Architect vs Carpenter

Every morning I read one chapter from Rick Rubin’s latest book. It helps me push through building Varient. This quote hit home:

The inspired-artist aspect of your self may be in conflict with the craftsperson aspect, disappointed that the craftsperson is unable to create the physical embodiment of the inspired artist’s vision. This is a common conflict for creators, since there is no direct conversion from abstract thought to the material world. The work is always an interpretation.

After years in leadership positions, there’s a gap between what I envision and what I can build with my own hands. My taste evolved, but my maker skills got dusty.

I’ve been here before, more than once.

The beginning is brutal. The code feels rusty, the UI ugly. The ambitions too high, the progress too slow.

Yet it gets better. Each day the muscle memory comes back a bit more.

I need to accept that there will always be a gap between vision and reality. What matters is shipping and iterating.

For those wondering: Rick Rubin is the legendary producer behind artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, System of a Down, Run DMC, Adele, and many more.

His book, “The Creative Act”, is a gift to every creator.