5 ways to get in the Pixar frame of mind
One of the last few chapters of the book lists several things ("mechanisms") that Pixar uses to get in "a different frame of mind." I don't think that's the best way to put it, but they're trying to stay creative and original. They don't want to get in a creative rut and make a B movie.So in this post I'll talk about some of those things, but there are a couple of them that deserve their own post. This post is going to be a lot of quotes without my commentary, because let's face it: you want to hear from the expert, not me.
Midstream feedback
Pixar calls these dailies. This is where an animator presents the scene he's working on to the director and anyone else that wants to join the daily meeting. The most amazing thing about this is that the scenes that are presented are not finished. They're a work-in-progress.
…everyone at Pixar shows incomplete work, and everyone is free to make suggestions. When they realize this, the embarrassment goes away—and when the embarrassment goes away, people become more creative.
If you've ever gotten critiqued about your creative work, you'll know that's hard enough with something that you've pored over for a long time and finally finished. Now think about getting critiqued on your rough draft by your boss. It can't be easy, and that's why Ed Catmull says they have to "check their egos at the door."
The critiques that were offered were specific and meticulous. Every scene was prosecuted relentlessly.…'We go through every single frame with a fine-toothed comb, over and over and over again.'"Individual creativity is magnified by the people around you."
Research Trips
"You must go out and do research," says John Lasseter."You'll never stumble upon the unexpected if you stick only to the familiar."
Integrating Technology and Art
"Art challenges technology, technology inspires art," says John Lasseter.Given how different the two mindsets can be, it can be tough to keep them aligned and engaged with each other. But in my view, the effort is always worth it. Our specialized skills and mental models are challenged when we integrate with people who are different.
Postmordems
This is an after-the-fact examination of how their movie turned out and it can be hard to do right.Companies, like individuals, do not become exceptional by believing they are exceptional but by understanding the ways in which they aren't exceptional.
It isn't just postmordems, though: In general, people are resistant to self-assessment. Companies are bad at it, too. Looking inward, to them, often boils down to this: 'We are successful, so what we are doing must be correct.' Or the converse: 'We failed, so what we did was wrong.' This is shallow."A good postmordem arms people with the right questions to ask going forward."
Continuing to Learn
"Creativity involves missteps and imperfections."
"The fear of judgment was hindering creativity."
He ends that section by talking about keeping a "beginner's mind"
Well, there you have it. Some great things the think about and very little about how to go apply this in your creative life. Let me know how you've applied these things and whether they've worked or not.
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