consume like an artist. 

This video is almost as good as Toy Story

Back at art school, I had a class called Creative Problem Solving. It wasn't what it sounded like. Our first assignment was "do something you have never done beforeand document it". I have lived my life through this model as much as I can...

One thing that helps me with being guilty-free while looking for references is that nobody has the EXACT same combination of music, movies, books, etc that I do. And we're definitely unique in the way we assimilate all of this content. So, even if we look at the same artist for reference, what will make our art unique is everything else we have seen, heard, read, and lived so far.

"Boredom is such an important thing to have in your life." Mic. Drop. Absolutely right about space, silence, and time in the shower being where creativity arises.

One thing that helps me: letting inner child lose from time to time. It let's you get excited about the most random things. Often people don't want to hear that so I just write things down. That also helps, because when you're writing for yourself, you don't need to filter anything

As an artist that is just now emerging from a deep creative rut from the overconsumption of content online, I agree, and wholeheartedly approve of this message. This is how you discover/rediscover YOUR artistry. Silence is key. Thank you for this video!

I lost my phone for three days this week and it was the most present and creative I'd felt in years. I got it back today and immediately became sucked right back in. It goes so much deeper than old man yells at cloud... Our psyches are genuinely being hijacked in the most mundane non-conspiracy theory type of way. I don't want to get to 60 years old or even 30 and have had my main life experience be just consumption.

going back and listening to a 70's playlist is probably the most inspiring hack I can think for making music. It's an endless pool of new old ideas that no one is using anymore.

Had to pause to make a note: "Creativity is putting together two things that don't belong." Whoa..that really clicked something for me too. Thanks for the tools and road map! Sub'd

Two years ago, I always had the mindset that "if I watch other people's work and am inspired by it, then the things I create won't truly be unique to me." ... but I realized how wrong I was. My thoughts were that if all I had to pull from was my own mind, then what I created will be truly an output of my own creativity. I refused to watch TV or movies 1.) I never had the time to, and 2.) I was afraid I'd copy the same ideas from whatever I'd watch. This methodology worked for a few years but I found it where all I was doing was grinding out these projects. I started to dislike writing and filming for a while, but I didn’t let that get in the way of quality. So I pushed myself to keep going for better and better quality, and that led me to a spiral of depression and sadness. I found I just couldn't keep pushing myself like I did. I felt like what I was doing was never enough and didn’t feel any satisfaction or was never proud of my work. It felt like I could always be doing more (even though realistically I've already pushed it to the extremes). I ran out of energy to keep pushing myself like that. I no longer enjoyed the art of creating. And that's bad, very bad. If you don't enjoy the process of creating, then you're not able to truly put out what you want to create. Art comes from the soul. If I had to define art, it's anything that comes from a human mind that they're passionate about. I was forcing this idea of passion for so long to where it lost meaning for me. Then one day, I decided to take a break. More out of depression rather than a choice I made. I was in a hole where I couldn't even think about my work without feeling dread; without getting sick. I ended up spending my time binge watching TV and movies. And then eventually something just clicked in my brain. I realized I was so dry on ideas; so tunnel-visioned into my own work that I never actually learned what art is. I never watched these movies and shows by other artists... I never really learned the techniques and strategies that they used. I realized how much more potential I could unlock if I just sit down one day and watch a TV show; if I read a book. If I take the moment to breathe and do something else other than creating my own work. My ideas always came naturally to me, until they weren’t and I was burnt out. I had to force new ideas, and it's almost like losing half of the creative potential if you feel stressed or worried about what you create. I believe passion for an idea is what fuels creativity. Passion is what makes your ideas flow naturally. If you're forcing yourself to complete an idea you've lost passion for, you're still creating; but it almost loses all meaning to you. It was through the work of others: taking a moment to see the art of humanity, that I realized how wrong I was my whole life. Creativity can't be something you force. Only through inspiration will you gain the fuel to re-spark the passion for your own work. Not only do you become inspired, but you also learn more about what it is you're actually creating. You learn how other people do it so that you can take that same knowledge and improve what you want to create. Art comes from the soul. Never force yourself to make it. Take a breather; look at the work of others, and then come back to use it as the fuel for your passion.

Thank you for pointing out the importance of finding inspiration outside the screen. It's been easy to back myself into scrolling mindlessly on socials under the excuse of "I might find some good ideas here" or "it's mArKeT rEsEaRcH!" This wake-up call was needed. Keep up the awesome work!

finding the influences of people who influence me is what i do all day. i love digging through samples in songs, obscure references in media, allusions, and how lines in poetry mention a random painting with no real significance except to the poet.

Man, your content is so SPOT ON. I appreciate the honesty you pour out in your videos.

This video, despite it's thesis, sounds like every other millennial video essay I've ever watched.

Jake Frew drops a video, I drop everything, I watch. That's just the way it goes.

Your last point about silence is very true! Usually when I want to put on music, I think about all the times I didn't and it helped me come to an idea I otherwise wouldn't have.

If 'consume' seems an appropriate term to describe how you engage, and 'content' appropriate for what you engage with then its already got you

This is a message i really needed to hear. I greatly struggle with my art and art style and i believed that consuming and staring at artwork of artists i admire would help me find this style,but it's the opposite. I am pushing myself further and further away from finding myself. I need to force mysekf to sit in silence and just create.

Great video! Silence has been key for me as well. One thing I came up with recently that's helped me with youtube is committing myself to writing something down in a journal after each video I watch. This helps me be more mindful about what I watch, and I feel like I get more 'value' out of the videos I deliberately decide to look at. I can also create more connections to them in my head, instead of feeling forcefed. No-tech days have also been of use, I do one every Saturday now :)

To my visual artists, art history and old timey art and the context behind it is wild.

00:02 Consume with caution and diversity to preserve creativity. 01:36 Explore diverse art forms and cultures. 02:55 Be resourceful and think outside the box 04:09 Algorithms limit true music discovery 05:28 Following a chain of inspiration leads to discovering new artists and creators. 06:39 Be selective in curating what you consume and the tools you use for creating. 07:54 Embrace boredom and silence for creativity 09:27 Embrace silence and real-life inspiration Crafted by Merlin AI.

I’ve been picking a year every week and only allowing myself to listen to music from that year. It really helps me appreciate the context more and feel a sense of urgency about my listening…

As an artist/painter that is now on RU-vid with an interior design channel, the last freaking thing I want to do is look like ALL the other designers/decorators on the platform. Despite everything I see and hear "teaching" me how growing a channel, I do not want to provide the same, predictable information and content that everyone else is doing--even if it means that my channel will grow at a snails pace. I realized the only way I'm going to love doing this for years to come is if I do it my way. This is how new things come to be . Thank you. I just found you randomly and I really needed to hear this message. 💗

I think spaces in which artists come together to improvise and create in the moment are very beneficial. My music has improved drastically since going to jam sessions and needing to tune into the dynamic of the room to create. I also find myself leaving after 5 hours and suddenly realizing I haven't looked at my phone once.

After a really bad breakup (that im still not fully over ngl), I just put in an earbud and silently never to listened to silence again, because it was too painful, it was only after I paused the music, after months of non-stop stimulation, that I realized. It's only when the music stopped, that I realized, I *must* make my own.

I've followed you for your years, and man this was REFRESHING. I've been so sick of all the copy-and-paste content on Instagram and TikTok, I almost started to forget what inspiring content actually felt like. Great storytelling. Stunning color grading. Loved the message!

I planned out my college personal statement in the shower and then just sat down and typed it into Google docs in like 2-3 days. 😂 That is the best essay of mine by far. Your video is so spot on! I'm a beginner filmmaker, and I watch one movie every day from different countries, different genres, different decades. The thing im still yet to practice though is not being pacified all the time by recommended youtubes.

Things that really inspire me are asking people what their interests are and delving into that- something very outside of myself. This lead to me reading older philosophy books and watching foreign movies- some of which are some of the best stuff i have seen or read. Let other people inspire you!

I subscribed a few weeks ago and now it's one of my favorite channels. So refreshing. I waited to watch this until I had time and the right mindset (as opposed to my usual mega download of information from this platform). When I was finished, I sat quietly for a while (per your instructions lol) and then watched it again. It's brilliant! Very well said, no bullshit, great humor, and so much truth to everything you said (the shower bit is spot on, as that's always been my time as well to come up with great ideas). Happy to be a part of the #frewcrew

I love your creativity, Jake. It shines through in so many of your clearly deliberate filmmaking choices. Re quiet time, long drives in the country do it for me. The act of driving quiets the conscious mind, allowing my subconscious to get to work. I often brain dump ideas into my phone's voice recorder when I drive, and then review and transcribe them when I get home. It's like having a shower, but with corners.

“Make Art not Content” - Father Bronques

You’re so right. Museums definitely inspire me a lot, because good artists make you feel some emotion that maybe you haven’t felt in a while. Craftsmanship is so interesting to me!

great video! loved the cinematography, and i think boredom is a topic that we all kinda struggle with so this is a great reminder for those of us who want to do better with distractions but just keep feeding into them

Dude this video was so freaking good. I run into this all the time where I notice all of my creative energy dried up by watching content, it's the worst. Thanks for the good reminder man.

This was so lovingly planned and executed. So many juicy small details in the filming. It made the ad flow well. Podcast victim here, only just starting to really get into them to be honest, but already realising that I'm losing some capacity for silence and I shouldn't let that go lightly. Hope you're well Jake.

Well done Jake this was helpful. Especially the comments from your friend! Music, books, and movies have been my biggest sources of inspiration. Going to parks has been my biggest "shower" place. So many things come together for me at the park!

THANK YOU! I’ve been saying this for ages, and like you, of course still working every day to get these practices locked in. Something that I do that I think could benefit this is starting your day in this atmosphere. Like, as soon as you wake up you’re not checking your phone or consuming any kind of content, you’re spending the first hours of your day in a space that leaves plenty of room for inspiration to sneak in. Also: People watching. One of the best ways to get inspo for me :)

Love watching your journey and growth. You and Danny are inspiring a movement. A wave to a higher frequency. A better way of thinking and telling stories. So good.

Anyone part of the Musicbed family, is part of my family! Love the vibes in this one!!!

"Who knows who directed Toy Story" Who DOESN'T know John Lasseter directed Toy Story? I'm being serious. Anybody with a passing interest in film or animation knows famously canceled-for-hugs John Lasseter. They even know the number of the classroom he attended at Cal Arts (A113). Like, no offense to the guy speaking but absolutely don't prop him up as an expert on anything. The unearned confidence is so embarrassing.

This person is so underrated. I have always been a person with a specific taste in music, movies and life.I just apparently felt it's the way I am (yk social media toxic positivity) but deep down I knew I am craving for diversity and open to learn more about it and experience different things people around me have experienced. It just feels like I am started to look at content in a completely different horizan rather than only looking it for entertainment purposes only. This video gave me a clue to be bored and explore my other options.Thank you Jake. You are truly amazing and inspirational for me.Subscribed>3

The book shaffer pulled of the shelf which is “The Creative Act” by rick rubin, i’m reading it right now and it’s a great way to get over an artistic burnout and great guide for finding creative back if you ever lost it.

Really a much needed video Jake. i've been trying to figure out what kind of content I wanted to create all over Instagram and everything felt empty. they were lacking something and i started to think I'm the one who is lacking. so i started to feeling discouraged and hopeless. thankyou for this video.

Man, It is what i was looking for. The story, concept and style are stunning. Thank you for motivation to discover

Yes, enjoy the silence. On my walk to the gym days (usually leg days, other days I run) I almost always plan on preparing a podcast, video, or audiobook but just about every time I prefer the silence with thinking and looking around akin to shower thoughts

Your content is always spot on. Thanks for being an outlet to engage in creative thinking.

Thank you for this perspective ❤️ As a musician just starting out at making our own videos, it's really easy to get sucked into the vortex. Will be coming back to this loads

I lately read the three Musketeers again. You know, the OLD ass book. It featured an Auto biography from Dumas himself. And in it, he explained a few artistic ways of thinking he was constantly laughed at, until he made them work and from one day to the next, people saw the Potential in the way he went about things. That REALLY kicked my gears and since then I'm literally a different kind of Artist. I'm feelin alot better with just being myself about it. You don't know *where* the Inspiration will hit you. But YT certainly ain't the best Place to find it. Huge agree with the entire Video.

JUST watched 2 MINUTES and I FELL IN LOVE with this video!!! WHAT? SO GREAT!!! THANKS SOO MUCH for producing & publishing this video

What a necessary video, not only for creators but also for content consumers! I believe that, as we constantly have more and more information available, it has all become so shallow. Being aware and rational about what we consume goes against this form of alienation. For sure, this video was AAA quality content for the mind, spirit, and soul! Thank you for that, Jake

I loved this. I spend a lot of time thinking about the algorithm and how to bypass it and curate for myself the things I choose to let in. This was a really helpful video! And beautifully made. Great work Jake!

This is such a brilliant video, thank you! I’ve been progressively moving into this approach. I always have friends asking about the weird and wild variety of music, film, and tv I consume and am a fan of, and my answer has always been following the chain and just, digging deeper. When articles mention a niche one hit album, I look it up, and then I look for similar artists. When I go into Letterboxd and review a film, I take a look at the producers and otherwise and see what other things they’ve done. The sheer magnitude of what you can find has changed the way I do and see art. Humans are always creating, and so thus the puddle is as beautifully infinitely deep as it is wide.

awesome, the thing about silence is absolutely important, ill also try my best to work on it, it matters coz there are a lot of emotions that we can't feel because we suppress them with the songs we hear, the people we talk to, the conversations, the humor and everything, we should let ourselves just feel what we're feeling regardless of any external factors with the help of silence. its important.

Jake, I want to tell you something. I enjoy your videos. They are really great and they have inspired me and opened my eyes many times. You are awesome.

Soooo good man!! Love the creativity and vibe on your videos. Plus theres always a good message and inspiration behind it! Looking freward to the next!

First person to know who made Toy Story gets a billion dollars.

I really love how you make your videos. Your contents are all about life. Everyone can connect and relate. You're amazing

🎉❤ I love this Jake! So simple but such a necessary reminder. I love how you capture that simple idea that I may of had fly through my brain until I got distracted and present in your videos. You rock. Keep it up.

Bro this is incredibly helpful. The chain of inspiration and allowing silence are things I’m gonna start to implement asap

What a great video. I’ve noticed this in my own life after removing social medias off my phone and turning off (almost) all notifications. Once your brain stops using your phone as a quick hit of dopamine you’re left with no other option than to sit with yourself or do something in the real world and I’ve found creativity to be a much more abundant in this state.

I love the color grade on your video! The style is inspirational and showcases the creative freedom you've found!

I’ve just watched this video and I already know this advice will change my life. Thank you ❤

Thank you so much for this! I've been meaning to start creating videos for myself to be able to do what i'm passionate about but everytime I find myself worrying about the algorithm, I get so overwhelemed and second guess myself. I'm so glad I found your channel!

This is so good Jake. It’s hard to not just get caught mindlessly scrolling. My business coach introduced me to the concept of intentional digestion of content and it’s changed the way I draw inspiration. Everything you mentioned in this video is so useful man so thank you.

I love this video sooo much, it just makes a lot of sense. Thank you Jake!

I go to the library to look through art books, also to Barns & Noble to look at art mags. Cheap and easy way to get different inspo

It always puts a smile on my face when Jake uploads a new video. Because I know a lot of thought & attention to detail has gone into publishing the video. Always buzzing for the next upload!

Love this video! All great reminiders, thanks Jake

I can't explain how amazing this video looks. It's so expressive without saying anything.

What a video... I LOVE the message, and I was hooked from the beginning. It's definitely a ongoing battle against all the noise in this world, but it's definitely worth to keep on pushing. It's really easy to get sucked into this mass consumption and also really scary to watch how we as a society seem to fall down this pit. But videos like this make a difference and give me hope that this can change. THANK YOU 🫶

This is so well done. Props to you Jake.

Phenomenal content. My goodness. Even better message. Something I'm working on myself. Art is everywhere, we just need to stop and appreciate it in hopes it sparks creativity.

I had to subb... the topic your eye contact shows the true intentions of why you made this... and within its simplicity of you just sitting there speaking was creative and inspiring within itself... Thank you for sharing this... I have a creative heart but im socially awkward... but thats what helps me deal with my own personal set backs... I push myself into the uncomfortness of certain social settings... But as you stated... a new film new music art museum.... can spark that creative flame within you.... Thank you again. Enjoy the ride accept everything you go thru trust me you will use it in some creative form if you're a true artist.

yo're just awesome! the colours, the music, the voice, the landscape, all the whole scenario... fascinating.

Nice insight - as a creative in my 30s I easily get myself distracted by what's "hip" or "important" and often trade authenticity for it through fear of not getting enough notice. I got a long way to go but watching this does change my view on how to embrace that frequent emptiness or boredom. Lots of love

Once again, you speak directly to me. Thank you, it's so refreshing to feel like I am not the only one. So many of the ideas you shared in this vide have been bubbling in my brain lately. It's really hard to make the space for silence, but I'll keep trying. The mo looks killer...haha. All the best Jake.

So here we are, Jake drops another awesome video stuffed full of great advice, great editing, great cinematography and just….well…great. Awesome work again man, and deffo, stay away from the algorithm! As far back as I can remember I’ve had a massive list of different types of music I listen too. One day I might have on rock music, the next dance music from the 90s, metal, drum n bass, 70s disco even. Nothing like diversifying what you consume to pull up on new ideas.

Such a great video Jake! There's so much truth in this video. I know I personally get so sucked into social media and need to work on disconnecting.

I needed to watch this. I'm not a fully artist but always was a creative person. Now that I'm more involved in art, I feel like I'm rotten. "Let your brain breathe and process" really talks to me. Will try to incorporate more silence in my life. Thank you for such eye-opening video.

So simple yet so profound. Thank you for making this video.

I loved what you said about the algorithms not really discovering anything. I feel like some of the stuff I have been introduced to, music especially, has come from when I have no control. The radio or my work introduces me to something new that I never knew I would like. Sometimes to discover and really be inspired you gotta just let go of the reins.

After watching this i felt a sense of relief, that i wasn't doing anything wrong.... that i was on the right path all along ...

I appreciate this video a lot. I’ve been referring to this concept as having a healthy ‘creative diet’. I think so many people are dedicated and focused to monitoring what food they put in their body but don’t think twice about the processed junk food media they consume. I’ve been making RU-vid videos that focus on creativity and are anti-consumerism. It’s nice to see someone else fighting the good fight.

love this video! Your visuals are amazing and such an important message to keep looking for inspiration everywhere :) Thanks!

Jake, you nailed it! Thank you for such refreshing reminder

This video was incredible and so gorgeous, loved every minute and left feeling inspired and rejuvenated.

This video deserves so much more attention! It’s so good!

Some time ago I studied pedagogy, and during the course our professor asked us: Why have it been people from other branches of knowledge who have contributed the most to pedagogy and not pedagogues? I didn't know what to answer, but some time later I came across a book called "the structure of scientific revolutions", which was about exactly what you're talking about but from a scientific perspective. Good video, it's been a long time since I thought about these topics.

9:00 I love this point! I have recently stopped listening to music in the shower and figured out so many problems I was having and how to fix them. An epiphany I had was that we cannot always be on Input mode, taking in all kinds of info--there has to be an Output or we're going to experience overwhelm and burn out. Thanks for this video!

love your work!

Working out in silence , with no music or people talking will do wonders for you. Ideas flow , you see what's what .

Thank you. I've sort of had this internal struggle about this for a long time, and this really nails what I need to shift in my scope. I've been kind of starving myself intentionally because I felt that what I consume doesn't nurture me anyways, and.. Well, you gave me insight into what I should be looking for... Literally, Whatever Anything Else, than what I usually "eat".

very clear way of purveying the message. much love and success to you!

Thank you man, been really needing to hear this lately!

The subtext here is the value of curation. The programmers that put things in front of people on TV and radio besides what they’d pick for themselves.

Your advice was great, I've had an idea rattling around in my head and it was about compining two things that don't belong together! Glad to get some reinforcement!

I really needed this video. I have had such a mental block about making videos, I'm so bored with everything and RU-vid just sends me the same old shit. I try and search RU-vid for content I've never watched and sometimes I get lucky like finding Jake. I know getting out and discovering what's around me helps with ideas so I'm trying to do more of that.

Beautiful video! I love the message and the cinematography.

funny enough i'm watching and taking notes of this video while being bored during work on a christmas morning lol. this is really helpful for mindful content consumption especially the first and third part, thanks a bunch m8.

Awesome video! The message totally resonates with me, and the design choices of the video itself were really interesting too.