'Creativity, Inc.' Disney and Pixar fan's dream come true
As the story of the rise of Pixar, Ed Catmull’s Creativity, Inc. Overcoming Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Inspiration is the book that fans of Pixar, animation and Steve Jobs have wanted to read. From the beginnings of Pixar at George Lucas’ Lucasfilm to its acquisition by Jobs and later by Disney, Catmull weaves the tale of Pixar through the lens of encouraging corporate creativity.
Catmull never defines creativity because he says that such a definition lacks usefulness. He does provide certain key phrases, which he acknowledges can become just lip service because the underlying principles are complex. It sounds good for companies to say that they will take risks, but few people and few companies will actually expose themselves to making mistakes and losing money.
While Creativity, Inc. expands on the practices and culture that helped to make Pixar what it is, it cannot give other companies a template to becoming more creative that can be quickly implemented and sustained on its own accord. The simple fact of the matter is that Pixar’s culture rose from years of experience, and its culture is continually under threat of stagnation. Without constant vigilance, Catmull recognizes that corporations move toward safety and less risk. It is only through care and culture transfer that a creative company can remain creative.
Catmull’s final chapter is a touching tribute to Steve Jobs. For that alone, Creativity, Inc. is worth the read.
This article was originally published at examiner.com.
Catmull never defines creativity because he says that such a definition lacks usefulness. He does provide certain key phrases, which he acknowledges can become just lip service because the underlying principles are complex. It sounds good for companies to say that they will take risks, but few people and few companies will actually expose themselves to making mistakes and losing money.
While Creativity, Inc. expands on the practices and culture that helped to make Pixar what it is, it cannot give other companies a template to becoming more creative that can be quickly implemented and sustained on its own accord. The simple fact of the matter is that Pixar’s culture rose from years of experience, and its culture is continually under threat of stagnation. Without constant vigilance, Catmull recognizes that corporations move toward safety and less risk. It is only through care and culture transfer that a creative company can remain creative.
Catmull’s final chapter is a touching tribute to Steve Jobs. For that alone, Creativity, Inc. is worth the read.
This article was originally published at examiner.com.