On the occasion of a recent graduate show students from Berghs School of Communication in Sweden have conducted a series of interviews with some very bright people about the fear of failure. Predictably, many responded with the old adage: “Embrace failure.”
While undoubtably true, that idea requires some translation in order to make into one’s personal practice and to most students it seems tremendously unhelpful. So Milton Glaser’s comments stand out by going far beyond simple encouragement. Instead he outlines an excellent argument for why the fear of failure leads to stagnation: If you only do what you’ve already proven to be good at, in the future you will always be asked to do that type of specialized service. As a result creative development ceases and rot sets in.
All creatives develop their own arsenal of tried-and-tested tricks. I’m certainly guilty of that. But I am always most impressed by people who take chances with their work and trust their instincts. I am also most pleased by my own projects when I feel they go beyond what I already know. So I for one think Mr.Glaser’s advice is damn good advice.
Make sure to watch the whole thing, it’s some of the most useful 7 minutes and 30 seconds you’ll spend this week…
[...] Code & form ยป Milton Glaser gives some damn good advice about failure. Casey asey graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in May of 2009. With a BFA in Graphic Design, he also holds a strong background in the fine arts. Since graduating he has gained professional experience as a freelance designer, working on projects ranging from album art for local musicians to ads and newspapers for Seton Hill University. As a member of AIGA, Casey recognizes the artist in all of us.One of Casey's favorite projects was working for Firebelly Design in Chicago where he teamed with nonprofit organization, Reason to Give. His intensive internship resulted in a great professional and personal experience, which has encouraged him to continue seeking work that promotes change. Casey's artistic fields of expertise include photography, illustration, graphic design, and mixed media artwork. He looks at his creative terrain in a different way and uses what is in front of him to incorporate all of his skills into his design work. His creative nature is a natural fit at Zola Design. When he is not doing something art and design related, Casey can be found participating in some sort of outdoor extreme sport, whether it be skateboarding, biking, or snowboarding. He has lived in the Pittsburgh area most of his life. Tagged: [...]
[...] Milton Glaser gives some damn good advice about failure – On the occasion of a recent graduate show students from Berghs School of Communication in Sweden have conducted a series of interviews with some very bright people about the fear of failure. Predictably, many responded with the old adage: “Embrace failure.” [...]
Wait so how so how do you reconcile the professional need to become a specialist with the fact that it will bore you to death?
Specialization is a fact of life, but over-specialization is better left to insects. (I’m paraphrasing Buckminster Fuller) The phrase “one-trick pony” also comes to mind.