Like one of his heroes, Tom Waits, whenever Yorke feels like his songwriting is getting too comfortable or stale, he’ll pick up an instrument he does… - Austin Kleon

This is yet another trait of amateurs — they’ll use whatever tools they can get their hands on to try to get their ideas into the world.

I’m an artist, man,” said John Lennon. “Give me a tuba, and I’ll get you something out of it.

It’s one of my theories that when people give you advice, they’re really just talking to themselves in the past.

Silence and solitude are crucial. Our modern world of push notifications, 24/7 news cycles, and constant contact is almost completely inhospitable to the kind of retreat artists must make in order to focus deeply on their work.

Be open, share imperfect and unfinished work that you want feedback on, but don't share absolutely everything. [...] The act of sharing is one of generosity— you're putting something out there because you think it might be helpful or entertaining to someone on the other side of the screen.