Review

The creative act is a compilation of advice from the famous music producer Rick Rubin. Before reading this book, I didn’t know much about Rick’s career, just that he was a successful hip-hop producer; however, doing a bit of research, I found out that he produces music for all genres, from dramatic pop music with Adele to hardcore metal with Slayer. All bangers. This insight gave Rick’s book more meaning since now I knew for sure he was a creative genius. The book itself is good, pretty easy to read, and full of creative advice. I didn’t really like the structure so much, since chapters are small and you don’t end up engaging 100% with the anecdotes, and also by the end you feel like many of the advice is repeated. This book is definitely not a playbook on how to be creative, but more like a spiritual guide to find your creative self.

Summary

Sensitivity and Creation

The text discusses the role of sensitivity in artists, their ability to deeply feel emotions, and how it impacts their creative process and the way they perceive the world. Sensitivity acts as both a blessing and a curse, influencing their ability to create and share their inner landscape.

Artistic Inspiration

Artistic inspiration is explored, highlighting the importance of artists being open to receiving messages from various sources and being tuned in to the energy resonating in the world. The text emphasizes the need to access the subconscious and engage with culture to spark new and unique material for creation.

Creative Process and Mindset

The creative process and mindset are examined, focusing on the phases of creativity, the importance of remaining open, handling criticism, and letting go of attachment. It also emphasizes the significance of sharing work and avoiding the trap of comparison and scarcity mindset.