Sometimes distilled wisdom is the best wisdom. Below follows a handful of insightful quotes for the creative mind that I’ve collected during interviews, Internet travels, and readings over the past six months. What sayings or teachings are sticking with you? Leave a comment and let us know.
“The organization of yourself will lead to the disorganization of others.”
–proverb, courtesy of Jeff Staple, Staple Design
“Freedom and responsibility are the same thing.”
–Alfonso Cuarón, filmmaker
“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.”
–F. Scott Fitzgerald, novelist
“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare. It is because we do not dare that things are difficult.”
–Seneca, Roman philosopher
“If you want to do anything creative, keep a low overhead.”
–Grace Paley, writer & peace activist
“I'd rather f*** up a few things than get to the end of my life and go, ‘Very nice. Very tidy!’”
–George Saunders, author.
***This article is adapted from the research and writing of Jocelyn K. Glei, a creative strategist with expertise in editorial, design and publishing. She regularly collaborates with Scott Belsky and the Behance Team, who run the Behance Creative Network, the Action Method project management application, the Creative Jobs List, and develop knowledge, products, and services that help creative professionals make ideas happen.