What I Learned from THIS Youtuber about Creativity!

Author

Music Makers Handbook
February 04, 2025

This month, we’re diving into our first book club review, exploring Music Producer, Youtuber, and General Creative Andrew Huang’s "Make Your Own Rules." This book blends Huang’s personal journey with technical insights into music production, offering valuable lessons for creatives. Below are five key takeaways from our discussion, along with community perspectives and what’s next for our book club!

5 Key Takeaways from "Make Your Own Rules"

1. Quantity vs. Quality: The Power of Repetition

Huang argues that focusing on quantity can naturally lead to higher quality:

"By aiming for quantity, you force yourself to make bold decisions and move on. Quantity can be measured, you know when you're hitting your goals. And usually, the more quantity there is, the more quality there will be."

This concept echoes the “1% Rule” and ideas from "Atomic Habits," reinforcing that incremental improvements through consistent practice sharpen creative skills over time.

2. The Role of Luck in Success

One of the most refreshing takeaways is Huang’s acknowledgment of luck in creative careers:

"Luck plays a huge role in whether you get recognition for your work or not."

While hard work, networking, and skill-building are crucial, external factors beyond our control also play a role. Recognizing this can help creators focus on what they can control while staying open to unexpected opportunities.

3. The Unpredictability of Opportunities

Huang highlights how career breakthroughs can happen suddenly and in abundance:

"Opportunities can come surprisingly fast and in abundance."

This insight emphasizes the importance of preparation. The quiet moments before success are when artists should be honing their craft, so they’re ready when the moment arrives.

4. Community Perspectives: Challenging Visibility

Podcast Co-host Josh shared an insightful perspective:

"I think I disagree with a lot of his stance on needing to be visible to be profitable."

While visibility is helpful, Josh argues that strategic business decisions can lead to success without an emphasis on public exposure. This highlights how different paths can lead to sustainability in creative industries.

5. Authenticity Over Forced Uniqueness

Discord member Brent resonated with Huang’s perspective on originality:

"The whole chapter around uniqueness for its own sake is usually empty of substance was a great way to put into words something I felt for a while."

Rather than chasing uniqueness for the sake of being different, creatives should focus on authentic self-expression. This perspective can ease the pressure many feel when trying to stand out in the industry.

Watch the Full Podcast Episode HERE:

What’s Next? February’s Book Club Pick

We’re excited to announce our next read: How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy. This book provides invaluable insights into songwriting, whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting. Join us in reading, discussing, and applying new creative techniques!

Join the Discussion!

Thank you for being part of this creative journey. Until next time, keep creating and remember to make your own rules!

-Andrew

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