Creativity Inc: How Pixar was built

Creativity, Inc. is a book by Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, about the role of creativity in business and how to foster a culture of innovation. Here are five key takeaways from the book, each backed by an anecdote:

1. The importance of a strong culture

   Catmull emphasizes the importance of building a strong company culture that values creativity and encourages open communication and risk-taking. He believes that a healthy culture is essential for fostering innovation and creativity. As an example, Catmull tells the story of how, early on at Pixar, he and his team struggled with a film project called Toy Story. The project was not going well, and the team was at risk of missing its deadline. Catmull realized that the problem was a lack of open communication and a fear of voicing concerns. He implemented a new process called the “dailies,” where the team met every day to discuss progress and challenges. This helped to create an open and honest culture of communication, which ultimately led to the success of Toy Story.

2. The role of leadership

   Catmull discusses the role of leadership in creating a culture of innovation and creativity. He argues that leaders need to be proactive in fostering an environment where employees feel safe to take risks and share their ideas, and where there is a culture of continuous learning and improvement. To illustrate this point, Catmull tells the story of how, during the production of The Incredibles, the team struggled to find the right story. They eventually realized that the film was not about a family of superheroes, but rather about a father trying to reconnect with his family. This insight helped to bring the film to life and make it a success.

3. The value of failure

   Catmull argues that failure is an inevitable part of the creative process and that it is important for companies to embrace it as a learning opportunity rather than punishing employees for making mistakes. He tells the story of how Pixar’s first film, Toy Story, was almost a complete failure. The team had to go back to the drawing board and completely rework the film, which was a risky and difficult process. However, this process ultimately led to the success of the film and set the stage for Pixar’s future success.

4. The power of storytelling

   Catmull discusses the role of storytelling in creativity and how it can be used to help teams better understand and communicate their ideas. He tells the story of how, during the production of The Incredibles, the team struggled to find the right story. They eventually realized that the film was not about a family of superheroes, but rather about a father trying to reconnect with his family. This insight helped to bring the film to life and make it a success.

5. The importance of process

   The importance of process: Catmull emphasizes the importance of having a clear process in place for fostering creativity and innovation. He suggests setting clear goals, encouraging open communication and collaboration, and constantly seeking ways to improve and adapt.

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