How To Unlock Your Creativity & Access Your Visionary Mind

The creative journey is often romanticized, but as artists like Rick Rubin and Adam "In-Q" remind us, it’s often marked by resilience and an unwavering commitment to self-expression.

Artists must take action and not set up barriers preventing them from creating

Rick Rubin underscores the necessity of proactive creation without seeking external validation. Sharing insights from his punk rock days, Rubin explains how he began independently recording and distributing music, reinforcing that art can be made without someone else's approval. Rather than waiting to be "hired" or for your book to be published, Rubin believes that taking initiative is the path to accomplishing great things.

Rubin stresses that the priority for anyone in the creative process is to concentrate on producing the finest work possible. He uses the example of a basketball player overwhelmed by the distractions of social media, suggesting the importance of focusing on the fundamental act of creation above all else.

Creativity is an intuitive, feeling-driven process rather than an analytical one

Rick Rubin states, "I would say thinking is the least part of it. It's much more about feeling and being true to themselves, whatever that is. Feeling their truths." He suggests that creativity begins with a feeling, with analysis playing a secondary role in understanding that feeling or its origin. This perspective is echoed by others who stress the importance of authentic, personal experiences over external demands or analytic thinking.

The speaker himself advises artists to pay attention to emotional movements in daily life, to put pen to paper without considering what others might want or expect.

Adam "In-Q" captures the spontaneous essence of creativity when he pauses a conversation to jot down a line inspired by the loud chirping of birds. This impulse led to further creative exploration, illustrating the organic nature of the process.

Adam "In-Q" also voices displeasure with the constraints of platforms like Instagram for sharing poetry, voicing a preference for sharing complete works that offer a fuller experience. This reinforces the idea that an artist should not await a perfect medium to express their art.

Persistence and resilience are key to sustaining a creative career

Rick Rubin discusses the relentless nature of artistic success, indicating that there are no shortcuts and that it involves substantial effort to discover what the universe desires of you. ...

Distinct voices from the artistic world discuss authenticity, vulnerability, and the quest for inner peace as the pathways to impactful art.

The most impactful art often comes from a place of honesty and willingness to be vulnerable

Music producer Rick Rubin underscores the importance of artists being both open and committed to expressing their truths. Rubin highlights that the mistakes and imperfections in art—a divergence from machine-like precision—are what render it fascinating and human. For instance, Rachel Platten's stage performance, where she admitted her nervousness and fumbling, resonated deeply with audiences due to its authenticity. Rubin’s perspective is echoed by Hozier, who asserts that as long as he believes in his work, he finds peace in it, regardless of its popularity.

Artist Adam "In-Q" shares a similar belief but from a poet’s perspective. When releasing his intensely personal album 'The Never Ending Now,' he confronted fears of judgment and external validation. Yet the album's successful connection with listeners validated his approach to honest and vulnerable creation.

Artists who are willing to openly share their authentic selves, even when it's difficult, create the most meaningful connections with audiences

Singer Hozier acknowledges the significance of genuine self-expression. He discusses the urge to be witnessed by others, probing into the internal reasons one might seek validation through public work. This reflection reveals a shared notion among artists that facing internal challenges openly tends to resonate with audiences.

Sharing personal struggles is also a theme touched upon by Lewis Howes, who overcame the challenge of presenting a facade to belong. His process of uncovering and embracing his authentic self, despite insecurities, is intrinsic to his message on authenticity. Similarly, Johnny Cash later in his career achieved newfound resonance with audiences by recording in an intimate and honest setting, which led to covers like "Hurt," demonstrating the powerful connection forged through authenticity.

Developing self-awareness and inner peace is crucial for artists to create their best work

To create true art, artists highlight the essential journey toward self-awareness and inner peace. Hozier considers the importance of addressing per ...

Artists and creators often speak of the spiritual or transcendent experiences they encounter in their creative processes and live performances. Through pure intention and a commitment to excellence, the act of creating can evolve into a profound spiritual journey.

The creative process can be a form of devotion or "gift to the universe"

Rick Rubin, well-known for his deep reflections on creativity, believes that the creative process is a dedication to what the universe asks of an artist. He sees it as a form of devotion or a "gift to the universe." Rubin strongly advocates for the purity of intention in the creative process, suggesting that when one works with pure intentions and for the right reasons, things tend to work out.

Adam "In-Q" powerfully illustrates this with his poem "bird song," implying that the highest level of artistry and creation is not seeking external rewards but is a natural, authentic act—similar to a bird's song which is sung not for recognition, but purely out of its own essence.

Achieving a profound "flow state" during live performances is a spiritual experience for many artists

Hozier and Adam "In-Q" touch upon the experience of "flow state" in live performances. Hozier explains that being in a meditative state before shows helps him achieve a sense of flow and stay grounded and present on stage. He ties this state to mental health and wellness, revealing that such mindfulness practices contribute to the spiritual quality of both performing and experiencing live music.

This notion of flow is expanded upon when Rubin and Adam "In-Q" discuss creativity as a spiritual practice. Rubin incorporates personal meditation and Tai Chi into his life, suggesting these practices foster a state of presence and immersion akin to the flow state experienced during creative expression. In their discussion, Rubin emphasizes the question, "How much more can I give?" refle ...

The intersection of mental health and artistic expression is profound, often leading to tension between creativity and emotional well-being. Artists like Hozier and insights from Rick Rubin and others highlight the challenges and solutions to maintaining a healthy relationship with oneself in the creative process.

The constant pressure and distractions of the creative life can take a heavy toll on artists' mental well-being

Rick Rubin speaks of the anxiety that comes with beginning a new project due to its inherent uncertainties, potentially adding to the stress of creation. He suggests that external demands from social media or management also contribute to this stress. Hozier touches upon the intense stress he experienced before releasing an album, describing a significant release of cortisol and an absence of expected catharsis. This ongoing tension and emotional strain hint at the unrelenting pressure and distractions that artists face.

Hozier further reveals the non-stop nature of being on tour, continuously managing crises, and the persistent stage fright he must regulate in his body. He confesses to a lack of self-relationship and avoidance of mental health care, a cycle of non-stop work resembling running on a hamster wheel. These distractions persist even during performances when thoughts of emails or tasks intrude, tangibly affecting the artistic experience. Hozier's ability to perform despite his mind being elsewhere shows the depth of internal pressure that artists can endure, leading to an emotional disconnect even in moments dedicated to artistry.

Developing mindfulness, self-compassion, and healthy coping mechanisms is essential for artists to sustain a successful career

The importance of developing a healthy relationship with oneself is evident in the reflections shared by the artists. Hozier speaks on the necessity of confronting his mental health when he could no longer run from his issues. He mentions embracing mindfulness and meditation as significant changes that helped calm his mind and improved presence during performances. During the pandemic, without the distractions of touring, Hozier was forced to confront parts of himself, leading to a period of depressive episodes and creative blocks. His fluctuating self-assessment of creative ideas, evidenced by an inability to decisively hold one thought, questioned his confidence.

Lewis Howes and Hozier highlight self-awareness, reflection, and therapeutic processes as pivotal for their well-being and continued success as artists. Both emphasize healing past wounds and cultivating a positive relationship with oneself as essential steps towards creating meaningful and impactful art.

Artists who make the effort to heal past wounds and cultivate a positive relationship with themselves are better equipped to create meaningful, impactful art

Artists, including Hozier and Adam "In-Q," recount the transformative effects of addressing negative self-talk and engaging in self-parenting. Hozier, after years of reluctance, faced his mental health and past, enabling him to transcend previous creative barriers. He also mentions growing up in Ireland where mental health discussions we ...