Think Creative

This is an immensely large subject full of debate on so many levels, that it will be hard to cover all of them. What would be the best approach is to skim the surface of the main points and mix it with some historic flavouring, in an attempt to make some discursive approach to the post. What must be made as a point at the beginning of this post, in conclusion to the last, is that one of the worst types of censorship, is that of self-censorship. Not stating one's opinion based on some fear or lack of knowledge is not the best approach to creating communication. It may be clear that I may not know what I am talking about in some of my posts, but with a little supportive research and a desire to say what I think, I put in words a viewpoint. After all, this is what I can do and is a right of all individuals, to have an opinion. Not saying something can possibly take away a viewpoint or piece of knowledge that could help in the argument, help an individual understand or even just give...

There sitting in front of me was one of my students. Young and innocent. Looking for some answers to their prospects as a graphic designer. Then came the dreaded question. The question that strikes through me every time a novice asks me it. A question that is hard to answer, and therefore maybe the reason I dread it so much; "Can you give me some advice on what it takes to be a graphic artist?" I looked at her and at the same time another student turned with interest to see what I was to say. Where can I start, I thought. Funny thing was I did reply, and the sort of things I answered were also reflected in a sentence I had in a discussion with my very close friend, about the very same subject. Now, I started my trek over thirty years ago. Didn't know at the time that it would lead to much. Didn't know at the time that my parents would not like the idea of my career choice and my insistence in going to college. Didn't know then that there would be ups and down ...

A friend of mine at school was very good at art. It seemed inherent, as his father was good at art, therefore seemed to run in the family. It kind of made me like the idea as well, so at Sixth Form I walked into the art class and asked if I could do art as a subject. The teacher, Miss Parker, allowed me to join the class, but after some weeks took me to one side and politely told me that I would not make it as a creative person and I should think about leaving the class and doing some other course. I wouldn't accept this, and with several other similar comments from family and teachers alike, I set out to prove them wrong. I guess in a way I have. Also saying that however, I have always had the feeling that I could be artistic. Still today I get up and want to create. Sometimes more than get breakfast, or sort the house out. I say this little ditty at the start as I wanted to mention perseverance. If I had listened to my art teacher, all those years ago, where would I be? Wo...