Title: Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration
Author: Ed Catmull
First published July 24, 2014
368 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780812993011 (ISBN10: 0812993012)
Rating: 4.22
Overview
In Creativity, Inc., Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, shares his insights on how to foster a creative culture in business. This book is a must-read for managers who want to lead their employees towards new heights and for anyone who strives for originality.
Catmull takes readers on an exclusive all-access trip into the nerve center of Pixar Animation, revealing the inner workings of the meetings, postmortems, and “Braintrust” sessions where some of the most successful films in history were made. The book is a testament to the ideals and techniques that have made Pixar so widely admired and profitable.
With his unique philosophies that protect the creative process and defy convention, Catmull reveals how to build a successful creative culture, based on a foundation of communication, trust, and taking risks. Creativity, Inc.
is an inspiring guide for anyone who wants to unlock their potential and build a team that fosters innovation and creativity.
About the Author
Meet Edwin Earl Catmull, a highly accomplished computer scientist who currently serves as the President of Walt Disney Animation Studios, DisneyToon Studios, and Pixar Animation Studios. Throughout his career, Catmull has made numerous significant contributions to the field of computer graphics.
Editoral Review
Ed Catmull, the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, released his book, Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration, in 2014. The book falls under the non-fiction, business, and leadership genres, targeting readers interested in the workings of the creative industry, particularly in animation studios, and seeking to understand how best to cultivate a culture of true inspiration.
Creativity, Inc. is a well-crafted memoir, tracing Catmull’s journey as a computer scientist, animator, and CEO.
In the text, he focuses on key moments in his life that led him to change the way studio entertainment was made, specifically the methods of story-telling and production. The book highlights the importance of psychological safety in the workplace and how it can foster an environment that promotes creativity and collaboration.
Catmull also discusses creative problem solving methods such as the Braintrust, a group he founded that gave feedback on the studio’s current projects. He uses anecdotes to illustrate how this group helped improve many of Pixar’s movies, including Toy Story and Up, among others.
Other key topics addressed include failure and how to select the most effective ideas from the many that are tested during development.
In Creativity, Inc., readers will be introduced to a cast of prominent characters, including Steve Jobs, John Lasseter, and George Lucas, all influential figures in the creation of Pixar.
Alongside these major figures are the talented people behind its success, including animators, designers, and administration staff. Catmull takes care to paint them in nuanced detail, capturing their strengths and weaknesses while highlighting the importance of their contributions to the studio’s ethos.
The book’s greatest strength is how it advocates for an inclusive, diverse, safe, and creative workspace. Catmull’s arguments for the importance of developing an environment that nurtures creativity in employees are compelling and backed up by anecdotes that demonstrate their effectiveness.
He effectively conveys the importance of connectedness and vulnerability to reach authentic and impactful creative outcomes.
Despite its strengths, the book’s structure may be a disadvantage for some readers who prefer a more straightforward narrative.
At times, it reads like a combination of memoir, leadership advice, and animation industry history. The level of detail and insider information may not be necessary for readers seeking only a self-help book.
Overall, Creativity, Inc. offers valuable insights into how the creative industries function, giving useful guidance for those seeking to build a successful enterprise.
Through its narration of Pixar’s history, readers come to appreciate the importance of safe spaces to foster creativity, the destructive nature of ego, and the significance of candid feedback. Readers who enjoy autobiographies, business and leadership books, and inspiring tales of innovation will find value in Catmull’s storytelling.
In conclusion, we recommend Creativity, Inc. with a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
The book’s strengths, particularly its emphasis on cultivating psychological safety in the workplace, make it a valuable read for those interested in the creative industry, leadership, and business. However, its structure and level of detail may impede readers seeking easy-to-digest advice.
Ultimately, Ed Catmull’s Creativity, Inc. serves as a testament to the importance of fostering a positive creative environment and the benefits that can be achieved through collaboration and a willingness to take risks.
