David Lynch’s ‘get your butt in gear’ advice for creatives shared online as fans mourn legendary filmmaker

David Lynch’s advice to young creatives has gone viral after the director’s death on January 17.

Veteran filmmaker Lynch’s family confirmed the Blue Velvet and Eraserhead director had died in a statement released last week. As fans and fellow moviemakers mourned the loss of the 78-year-old, many took to sharing old clips and footage of advice he had for those wanting to pursue their creativity.

A post to Twitter shared a thirty-second clip of Lynch speaking about what to do about creative energy. It was captioned: “I am in utter disbelief right now… Can’t accept that he is no more… I don’t have the words to describe how I feel. We will never ever see anyone like him ever again… Here is his advice to youngsters.”

A statement released yesterday from Lynch’s family reads: “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”

The clip had Lynch share his thoughts on what young creatives needed to do as he called on them to “stay alert” and “get your butt in gear”. His inspirational comments on creativity and the process of work were shared on social media, with thousands paying tribute to the legendary creative.

Lynch said: “Stay alert. Do your work. Don’t worry about the world going by. It doesn’t mean you can sit around and not do anything. You’ve got your butt in gear and do it. And don’t take no for an answer. Translate those ideas into cinema or to a painting or to whatever and figure out a way to get it done.”

The Elephant Man director and Twin Peaks creator had previously likened the creative process to fishing, telling The Guardian: “They’re like fish. If you get an idea that’s thrilling to you, put your attention on it and these other fish will swim into it. It’s like a bait. They’ll hook on to it and you’ll get more ideas. And you just pull them in.”