Life Advice from Artists—Rick Rubin and Others Tell All

Author - Douglas Paul Smith

Douglas Paul Smith is the founder of House of Flow and an experienced artist coach who has spent over 15 years empowering artists to unlock their creative potential. With a deep background in visual arts, meditation. and contemplative arts practices, he helps artists overcome creative blocks and transform emotional challenges through the creative process. Douglas is the author of The Infinite Artist and has taught courses on creativity, flow, and overcoming anxiety. His experience as a visual artist includes exhibitions in museums and galleries worldwide, and his unique approach blends Eastern philosophy with modern artistic practices to guide artists on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

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Advice for Creatives | General Advice for Artists | The Artist’s Dilemma

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March 8, 2025

Let’s get one thing straight: artists are weird. We talk to ourselves. We stare at blank pages, canvases, and dance floors like they personally insulted us. And yet, somehow, art gets made.

But let’s be honest—creativity isn’t always a smooth ride. Some days you’re on fire, making absolute magic. Other days, you wonder if you’ve been tricking everyone into thinking you have talent. And in those moments, who do we turn to? The sages. The mad geniuses. The artists who have gone before us and left behind their wisdom like breadcrumbs in a dark forest.

So let’s talk about Life Advice from Artists—Enter Rick Rubin, David Bowie, Andy Warhol, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, and a few other modern artistic legends. These people didn’t just create—they changed the game. So let’s break down their best life advice for artists (with some of my own unsolicited commentary), because let’s face it—whether you’re a painter, musician, writer, or filmmaker, the struggles are the same.

1. Rick Rubin Says: “The Art Already Exists. You Just Have to Find It.”

Rick Rubin is like the Zen master of creativity. He believes that artists don’t create—they uncover. His whole philosophy revolves around getting out of your own way and letting the art reveal itself.

Bio:

Born in 1963, Rubin co-founded Def Jam Recordings in his NYU dorm room and helped launch the careers of artists like LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, and Run-D.M.C.
He later revived Johnny Cash’s career with the now-legendary American Recordings series.
He often works in minimalistic studios, emphasizing a stripped-down approach to music.

Example:

Johnny Cash’s comeback happened under Rubin’s guidance. He stripped away all the noise, all the industry expectations, and had Cash record haunting, bare-bones versions of songs like “Hurt.” The result? One of the most powerful musical reinventions in history.

Takeaway:

Stop forcing things. Creativity flows best when you let go.
Simplicity is powerful. Sometimes less is more.
Your job as an artist isn’t to manufacture something new—it’s to tune into what’s already there.

2. David Bowie Says: “Always Go a Little Further Into the Water”

Bowie was a master of reinvention. He knew that staying comfortable was artistic death. His advice? If you feel safe, you’re not pushing hard enough.

Bio:

Born in 1947, Bowie constantly transformed his music and image, from Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke.
His 2016 album Blackstar was a final, masterful reinvention, released just before his passing.
Bowie once said, “If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area.”

Example:

Lady Gaga followed this philosophy when she transitioned from extravagant pop to jazz, working with Tony Bennett. Critics doubted her, but she proved she had real vocal chops beyond spectacle.

Application:

If you’re feeling stagnant, change things up—new medium, new approach, new challenge.
Be willing to take risks. The best art comes from uncertainty.
Don’t fear failure; it’s just part of the creative process.

3. Andy Warhol Says: “Just Do the Art, Let Others Decide If It’s Good”

Warhol didn’t sit around wondering if his work was deep enough. He just made stuff. If people loved it? Great. If not? Whatever, onto the next thing.

Bio:

Born in 1928, Warhol started as a commercial illustrator before becoming the face of Pop Art.
His studio, The Factory, became a hub for avant-garde creativity, attracting everyone from Basquiat to The Velvet Underground.
He famously said, “Don’t think about making art, just get it done.”

Example:

Tyler, the Creator has built his career by doing whatever he wants, from music to fashion to designing entire festivals. People didn’t get it at first, but now he’s one of the most respected artists of his generation.

Takeaway:

Stop overthinking. Create first, analyze later.
Don’t wait for validation—make what you want to make.
The more you create, the better you’ll get.

4. Procrastination: The Artist’s Favorite Hobby

We need to talk about procrastination. It’s the sneaky little gremlin that whispers, “Maybe you should organize your paintbrushes first,” or “Wouldn’t this be a great time to clean your studio?”

Even the greats struggle with it. Kanye West has spoken about the endless tinkering and delays in his work—sometimes perfectionism is just glorified procrastination.

Example:

George R.R. Martin has openly admitted that procrastination (and his perfectionism) has led to long gaps between books. Meanwhile, someone like Stephen King writes daily without fail, proving that discipline trumps inspiration.

Solution:

If you procrastinate, make it productive—sketch, brainstorm, or explore ideas.
Set deadlines (even fake ones) to trick yourself into finishing projects.
Accept that some procrastination is just part of the creative process.

5. Kendrick Lamar Says: “Use Your Story as Your Superpower”

Kendrick Lamar has built an entire career on storytelling for artists. His work is deeply personal, weaving his experiences into poetry that resonates universally.

Bio:

Born in 1987 in Compton, Kendrick’s upbringing shaped his artistry.
His album To Pimp a Butterfly became one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time.
His storytelling is raw, reflective, and politically charged.

Example:

Frida Kahlo painted her pain, her life, her reality. Like Kendrick, she turned personal suffering into timeless, powerful work.

Takeaway:

Your personal story is a wellspring of inspiration.
Authenticity connects with audiences better than perfection.

6. Pharrell Williams Says: “Collaboration is Everything”

Pharrell is a master collaborator. He believes that great art comes from great energy exchanges.

Bio:

Born in 1973, Pharrell has worked with everyone from Daft Punk to Jay-Z.
His song Happy became a global anthem.
He credits much of his success to being open to working with different kinds of artists.