Creative Wisdom for Pixar's John Lasseter 4 of 7

John Lasseter’s 7 Points (by way of Scribble Junkies)

4. It’s the team, stupid.

“One of the most popular questions is always whether groups are more creative than individuals. My answer: In most cases, it’s the team – provided you follow certain rules. As a manager, it is my task to abolish hierarchies. It doesn’t matter at all who has the idea; that’s a very important rule for us. The group must be honest, direct, and endeavour to sincerely help the creative individual. But in the end, nothing that the group says is binding”.

So how does this relate to us as artists working alone, each in our own little studio?

Hmmmm.

"Endeavor to sincerely help the creative individual."

Here is the way I look at it. It doesn't have to be a competition folks. I meet other artists and teachers who are possessive of their ideas to the point of paranoia. They don't seem to be happy people. Then I meet people who are generous with their knowledge, who are willing to teach and mentor. They seem to glow. And by giving away what they know, they seem to GROW as well.

I truly believe in a philosophy of abundance. There is enough creativity to go around. There is enough room for one more artist and one more teacher. We don't have to be jealous of another person's talents. If we nurture and encourage each other instead of feeling small and protective and jealous, then I believe our opportunities and our talents and all the good stuff will expand exponentially. We are enriched when we open up and share the beauty we have within us. It tends to come right back.

The Elements of Art with the Peninsula Piecemakers

As a teacher, I never think I'm better than my students. I really do believe they are all creative. I might have spent more time (OK, a LOT more time) working towards a skill than they have. Our creativity might manifest in very different ways. It's all good. It makes a better team when people have different strengths and are willing to support each other.

I'd love to hear what you think. How can you apply this idea?

(I'm not talking about copyright infringement - that is a real and very serious issue but not what I'm getting at here. Do everything you can to be original, there is no need to steal anyone else's ideas. )


Here is the rest of the series so far:

Here is the rest of the series:

1. Never come up with just one idea.

2. Remember the first laugh.

3. Quality is a great business plan. Period.

4. It's the team, stupid. 

5. Fun Invokes Creativity, Not Competition

6. Creative Output Always Reflects the Person on Top

7. Surround Yourself With Creative People Whom You Trust