Neil Gaiman: 'Make Good Art'.
Neil Gaiman – Inspirational Commencement Speech at the University of the Arts 2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikAb-NYkseI
Published on May 23, 2012
Neil Gaiman Addresses the University of the Arts Class of 2012 (US).
Described as "One of the best commencement speeches. A must watch for any artist and everyone who hopes to be creative and successful." But actually a great inspirational speech for anyone uncertain about how to achieve personal goals and great aims.
I first saw this as published as the art book in the Nottingham Contemporary (UK). The book is very good; the speech is superb. I didn't really know who Neil Gaiman was but was impressed by the wise, insightful and encouraging things I read in the text (and that an ambition was to write an episode of Doctor Who). Of course I had an idea he was a popular author of sci-fi or children's horror / fantasy books (in fact my nephew was a huge fan a year ago). I'd actually seen both of his Doctor Who episodes. The books is published as Neil Gaiman's 'Make Good Art' speech, designed by Chip Kidd.
My other favourite graduation speech is by Floella Benjamin.
Floella Benjamin: Graduation address as Chancellor of the University of Exeter (UK).
The Chancellor (honorary head) at Exeter is former British children's tv star (and member of the House of Lords) Floella Benjamin. Her speech at 2.42 – 10 mins is superb. Also her closing couple of minutes comments at 1 hr 40.
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/graduation/webstreaming/archive/summer12/ceremony4/
Graduation Archived webcasts
Ceremony 4 – 9.00am, Tuesday 17 July 2012
I heard this speech in person as my brother-in-law graduated at this ceremony (and therefore didn't play the tuba at this one but the music's good anyway). Floella's website tells more about her fascinating background and varied career(s). http://www.floellabenjamin.com/www.floellabenjamin.com/Welcome.html
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