When you think of Rick Rubin, the first thing that might come to mind is his unparalleled influence on the music industry. With a career spanning decades and an artist roster that includes names like Adele, Johnny Cash, the Beastie Boys, and Jay-Z, Rubin’s impact is undeniable. Yet, as he reveals in his 2023 interview with Debbie Millman on Design Matters, Rubin’s vision extends beyond music. His latest venture, The Creative Act: A Way of Being, is not just a book about making great art; it’s a meditation on life itself as a creative process.
Rubin’s book, which debuted at the top of the New York Times Best Seller list, is a beautifully minimalistic creation, designed in collaboration with Paula Scher of Pentagram. Rubin wanted to create something unique—a departure from typical design trends. And indeed, The Creative Act stands apart, both in its physical form and its philosophical depth.
In his conversation with Millman, Rubin explores the instinctual nature of creativity, likening it to the natural rhythms of the planet. He suggests that artists can tap into this cosmic force by getting out of their own way and allowing ideas to flow through them. As Rubin puts it, “The ideas come through the artist, not from the artist.” This mystical approach to creativity is something Rubin has cultivated by embracing a life more connected to nature.
Rubin also emphasizes the importance of playfulness and relaxation in the creative process. He shares an experience recording the introduction for his newest podcast, Tetragrammaton, where he chose a casual, spontaneous version over a more carefully crafted one. This decision reflects a core belief that more effort doesn’t always equate to better results—an insight Rubin has applied throughout his career.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Rubin’s approach is his unwavering belief in the potential for greatness in every project. Whether working with a legend like Johnny Cash or a newcomer, Rubin enters each collaboration with the intention of creating the best work the artist has ever made. This optimism and commitment to excellence are the hallmarks of his career, and they offer a guiding light for anyone seeking to deepen their creative practice. Rubin’s The Creative Act serves as a reminder that creativity is not just about making art; it’s about being in tune with the world and allowing ourselves to be vessels for the ideas that the universe is ready to manifest.
