THE CREATIVE ACT: A WAY OF BEING

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By Rick Rubin
Summary by Miles McKeller-Smith
November 22, 2023

I just finished reading Rick Rubin’s “The Creative Act: A Way of Being”. To be honest, I was excited to jump in, but I wasn’t sure what to expect. Now that I’m finished, I’m feeling refreshed as both a person and artist. This will be a game-changer for a lot of artists.

In this book, we take a journey through the minds of some of the world’s most renowned artists, exploring their creative processes and the essence of what it means to be truly innovative. What I love the most about this book is how Rubin doesn’t just provide a formula for creativity; he encourages you to embrace your individuality and follow your own path. “ The goal of art isn’t to attain perfection. The goal is to share who we are. And how we see the world.”

“The Creative Act” has legendary anecdotes and conversations between Rubin and iconic figures like Johnny Cash, Jay-Z, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It offers profound insights into their work and his own experiences. It’s like having a one-on-one chat with a wise, creative mentor.

The book isn’t limited to music but applies to all creative fields. Rubin’s wisdom transcends boundaries, making it relevant to writers, visual artists, and anyone striving to express their unique vision. 

I listened to this book through Audible, and after the first few chapters, it became a part of my morning routine. Rick narrates the entire book; his voice is incredibly soothing and could be a great way to start your day. Pro tip – use Audible’s “Clip” feature to bookmark a section that you want to return to later. This feature has turned this book into even more of a gem for me. I can easily return to sections that I found particularly helpful when I need a creative spark.

This review Is in Issue 3 of crEATe Magazine. You can download the issue here.

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