Ratatouille is one of my favorite movies. I’m sure my years working in the culinary arts has a lot to do with my affection for it.
For those who don’t know: it’s the story about a rat named Remy, who has a gift for culinary arts. But, because he’s a rat in a human’s world, being a chef is a crazy dream to realize. But, with the help of a human chef with little talent, that changes.
I was watching it last night, and realized there is plenty to learn about creativity from this wonderful Pixar film.
Here are just a FEW of the lessons I picked up from it….
The New Needs Friends
The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations.
The new needs friends.
When you’re launching something new into the world, something you created, something different from what people are used to…
Sometimes, no matter how good it is, it might not be received with open arms. At least, not INITIALLY.
It might make people uncomfortable because it’s different.
It can take time to accept something new.
The new needs friends.
So, it helps to create for yourself a small network of highly supportive people when you’re launching your creations, if you don’t already have one.
Ignore Criticism
In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so.
Don’t take criticism to heart.
And more often than not… don’t listen to it at all.
I’ve found that very few critics offer real valuable criticism.
The kind that you really learn from.
The kind that is thoughtful.
And makes your work better, ya know?
The good kind of criticism? That’s more rare.
The rest, you could do without.
Fixing What’s Broken IS Creating
After watching a batch of soup getting ruined by another chef, Gusteau says to Remy…
What are you waiting for?
You know how to fix it. This is your chance!
Sometimes creativity and making Art is simply fixing what other people have ruined. Or what other people didn’t get quite right.
Sometimes, you’re building on an idea that’s already been worked on.
Just because the idea isn’t yours, doesn’t mean you need to hold back.
You know how to fix it. What are you waiting for?
Create Because it’s What You Do
Django: Where are you going?
Remy: Back to the restaurant! They’ll fail without me!
Django: Why do you care?
Remy: Because I’m a cook!
Just yesterday, I said to a friend…
“I’m going through a ‘why am I doing this’ phase again”.
Ya know, when you wonder…what’s the point of writing, having a blog, trying to start a business, or any other creative endeavor…. Why do I care?!
The reason we keep showing up is because this is what we are.
Remy was a cook. He couldn’t deny it. He cared.
Sometimes, the answer to “what’s the point?” is as simple as…
Because I’m a [fill in the blank].
It’s what you do, so do it. That simple.
Let Go and Choose Growth
You could fill a book – a lot of books – with things Dad doesn’t know. And they have. Which is why I read.
Remy knew there was more to life than what he had seen thus far.
A creative needs to let go of attachment to ‘how they were raised’ or what any other authority figure, mentor, guru, or peer has tried to indoctrinate in them.
If you’re going to create anything new, you gotta go beyond that.
Support Other Artists With THEIR Vision
It was *his* job to be unexpected.
It is *our* job to follow the recipe.
Sometimes, in a creative collaboration, not everyone is THE Artist.
Sometimes one Artist needs a team of people to help them carry out their vision. You might not like that statement, especially if you’re a solopreneur and work independently.
Yes, you can offer suggestions and ideas.
But ultimately a team is following a single “recipe” to carry out a single vision.
And if you are not THE Artist that doesn’t make your role less valuable.
We all need each other to fulfill our dreams and goals.
Ideas Are Literally EVERYWHERE
Gusteau: There is excellence all around you. You need only to be aware to stop and savor it.
Remy: Oh, Gusteau was right….. Each flavor was totally unique. But, combine one flavor with another, and something new was created!
Ya know that question all creatives get asked?
Where do your ideas come from?!
As if there really is some profound answer to that question.
Like we have to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to get our ideas.
Ideas are EVERYWHERE.
Even in the most seemingly ordinary activity.
You can find excellence if you stop and savor it.
Write it down. Come back to it later.
Combine it with other ideas and create something unique.
Think about it. The idea for this article came from a Disney movie.
Not EVERYONE Will Be an Artist
In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau’s famous motto, “Anyone can cook.” But I realize, only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist; but a great artist *can* come from *anywhere*.
I don’t believe we are all Artists.
Sorry, but I don’t.
Anyone CAN regardless of their background or any other stereotype.
I think we’re all creative in some way. Some more than others.
But not everyone will become a talented Artist in their chosen field.
And that’s OK. Because WE ALL MATTER regardless of our titles.
An “Artist” is not better than a “non-Artist”.
Do you not think the dishwasher in a Restaurant is a highly valued part of the creative process?
These positions that nobody every wants to talk about merit our respect.
When one cook calls out sick, the kitchen manages.
When the dishwasher calls out, disaster ensues. Believe me.
The point here is to acknowledge and respect the people who contribute to your success as an Artist.
***
So… I could go on about Ratatouille. Really, I could.
But, I’d rather hear from you. Have you seen this movie?
Did any of my points resonate with you?
Hi Denise,
I totally agree that not everyone is an Artist. Thank god! But really, I have a dislike, maybe even disdain, for claiming a role you don’t take to heart. It’s such a waste of a good word to use it so broadly. Besides, there are so many roles to play. Why call yourself and Artist if you are more of an Entertainer or a Storyteller or a Mimic or a Mime. Those are great words, too. Why waste them by leaving them unused?
Excellent point! So many roles and descriptive words we can use. Thanks for adding that!
Hi Denise,
I haven’t seen the movie, but you’ve certainly made me want to see it. I can easily relate to the lessons you’ve drawn.
The first point, about needing friends, is so true – I can’t tell you how grateful I am to the friends I’ve made online, without whom I know I’d struggle to keep going at times.
I hear what you’re saying about critics, but I do think it’s important to be open to criticism – I wouldn’t go so far as to say we shouldn’t listen to it, but we do need to take it with a pinch of salt and not take it to heart if it’s negative.
And I couldn’t agree more with your point about finding inspiration everywhere – you’ve just got to keep your eyes and mind open to new possibilities.
Thanks for a fascinating and inspiring post, Denise,
Sue
Thanks, Sue. I do like constructive criticism and general feedback, but in my experience when people are overly critical, it isn’t helpful. I think we know when someone is giving us some truth that can make our work better, ‘the good kind of criticism’ like I mentioned in the post – in which case I do listen.
Appreciate your thoughts!
I love the concept of the “new” needing friends. In different phases of blogging, I’ve had the chance to support a lot of artists, and it’s always been incredibly satisfying to help get the message out there and to diver deeper into what someone has created.
I find that even if I’m not a huge fan of the work, I can always appreciate it more after knowing what an artist was going for and what motivated her in first place.
I think writing is so draining, that if when I first started a blog 2 years ago, if I didn’t have those few people giving me feedback, I may have gotten discouraged and quit. Some people say just write for yourself, but I disagree to an extent. Writing is about connection too. The new def. needs friends.
Thanks for the comment!
I completely agree with Michael. I think that was the point that resonated most strongly with me as well – sometimes the most important part of having a new thing is sharing it with the right people who will support it and help it grow in those early stages when it’s so easy to quash. Thanks for sharing these insights, Denise. I definitely need to see the movie now!
Thanks, Sarah! Glad some of it resonated with you :) I agree, those early stages are kinda fragile, support definitely helps.
I don’t think I could sit through that movie, perhaps if I were sick. But love the post. The new news friends are my peeps. And the title for those very special people is so apropos.
lol, that’s OK. As I was writing this, I wondered… how many of my readers have even seen this movie anyways?! But, I like it so much, I had to just go with the inspiration :)
Thanks for your comment!
I love what you pulled out of the movie and expanded upon, Denise. I haven’t seen this movie, but I haven’t seen any this year. Yes, I live under a rock. :)
While I cheered inside for each, I really connected with The New Needs Friends. Writing the book has been an experience that has changed my life After we asked our New Friend at the coffee shop to read the first chapter I recently wrote, the chapter came to life – in part, I feel, because I felt comfortable enough to put it out there. After all, the rest of the book is written. This was written after the fact, and I was biting my nails waiting to hear what he thought. Now, if it hadn’t been positive, I would have had to refer to your 2nd point: Ignore Criticism. Ha! Thanks for analyzing, creating, and sharing!
The movie actually came out in ’07 so maybe people forgot about it by now, it was fresh in mind though since I was just watching it.
Congrats on getting all the writing done! I’ve been struggling with a book for a while now. So, is it totally done right now?
I haven’t see any movies either, Tammy! Living under a rock FTW!
I didn’t love this movie … but you just made me like it a little more.
I especially love your last point: Not everyone is an artist. I get a knee-jerk reaction to this because I do think everyone has their own innate creativity. But that doesn’t make everyone an artist. There’s so much more wrapped up in that word — vision, focus, persistence, a skill set of painting, ceramics, writing or other.
I’ve been mulling the last few weeks on Jeff Goin’s frequent call to action that the world needs your words (as in, each and every one of his readers), because while it’s appealing, I can’t agree with it. Your perspective here if an excellent and welcome counterpoint.
That is a crazy-good comment. Could not agree more with your take on the Goins concept. And if everyone were an artist, it would only decrease the value of being one anyhow. I do not want everyone playing the classical guitar. It makes me feel special because less than a tiny sliver of one percent of the population does that.
Emily, I agree. I think any writing in the motivational genre is going to sound appealing, but actually doing what they’re motivating you to do is a different story because it’s not suited for everyone, plain and simple. And that’s OK.
I do think being an Artist has a lot to do with vision. I would hope that people don’t feel they NEED to be one in order to matter. That’s my only concern with overly-motivational talk about everyone being an artist – what if you aren’t and you’re forcing it, ya know? That would be frustrating.
@CJ – less than 1% ?! Wow! Very cool. How long have you been playing?
Probably longer than some of the commentors have been alive, about 26 years. If you like you can hear/see me play here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv3AbsjKHDs
Would love to have your thoughts on the composition!
Wonderful! I noticed on your website you teach as well. Do you teach children? My son just got a guitar as a gift.
I love this movie. He didn’t let anyone tell him what he should be doing, but he did what he cared about. I love watching children’s movies because they can teach us and remind us of the many important things that we often forget. Sometimes, we have to stop and savor the flavors of life to really enjoy it. Great post!
Thanks! Glad it resonated with you :)
I love that movie one thing that stood out to me was he just did it no matter how many times people said he couldn’t do it he still did it and didn’t let what others would think ruin his chance. Great points that we can all learn from.
So true! Thanks Kita :)
I’m with Ethan. How could someone read this post and NOT want to see the movie?? :)
I saw it quite a while back. I’ll admit it’s not one of my very favorite Pixar films (Up takes the cake for me), but I did really enjoy it. And your points are all wonderful — it’d be more appropriate to ask which *didn’t*!
In particular, though, the one about “fixing” or building on something as being creating — I appreciate that, because that’s what I do in my editing work. (I don’t think of it as “fixing,” though…more like shaping or refining, heh!) The other one is this: “A creative needs to let go of attachment to ‘how they were raised.’” I think we all need to get there eventually, or else we’ll never truly be finding our own way of being in the world.
So true about the editing! You are shaping/refining and that is very creative work and I bet not easy – working with someone else’s words like that.
Thanks for adding that! :)
I don’t think I’ve ever read such a convincing case to see a disney/picar flick. When I saw the previews for this movie back when it came out, I totally wrote it off. Consider it added to my Netflix queue :)
Ha! I guess I am pretty enthusiastic about this film :)
If you watch it, hope you like it :)
I haven’t seen the movie, either– I seem to be getting behind on my Disney watching.
I agree with your point about criticism though. It’s very rarely helpful. Only once in a long while is it the push you need.
Gotta get caught up on those Disney movies! :) I’m one of those Adults that really enjoy them. Like I don’t need kids with me as an excuse to watch them.
Criticism, yeah.. too many people enjoy it a little too much. It’s like a sport and not so much for the good of the other person’s growth.
Thanks for your comment :)
Hi Denise
Seen that movie and loved it. It is cute for the kids, but an underlying message for adults. You have definitely covered that area today.
We really have to believe we have something to offer the world and I do see that it could change from time to time. Unless we have been given a definite talent such as angelic singing voice and pursued that, we are always probably looking for our place in life to fit in.
We may have a desire, but no talent and even so there is some place that we can excel at. Sometimes others have to point it out and tell us what we are really good at. It kind of reminds me of the people that show up at the auditions on American Idol. Some are so sure they have a great voice and are shocked when they are told they don’t. Then there are the others who are humble and more surprised that the judges are blown away with their ability.
We definitely need others in all walks of life, without others we cannot survive and our talents mean nothing if they are never used.
Mary
Agreed, Mary – thanks! Use your talents appreciate those who support you. No one is really ‘self-made’.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I haven’t seen the movie Denise, but it was clear how clever you are in weaving in the lessons learned into this article. When I saw the headline, I thought, “C’mon!” But after reading this, I’m impressed. Ideas *are* literally everywhere, like an article for your website in a Pixar movie. :)
One thing you wrote might have hit a little too close to home though. You said that, “A creative needs to let go of attachment to ‘how they were raised’ or what any other authority figure, mentor, guru, or peer has tried to indoctrinate in them.” I have a word of caution about that one. You can let go a little TOO much to your upbringing or instruction at various phases in your life. Those who are quick to forsake are also quick to forget what an impact that past environments and people had on who you are now and who you will become. The past isn’t always good or right, but having a healthy level of attachment is really important to me. The tough part is defining “healthy.”
Thanks, Joel. I don’t usually do these types of posts, but I do find some movies really inspiring and I can’t hold back my enthusiasm for them.
I like your point about letting go ‘too much’ – I wasn’t implying detaching from your upbringing or anything completely. I meant more being OPEN to it. I think a healthy attachment is dependent on how much of your upbringing still resonates and how much just really doesn’t suit you.
Thanks for your comment!