The Power Of Embracing Failure

Berghs School of Communication in Stockholm have asked a number of creative leaders to discuss their ‘fear of failure’ for their upcoming exhibition ‘Could Have. Might Have. Should Have.‘

Graphic designer Milton Glaser preaches the importance of establishing a ‘trademark’ identity for oneself which is both distinctive and easy to recognize.  Once discovered, this specialized attribute will become celebrated and continually sort after until Glaser quips, ‘you lose interest in it’.  Best known for his ‘I love NY’ logo design, Glaser warns that financial success will more often than not hurt your professional development.  Real growth – both professional and  personal comes from ‘failure’. Glaser applauds Picasso’s creative process – of ‘once mastering a technique to abandon it’.

Designer Stefan Sagmeister believes that the fear of failure gradually diminishes as you learn and create systems and techniques for dealing with creative blocks.  The Austrian graphic designer and typographer stresses the importance of family, friend and professional relationships which offer huge support over time – a far leap from the lonesome ‘young design student’ days.

Ultimately the consensus from almost all creative greats is to ‘embrace failure’.

The Could Have. Might Have. Should Have exhibition runs May 26-29 in Stockholm.

Brainpickings: “Famous Creators on the Fear of Failure”