Frank Ocean: Creative Advice, Protecting Your Energy, and How to Finish Projects

Nobody becomes an overnight sensation. Sure, there are a lot of external factors that can impact a persons success in the arts. It can feel almost random at times, like how of all people? But it truly comes down to surrounding yourself with positive influences and collaborators, being consistent in your work and what you stand for, and above all producing work that you yourself are extremely proud of. The beauty of being private is allowing yourself the time to experiment, hone in on a craft or idea, free from the public’s interference. It’s bound to make a bigger splash. But its really not even about that, its about your own personal grown and the exploration of your own identity and the ideas you want to express. Be thankful for the moment you’re in right now, because once you’ve so called “made it” - things only become harder for you to create. Flip the script and start realizing that being at “the bottom” of your career is a liberating experience. You can comfortably move in any direction as you wish. Something I think a lot of established artist miss from their past. Just keep moving, and ignore that feeling of being someone. Be you, and share that if you’re comfortable, that’s all that really matters anyways.

I love Drake, but he himself knows he’s very accessible. The modern day artist posts a lot on Instagram and knows how to use social media to stay relevant (for their art, not drama) and can also use it on their roll out. Frank has created a brand where he dropped two albums within 24 hours with no previous announcement. The album, the art itself IS THE announcement.

What steve lacy said about having the confidence without ego just being confident in the love of music hit me because it’s true I’m confident that I’ll forever be doing this along with the follow up of frank saying that he has to do it in excellence. That’s one thing about me is I’ll do a take 3 4 5 times or in different studios until it’s right. This one is inspirational going to the studio right after I get my groceries. Thanks for the feature as well Will 💜 Love

I’m an athlete but I see sports as art. I love seeing the way other artists go about their way of creativity and how I can translate it to the field. Great videos 👍🏾

Insular is the way of artists. I feel like a lot of the artists I consider to be successful/iconic/genius do not find themselves exerting so much energy that they cannot tend to their craft. It's always a moment alone or finding themselves to be alone that leads to their minds to explore new spaces. Honestly, one moment in particular, when Tyler, the Creator made "Boredom" he mentions how he was alone in his house and unable to find anything interesting to go to. Rather than forcing himself out the door and preoccupied with other people's presence, he grabbed a journal and started to write about his feelings. He gave the song some purpose, created a world for his ideas to coexist, THEN BAM! The Grammy nom happened and he's been ineffable since. I do believe this makes for a lesson to be replicated, ya know? 😉

Your work is essential. On behalf of the creative community worldwide, from an artist to an artist, THANK YOU!!!!!! Please keep these videos coming.

Frank has always been a huge inspiration for me as I became involved with music. The truth that he shares about not inviting everyone into your creative process is often overlooked. There is only one you! & Social media makes it so easy for anyone to share anything and receive instant validation, but hearing about how Frank would travel with the drive that he's sending to work on his songs shines light on true commitment to one's craft. Everyone has their own creative process and to invest in that while focusing less on others' opinions is a worthy investment.

dude i love how you differentiate yourself by saying "higher vibration" i think that is so crucial and you are doing so much good by operating and spreading light in your higher vibrational state.

After watching this video something really moved in me. Almost like my gut saying “that’s what you needed right?” Thank you for this piece of art.

Understanding the creative process through your journey while being aware of your position can take you a long way as a creative/ artist ☁️☁️

The narrative of this video was extremely well written. A lot of these styles of videos just repeat things other people have said but you did a great job at contextualising and elaborating on certain areas. Thank you for this 👏🏻

If you can enjoy something without having to share it with others first, congrats. That's rare nowadays.

Somehow you made all these clips I’ve seen so many times feel so fresh

Your videos are a gem bro. Thank you for your service ♥️

Well done mate...always love your content!

Powerful. Thank you. Part 2 xx

Well I’m glad I watched this. This is work that transforms! Grateful xx

Great message. Create because you love it. Period.

This video is incredible. From top to bottom it is perfect. It's an incredible video about Frank, and your analysis is so interesting and honest and I got a lot from it. This is one of those YT videos you find that changes your life man

I understand the point of his work ethic and outcome but he is already a world star and has no outside pressure or financial problems. He can take his time with his art and with his projects. If you are a new artist you don't have that privilege. Either you release constantly and fast or you don't get any attention... That's the way it is.