The Enduring Wisdom of Neil Gaiman's Commencement Address: A Guide to Making Good Art
Neil Gaiman, a celebrated and bestselling author, is known for his genre-bending works that captivate audiences of all ages. His prolific output spans prose, poetry, film, journalism, comics, song lyrics, and drama, solidifying his place as one of the top ten living postmodern writers, according to the Dictionary of Literary Biography. Beyond his fictional works, Gaiman's insights on creativity, life, and the artistic process have resonated deeply, particularly through his commencement speeches. Among these, his "Make Good Art" address, delivered at Philadelphia's University of the Arts, stands out as a timeless guide for artists and creators of all kinds.
A Serendipitous Encounter and the Seeds of Wisdom
The story of Gaiman's impact extends beyond formal speeches. An encounter backstage at a theater reveals his down-to-earth nature and willingness to share his thoughts. Preparing to read a short story about Sleeping Beauty, Gaiman engaged in a conversation that touched upon originality and the creative process. He shared his belief that true originality is rare, explaining how artists absorb the stories, images, and experiences surrounding them, allowing these influences to "compost" in their minds. This compost, in turn, nourishes the seeds of new ideas, leading to the creation of unique works of art.
The Essence of "Make Good Art"
Gaiman's "Make Good Art" speech is a call to action, urging artists to embrace their unique voices and persevere in the face of challenges. The speech eliminates the "why's," "how's," and "where's" that often plague artists and gets straight to the heart of producing: Make. Good. Art.
Embrace Your Uniqueness
The core message of Gaiman's speech is the importance of embracing one's individuality. "The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you," he asserts. "Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision." He encourages artists to express themselves authentically, whether through writing, drawing, dancing, building, playing, or simply living. He emphasizes that the moment one feels vulnerable, as if "walking down the street naked," is often the moment when they are truly connecting with their art.
Overcoming Obstacles and Making Mistakes
Gaiman acknowledges that life, and a life in the arts, can be difficult. He urges artists to be resilient and to view mistakes as opportunities for growth. "I hope you'll make mistakes," he says. "If you're making mistakes, it means you're out there doing something. And the mistakes in themselves can be useful." He advises artists to persevere even when faced with rejection, criticism, or failure, reminding them that "things go wrong, in life and in love and in business and in friendship and in health." When life throws curveballs like a spouse leaving, health issues, or online criticism, Gaiman's advice is simple: "Make good art."
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The Journey Towards the Mountain
Gaiman uses the metaphor of a distant mountain to represent the goal of becoming a successful artist. He advises aspiring creators to "keep walking towards the mountain," making choices that align with their artistic aspirations. This may involve saying no to lucrative opportunities that would lead them away from their path. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and practice, stating, "I learned to write by writing."
Luck, Technology, and the Changing Landscape
Gaiman acknowledges the role of luck in an artistic career but emphasizes that hard work and wise choices increase one's chances of success. He also encourages artists to embrace new technologies and adapt to the changing landscape of distribution. In a world where the traditional gatekeepers are disappearing, artists have more opportunities than ever to get their work seen and connect with audiences.
The Importance of Libraries
Gaiman, a self-described "feral child who was raised in libraries," is a passionate advocate for books and libraries. He credits librarians with fostering his lifelong love of reading and believes that libraries play a vital role in nurturing creativity and imagination.
Finding Joy in the Process
Reflecting on his own career, Gaiman admits that he spent too much time worrying about deadlines and ideas, and not enough time enjoying the process. He advises aspiring artists to "stop and look around and go, this is really fun." He emphasizes that the journey of creating art should be an enjoyable and fulfilling one.
Gaiman's Broader Impact: Teaching and Collaboration
Beyond his writing and speeches, Gaiman has made significant contributions to the arts through teaching and collaboration. His appointment as Professor in the Arts at Bard College in 2014 provided students with the opportunity to learn from his experience and insights. He has also engaged in conversations with other leading artists, such as Art Spiegelman, exploring topics like cartooning, writing, and working across artistic mediums.
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