A few months ago, I came across this wonderful post by Jessica Helfand entitled
"The Kindness of Strangers". Since then, I keep finding myself going back to it and re-reading it just because I think it has such a great message. Jessica Helfand talks about the the kindness of strangers, but more specifically, she talks about the kindness of well known designers to strangers. She makes a point to say that she has come across notable designers, who (without really knowing her) have treated her kindly and with respect. Her post really made me think of similar situations that I've encountered and inspired me to reach out to designers whom I admire. I contacted Jonathan Hoefler and asked him to possibly be my advisor for my senior thesis. I really didn't expect him to respond to my message, but surprisingly, he did.
Hoefler declined, but the act of him responding to me so kindly, touched my heart.
What I love about Hefland's post is that the message is universal- show kindness to others. We often remember most those who've helped us out when they didn't have to, or those who saw potential in us when others didn't. I think it's just the thing that we as designers and as people have to remember as we go forth in our career and lives.
What are your thoughts?
5 comments:
I want to thank Monina for posting this article. I think that what the author is saying is that we all have situations in our life presented to us and it is how we react and respond to these situations that influence the way that people feel about their own situation.
Which makes me think about the current situation of our senior class. As a class we have been struggling. We have not met our faculty's expectations. They said we have not been meeting our deadlines, not producing the level of work that they know we our capable of. But there has been one teacher who has been continually positive with our class this semester, who has heard our complaints and frustrations and has been our positive cheerleader. And the positive cheerleader award goes to... Michael Kidwell.
Here Kelly is talking about Probation, a negative word that was chosen to explain whose body of work did not yet make it into the show, on Facebook. "Kelly LeAnn Flaherty says me too. it doesn't feel like a burdened lifted; it feels like i am a huge disappointment." And Michael Kidwell responded "overall_no!" Thanks Michael for not being a Negative Mr. or Mrs. Nancy.
a little vote of confidence can go a long way. it's pretty easy to distinguish an insincere attempt to motivate ("cmon guys, remember when brockett was here?") from a genuine personal interest in my success.
i still consider myself in the formative stages as a designer, and i am certain that there is a wealth of talent out there that far exceeds my technical capabilities. i figure that if anyone, be it a teacher or prospective employer, is going to exhibit interest in me, it's going to have as much to do with my personality as it does with my work.
design education is tricky for that reason. it's not just about the work i produce, its a complex network of strange inter-personal relationships w/ faculty, peers, the "design community," school officials, custodians, everyone i come into contact with really. at best these interactions can be courteous, empathetic, enriching and inspiring. at worst they can inhibit my motivation to accomplish anything. the trick is identifying and resolving to surround myself with those positive influences.
KUDOS FOR KIDWELL
Thank you both for posting the article and commenting. Jessica I agree with your comment. I believe that simple acts of kindness and guidance can inspired the weakest or those that struggle.
When I first join the graphic design dept. a semester late someone gave me the that kindness and guidance. The story is that I had create my first poster on the fifth day of class and unaware of the "rules of design" I had made horrible mistake. Several people look at me with disgust and critique my poster with harsh words,but this one person guided me and encourage me. THANK YOU PERSON
to the class of 2009 KCAI GD
YOU'RE DOING GREAT!
Keep moving on
I completely understand where all of you are coming from. But at the same time, you guys have to learn to stand up as a group, and encourage each other. It's completely disappointing to put you guys through a filtration process, and it can only produce disappointing results for most. But, in the long run, you have to know where you really stand on your own.
I love all of you guys, and I would be completely distraught if I found out that this little thing got in the way of the immense growth and development I've seen happen in every single one of you. You've got a fantastic career in front of you, and it certainly doesn't stop here at KCAI. The only ones who don't continue on to become innovative thinkers... are the ones who let it stop.
I want some hugs the next time I see you. :o)
Suffice it to say I would really love to respond to this dialogue with exactly what I think about this entire issue, but what Adam said is so true "it's not just about the work i produce, its a complex network of strange inter-personal relationships w/ faculty ".
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