this book to him.
as a monetized content creator for my full-time job as well as my side gig as a booktuber, this book was incredibly helpful and i will absolutely be looking back at some of my tabs, notes, highlights, AND dog-ears (which is rare for me to do unless a quote reallyyy hits!).
May 9, 2023
Judging by all the praise this book got, a lot of people would be really angry with my review, but I feel that this work is a classic case of a “naked king”. And I feel that the most appreciative audience for it would be either those who are only starting their creative journeys or those who are establishing themselves is gurus of creativity and are striving to be “meta”.
I can’t imagine it being actually helpful for anyone who’s been in creative fields for a while and are still doing the work daily.
Also: extremely boring.
I can’t imagine it being actually helpful for anyone who’s been in creative fields for a while and are still doing the work daily.
Also: extremely boring.
August 11, 2023
A mixed thing full of good advice. I liked it best when it used actual experiences in the music studios working with real musicians to make points about creative work. But the sections about developing patience and the sequence from seeds of ideas to experimentation, craft, and finishing were lovely.
April 19, 2023
I think this book was just his way of emptying out his tweet drafts.
July 14, 2023
I listened to a great interview of Rubin on "On Being" and felt inspired to give this book a try. I can't finish it.
For God's sake, if you have a burst appendix, have it removed. Rubin was lucky that his rash decision didn't kill him.
For God's sake, if you have a burst appendix, have it removed. Rubin was lucky that his rash decision didn't kill him.
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