Creativity, Inc (The Expanded Edition) is the 10 year anniversary update to the original book, with more insights and explanations after 10 years of the books release. Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, tries to really give concrete boundaries and examples to explain the creative flow of some of the most brilliant minds in animation and story telling to this day. Not only has he, along with John Lasseter, really move the company forward and expand on their limits, but to keep pushing those limits further, within constraints, of a place of being able to have candor and allow each team member help each other to excel without losing focus of the story, the emotion, the people, and the product. One of the things I love about this book is the idea of 'pitch three different ideas', which helps one think creatively, but also helps one to push their own boundaries without being locked up on one singular idea. I also loved the Braintrust idea, as well as the Notes from others to one's own work. I like how he helped foster a culture of not worrying about failing, (fail first, fail often), but creating an environment that helps you think outside the box to continually test and expand ideas. I found Pixar in college, when we watched Finding Nemo in an oceanography class (thanks to their attention to detail, animals of the ocean were pretty precise), and fell in love with the stories the company then produced in their movies. I knew of the merger of Disney buying Pixar, but didn't realize that, with the help and support of Steve Jobs, who helped finance Pixar in the first place, helped set the terms of agreement that when Disney bought Pixar, they would remain separate entities as well as putting Ed Catmull and John Lassiter in charge, which only helped inspire Disney Animation to not become an enemy of Pixar, not to blend them, but to help both move forward as their own, beautifully creative entities that we have grown to love and adore. Excellent advice and well done, considering creativity needs room to breathe and grow, and so many people end up stifling it. This is a basic, and yet so not basic, blueprint of not only running a company well, (well, two independent and separate creative companies, no less), but how to do so where people take pride in their work and are willing to reach and stretch for the next level willingly.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

For the most part, this is an enjoyable memoir about the life of Ed Catmull, one of the co-founders of Pixar. It is written in an easily readable, conversational format, that pulls the reader into the story being told; it is, in fact, as much story as memoir. Ed Catmull led an interesting life within Pixar from its inception, and this volume encompasses his entire career, from beginning to end, as this expanded version goes right up to his retirement. If you want a full biography, this isn’t it, but it is a very complete memoir or his career, with significant detail all the way through. There are a few places where the detail may be somewhat overwhelming for readers, and other places where this volume reads like a motivational speaker, and while it it contains some good information about motivating employees, using methods that were extremely successful in context, there are times when it comes across a bit self-righteous and almost preachy. The author’s conversational style of writing also contains a relatively high number of statements to the effect of “more on that later”, and while later always comes, sometimes it’s enough later that the original connections are no longer apparent. Still, if you’re interested in the history of animation in films in general, and Pixar and Disney in particular, there is a lot for you here. Due to the level of complexity, this volume is recommended for high school to adult readers.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Love this book, the discussion of the process that goes into making a Pixar film is fascinating and very translatable to other creative endeavors. The parts about making sure safe spaces are established so that feedback can be given and people don't feel attacked is something that has stayed with me as I have furthered my career.

This is a great business book that did not feel like one. The number of things I highlighted was higher than most business books I've read. Definitely a book I go back to time and time again!

Creativity is a process with many ups and downs. This updated book takes us through Pixar’s journey and their projects to understand how creative decisions are made, It is a deliciously lengthy book with many examples and stories.

Another amazing company I would love to work for, not just because they have had programs like Pixar Uni and creative mini-golf tournaments (although that sounds awesome), but because they strive to maintain a creative work environment that fosters ingenuity and brings out the best in their employees. A great read for anyone interested in the Pixar backstory, creative work cultures, and managers who lead with their heart and integrity.

💕You might like this book if:
🔹 you enjoy Pixar animation and want to read about some behind-the-scenes stories of your favourite movies
🔹 you like reading memoirs that share risk-taking, failures, self-reflections, and lessons learned
🔹 you want some take-aways on how to enhance your leadership style

In this Expanded Edition of Creativity, Inc, Ed Catmull adds clarity to the processes of managing creativity large-scale. It’s an intimate account of the fruition of a dream to the ongoing, arduous task of building and nurturing environments that allow for creativity and inspiration.

This is not a blueprint of how to achieve creative success, but an ongoing discussion on the need for collaboration, self-reflection, and application of new ideas in an ever-changing creative culture. A definite must read for all those in leadership! Ed Catmull’s insights during his career are a treasure trove of knowledge to behold.

As a fan of the original CREATIVITY, INC. (still living on my bookshelf), I was delighted to dive into this expanded and updated edition preserving the same spirit and engaging text and offering new insights, learning, and approaches to nurturing creativity within organizations. I cheered out loud, enjoyed the anecdotes, and fresh thinking throughout this excellent guide to making creativity an everyday reality. The importance of communication, of genuine collaboration, and encouraging risk taking were a wondrous contrast to hacks, "how I did this," and other tomes about creativity, innovation, and leadership. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

Creativity, Inc.: The Expanded Edition by Ed Catmull is a must-read for anyone interested in the creative process and leadership. The book offers valuable insights into how Pixar and Disney became the powerhouses they are today, along with a candid look at the challenges they faced along the way.

What makes this book so inspiring is how Catmull weaves together the story of his own journey as a creative professional with the history of Pixar and Disney. He shares his personal experiences and insights on how to overcome the obstacles that can hinder creativity, such as fear, failure, and complacency.

One of the standout features of this expanded edition is the inclusion of updated sections throughout the book. Instead of updating the original text, Catmull worked with co-author Amy Wallace to innovate and give readers the story they want to hear without changing the original. This demonstrates the importance of collaboration and trust in the creative process.

Overall, "Creativity, Inc." is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to unleash their creativity and lead with authenticity. It's a powerful reminder that creativity requires courage, persistence, and the willingness to learn from both successes and failures.

I normally don't read and review books like Creativity, Inc. but was intrigued when I read the book's description, I am so glad I read it, because I enjoyed it so much! It's written well, full of insight, and beyond practical. I will be recommending this book to so many people!

A great expansion of a classic book. If you are a creative, work with creatives, or want more creativity in your life then this is a must-read. It is inspiring and enjoyable to imagine Pixar at various times and hear all of the great stories.

Creativity Inc., originally published in 2014, has since been a perennial bestseller and has been called one of the best business books ever written. In this new, expanded edition Ed Catmull decided not to update the original text, but to include update sections at several points throughout the book. By doing so, he practices what he preaches in the book: working with the input of people he trusts (including co-author Amy Wallace) he innovates and gives us the story we want to hear instead of messing with the original.

The intersection between innovation and profit has always been difficult to manage. How can you encourage a creative atmosphere without resorting to the easy trap of lowering quality to try and appeal to a larger audience or save money? How can employees be empowered to be creative? And how can you continually work to innovate the management systems in a way that supports creative work? Catmull shows us how by telling Pixar’s story in an entertaining but completely candid way. We learn about what worked and what didn’t work, and Catmull shares some principles that have worked at Pixar without giving us an ego-filled sermon on management. Since an increasing percentage of businesses in the United States are part of the creative sector (which, broadly defined, can include the sciences, history, and education as well as well as the performing, visual and literary arts), the principles here can work for many - if not most - businesses.

There are so many memorable moments in this book that I hesitate to pick just one, but for me Catmull’s entire philosophy can be summed up by a metaphor late in the book. We’ve all heard the maxim that problems are like onions: you have to keep peeling the layers. Well, says Catmull, if you do that, all you’ll have is a smaller onion. And you’ll cry. What if, when you peeled the onion you discovered a banana? And when you peel the banana you have an orange? Being open to unforeseen consequences is one of the best ways to nurture creativity.

If there’s one thing I regret about this expanded version, it’s that Catmull retired in 2019 and therefore did not have the opportunity to shepherd Pixar through the pandemic. What happened behind the scenes when Notes Day and Braintrust meetings had to happen on Zoom? I hope we find out someday.

Many thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.