Piece by Piece - A Perfect Everyday Motto (Analyzing the Pharrell Williams Lego Movie)
Jan 11
7 min read
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Written by Carline Joseph
In this case study, I explore Pharrell Williams' creative journey through four key lessons that brought his new LEGO movie, Piece by Piece, to life:
Pharrell’s early years
Lessons learned
Cultivating creativity
Navigating a life-long journey
Background
Piece by Piece, Pharrell’s LEGO movie, explores the journey of building something meaningful, brick by brick. Pharrell’s entire life journey mirrors how he’s used every opportunity as a stepping stone to where he is today, from humble beginnings to creating a legacy rooted in hard work, determination, and, most of all, creativity.
Keep in Mind
Pharrell’s approach to life, creativity, and culture shaped the entire narrative of Piece by Piece through the idea that while they may be scattered we hold the building blocks that piece our lives together. You’ll never have the full picture until it’s all said and done, but in the meantime, your reality is real and there is something to use and learn from.
Most of us know Pharrell for his music and numerous features, but during a pivotal time in my life, I was inspired to learn more about his creative journey. After encouragement from a friend, I went to see his movie… a Lego movie. (How cool?). During the movie, I realized I was taking key notes that would later become a case study I could write about his journey. I sure did take notes. Here are my thoughts:
Pharrell's Path to Success
The Early Years
Pharrell didn’t grow up thinking that things would be handed to him. Finding someone (who turned out to be Chad Hugo) with a similar taste in music and other commonalities helped him cultivate his love for creativity and not having to try and “fit in”. In his early years, with some mistakes, he learned discipline and stayed faithful even when the cards weren’t dealt in his favor. Even during trials within the entertainment industry, Pharrell always knew that he wanted to do more and be more…he didn’t let the lack of opportunity keep him from trying.
Trust and Purpose
Having a grandparent(s) who sees something greater than just you…but what God has for you is priceless. While I never got to build a relationship with my grandparents, I’ve heard so many beautiful stories from people who have, which makes the relationship that Pharrell had with his Grandmother much more understandable. That one granny who puts all her faith in the Lord. (Amen!) She watched Pharrell and planted a seed that only she saw and encouraged him to pursue music. I believe that it kept Pharrell grounded. Seeking guidance from pastors and family, he knew he could do everything through (can you finish it?) CHRIST. (Amen!) Knowing that what you do and who you are is bigger than you, makes the process more intriguing and impactful…not easy, but worthwhile.
Pivotal Moments
I don’t think Pharrell understood the word no—and that determination was just fine. Working with Gwen Stefanie and producing groundbreaking beats for Snoop Dog represented a “collision of cultures”. Not every artist or producer can do that. To use music, people, and lyrics to curate a vibe that will bring opposing cultures together is iconic. It came to a point where people needed/wanted HIM.
Music is the one thing (outside of good food) that can bring just about anyone together, and he did that. Not just because of his good beats, but from the beginning, music transported Pharrell to a different place. He saw colors and symbols; he didn't just hear the words, he felt them. And when you can transport people to a place of feeling calm and that they belong—it becomes legendary and memorable.
Building and Creating: Lessons
Brick by Brick Philosophy
Now for my folks in the back that will read this and think, “She doesn’t know what she’s talking about—it’s better to have the full picture or at least keep building and fix it later”. I’ll be the first to say…I’m “folks in the back”. Patience is a virtue but it’s not one that I succumb to easily. Watching Piece by Piece made me realize that when you keep your head down, bring your ALL to the table, and keep what’s important in the front, it will be hard not to see gaps in your plans…but moving fast, missing the potholes or just going with the trend because it’s cute or feels good at the moment, will have you rebuilding later down the line JUST when you think you’re done. Because now, you realize you were either chasing a dream that wasn’t yours or adding pieces to your journey that don’t belong there.
Relevance and Integrity
Staying relevant requires keeping up with changing times. And as we know all too well…times change. What’s solid you might ask? God, your purpose, and the consistent tug or tension that your current and future self has.
Relevancy is tiring. It’s different when you can walk into a room AS YOU ARE and know that you do not have to shapeshift to meet the times because you know who you are and who you were made to be will transcend that very moment.
Stay rooted and stay grounded. Relevancy is a drug that keeps coming back for more…newspaper headlines and more will keep us addicted if we aren’t reminded of who we are and whose we are.
Hard Work and Persistence
Creating countless records without knowing which will be used exemplifies persistence to me. Knowing that Pharrell NEVER wasted a beat and kept unused ones until it was ready is GENIUS. Every idea is not for RIGHT NOW. That doesn’t mean not working at it or cultivating that idea, it means that as a created outcome of our creator, creation, and imagination are inevitable. You’d be surprised how many ideas we have that we toss to the wayside because we don’t have a plan or it doesn’t make sense. But imagine holding on just a little longer to see how it comes back around. Some may say, “Why would I wait, someone could take my idea?” And to that, I say, “What is for you will be for you”.
On persistence; John Onwuchekwa, a phenomenal writer, author, and storyteller, puts it like this… “Trials don’t kill us, hopelessness does”. The moment we stop trying, the moment we think that our trials are no longer worth working through, the moment we lose hope, may not be the moment we physically die. But emotionally, physically, and mentally we decline and it takes A LOT more work to get out.
Cultivating Creativity: A Life of Influence and Inspiration
Service and Contribution: "How do you serve life?"
This movie is a testament to Pharrell’s desire to serve through creativity. Oftentimes, my desire to produce what cannot be seen or what may take a long time to develop may lead me to question whether it will truly be impactful or that it is simply not worth it. Pharrell believed in what he could do, and the means to which he could do it. How often do we quickly count ourselves out? Even when people have already affirmed you. If what you desire to do, prioritizes service for others...it will ALWAYS be impactful. What you do, should be bigger than you and people need that.
A Life Long Journey: Lessons
Authenticity and Impact: Piece by Piece encourages others to keep building, even when the future is uncertain.
Living this life being who you are is enough. Pharrell’s authenticity drove his success. He wasn’t always loved for it but he was respected. This taught me that if YOU keep showing up, people WILL make room for you.
Typing this line made me emotional because depending on where and how you grew up, you are constantly shifting to fit or potentially trying to please people, but I wish I was taught that it will never be worth it. Even now, having to work to rebuild and learn who you are can feel guilt-ridden. But it’s okay to forgive yourself. Please forgive yourself.
Keep building: In this life, it can be extremely difficult to slow down. But in order to build a good foundation, we have to take a step back sometimes and be willing to look at the building blocks. If it’s hard to do that, ask someone you trust to help you find gaps or new things to consider.
Inspiring the Builders of Tomorrow
Pharrell didn't provide a new framework for living; instead, he uses his life as a visual representation of navigating and piecing together the life already built for us. The pieces are already there by the grace of God.
I highly recommend watching Piece by Piece. And in your way (with what you already have inside of you), explore your creativity, ask yourself questions, and serve life.
Just as water: be humble, harmonious, and open.
Personal Takeaways
You Never Lose When You Bet on Yourself: In 2014, I took a leap of faith and moved out of my father’s house into a college dorm at Bowie State University. Over the past 11 years, I’ve earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree, grown spiritually, lived on my own in another state for 6 ½ years, and evolved into a woman beyond what I could have imagined. The choices I made and the chances I took—some unexpected—have all shaped the person I am today. As I reflect on this journey, I have no regrets. Every decision has led me here, and the choices I make going forward will shape my future. That’s why I’m betting on myself in every aspect of my life, especially moving forward.
It’s Okay to Process with Others: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from therapy is the importance of a strong support system. Being able to share my thoughts and bounce ideas off people I trust has been incredibly helpful, especially when navigating the highs and lows of my career and relationships. Processing with others doesn’t make you weak—it makes you stronger.
Dedication = Hard Work + Patience (Shoutout to Nipsey Hussle): Dedication is more than just a buzzword—it’s a mindset that requires consistency, perseverance, and patience. Looking back, dedication has been a central theme in my life: from completing my degrees and pursuing my dreams to setting new goals, trying again after failures, and finally earning my nutrition certification after three years of persistence. As I prepare for 2025, I encourage you to reflect on how dedication has shown up in your life—not just in recent months but over the years. You might find, like me, that you have a lot to be proud of.
It’s Bigger Than You and Me: Advocacy is one of my most cherished values because it reminds me that life is about more than just my journey. The world is vast, filled with people who, like me, need support, guidance, or a voice. My growing efforts in addressing food inequality, shaping public policy, promoting wellness, and fostering personal development remind me that my work doesn’t end with me—it ripples outward to create a broader impact.
I get why Legos are so cool…you can create anything with them. The pieces won’t always seem linear, but they will always fit.
So, “break free and blast off, into a world with no limits”. -Lego
”Sometimes you don’t know where life will take you, but you gotta go for it”. - Pharrell Williams.