Be Nice To People: The Ultimate Creative Advice
PUBLISHED BY MAKE BANK
During our project’s four-year run, Make Bank shared the stories of all kinds of creative professionals. We chatted with designers, artists and makers about how their careers have progressed and what they have learnt along the way.
These conversations are packed full of insight and encouragement for the next generation of creatives. And there are a few pieces of creative career advice which have cropped up time and time again…
Follow What Lights You Up
“Follow what lights you up” advises Nancy Poller from Aligned Design Co. She believes that following a gut passion for something will lead to the greatest successes - and we couldn’t agree more.
Outside factors, such as parental pressures or insufficient career resources, can often dissuade someone from seeking a career in art and design. However, it is important to remember the true value of making things. “Creativity is what makes us human, so we need you.” says Russell Whitehead from 2LG Studio “The world needs what you are about to create, so let us have it.”
Finding your passion is the first step, and devoting time and effort to it is the second. “Your creativity is something that has to be nurtured,” explains artist Simone Brewster. “It will grow as you grow. Don’t be scared if it takes you in a direction that you weren’t expecting. Just keep in touch with it and it will take you where you need to be.”
Look Beyond Reputation
If your creative journey leads you towards further education, it’s important to look beyond a university’s reputation when deciding where to apply. “Don’t judge the merit of an education establishment based on a name,” advises Laura Geyer from Yellow Matilda.
“You shouldn’t be so focused on the brand of a university. You should be much more concerned about your total well-being.”
- Simone Brewster
Prospective students should prioritise choosing a university they will feel comfortable in over one with an esteemed reputation. “When I applied to university, I just wanted to get into what was considered to be the best course - and I did - but you shouldn’t be so focused on the brand of a university. You should be much more concerned about your total well-being,” Simon Brewster explains. “Are you going to be supported here? Are you going to fit in? Are you going to be able to find people who understand you and will be there for you?”.
The key to getting the most out of your education is being in a healthy and supportive environment. It’s not just about what you are learning but whether the people you are surrounded by make you feel seen.
Design by Mimi Hammill
Passion Shines Through
A university degree isn’t the only option when it comes to getting a creative job. As long as you maintain and positive and passionate attitude, other routes into the industry are available.
“Attitude is everything,” says Abi Deria from Good Nugget. “I never judge anyone on the experience they have; I gauge them on their attitude. If someone is eager to learn and a hard worker, I will go with them over someone who has the degree but doesn’t have those qualities. Passion always shines through.”
Be Interested in Everything
Staying curious is vital when it comes to discovering what the creative industries have to offer. It sharpens your mind and makes other people want to work with you.
“Be interested in everything,” says Beth Bate, Director of the DCA. “Listen to a different radio station, read a book on something you know nothing about or talk to a friend about something only they have experienced. There is something about having a broad range of interests that makes other people want to work with you. Be interested in the world and you’d be surprised at how it can come back to you in a positive way.”
Artwork by Simone Brewster
Be Nice To People
There is one piece of advice that has been mentioned far more than any other: be nice to people. Acting with kindness is the most rewarding way to integrate yourself into the creative community.
“It is nice to have friends,” says YUK FUN’s Patrick Gildersleeves. “Friends are always the first people who will ask you to help out with stuff or you can ask to help out with stuff. Being able to talk to other people about how they are getting on makes you feel better when times are a bit rough.”
Beth Bate has experienced another benefit to being known as a friendly person to work with. “You never know when your paths will cross again and you remember the people who were horrible to you because they thought they were above you,” she says. “The lovely thing is though, you also remember the people who were amazing to you, who gave you a chance and who just weren’t mean. People always remember nice people - that is true in all walks of life.”
“My desire is to work with nice people and to say nice things to people to make them feel nice. Let’s all do that.”
- Tommy Perman
For artist and musician Tommy Perman, kindness is a driving force. “My desire is to work with nice people and to say nice things to people to make them feel nice. Let’s all do that.”
There is a thread of positivity running throughout all of the advice above - which doesn’t surprise us at all. With every interview we conduct, we are constantly reminded of the warmth and generosity of the creative community.
This article was originally written for Make Bank, a social project fighting against creative poverty.