If you’re into creativity pep-talks, you may’ve already seen this commencement address from Neil Gaiman, author of Coraline, Stardust, and the popular comic book series The Sandman.
If you haven’t seen it, check it out. Gaiman gives an inspiring speech to graduates who are about to try to make a living in the arts. As you might expect, it’s full of little witticisms and nuggets of wisdom:
“If you don’t know it’s impossible, it’s easier to do.”
“When things get tough, this is what you should do: Make good art.”
But what I found most interesting was his insistence upon failure as one of the chief components of a successful artistic life. Perhaps nothing new there, but it’s nice to have a reminder from someone as accomplished and clever as Neil Gaiman. Who wouldn’t take advice from this gloomy-looking guy?
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