These are the other points from a speech that Louis Danziger, a grand master of graphic design, made when he retired from teaching at Cal Arts (numbers one through four are in the previous post). He was talking about design, but I think his ideas apply so well to writing, too, that I wanted to share them. My thoughts are in italics:
5: In the best work there is always a benefit for the audience; the client; and yourself (in this order of importance).
As writers, we might think of the publishers or producers as the clients. Unless they can see the benefit, they won't buy the project, so it's useful to start thinking about this right from the start. Convincing them is getting more difficult, but that's balanced by the fact that going around them (for instance, by self-publishing) is getting easier.
6: Always strive to give value. Be fair, honest, and responsible.
7: Have the nerve to fail. Fear of failure is the biggest obstacle to creativity and growth. No one ever built or ruined a career on any piece of work. In the scheme of things, one's failures or successes for that matter don't count for a hell of a lot. A sustained body of failures or successes is another matter.
I think this is the toughest part of what we do. I know failing isn't bad...but it sure feels bad!
8: A great deal can be learned about creativity in studying the sciences and in developing the scientific attitude: i.e., Question, Hypothesis, Experimentation, Evaluation, etc.
Lissitzky gave his equation for design as follows: Problem, Invention, Art.
My own view of his equation is that the first two are primary and the third is a function of how well one has dealt with the problem and invention.
'Art', like talent, is out of your hands, don't even think about it. Develop a deep and abiding commitment to excellence. The rest will take care of itself.
9: Nobody's perfect.
Amen.
