Evan Spiegel Honorary Doctorate Speech | Otis College of Art and Design
Updated: November 19, 2024
Summary
The speaker reflects on how attending Otis at a young age transformed his life and nurtured his growth as a designer. He emphasizes the importance of feedback and critiques in personal and professional development, citing their impact on his own journey. Encouraging creativity and embracing inexperience, he envisions a future where creativity can drive positive change and challenges conventional thinking. Ultimately, he empowers the graduating class to pursue their dreams, leveraging the support system of family, friends, and the Otis community to shape a better future.
Acknowledgment and Gratitude
The speaker expresses gratitude to the audience, the president, his wife Miranda, and discusses the honor of receiving the recognition. He reflects on the tour of final projects and shares his excitement for the special day.
The Impact of Otis in His Life
Reflecting on the role of Otis in his life as a designer, the speaker discusses his experience attending Otis summer of art at the age of 15. He highlights how Otis changed his life, provided a sense of belonging, and fostered growth through critiques and challenges.
Value of Critiques and Feedback
The speaker emphasizes the importance of critiques and feedback in personal and professional growth. He shares insights about feedback as a foundation for growth and personal development, citing the impact of learning to give and receive feedback at Otis.
Transition from Insecurity to Creativity
Discussing a self-portrait project from his time at Otis, the speaker reflects on feelings of insecurity and lack of confidence. He shares how insecurity can fuel curiosity and creativity, leading to personal growth and transformation.
Embracing Creativity and Inexperience
Encouraging a mindset of creativity and embracing inexperience, the speaker shares design advice he came across at Otis. He discusses the advantages of inexperience in generating unique ideas and how creativity can challenge conventional thinking.
Creativity as an Antidote to Zero-Sum Thinking
The speaker discusses creativity as a solution to zero-sum thinking and highlights the potential for progress and positive change through creativity. He emphasizes the role of creativity in shaping a better future and envisions the possibilities for the next century.
Empowering Graduates for Success
Addressing the graduating class, the speaker empowers them to pursue their dreams, embrace feedback, acknowledge their limitations, and leverage the power of creativity. He emphasizes the support system they have from family, friends, and the Otis community.
FAQ
Q: What role did Otis play in the speaker's life as a designer?
A: Otis provided a sense of belonging and fostered growth through critiques and challenges.
Q: Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of critiques and feedback?
A: Critiques and feedback are essential for personal and professional growth.
Q: How did the speaker describe his experience with a self-portrait project at Otis?
A: The speaker reflected on feelings of insecurity and lack of confidence, highlighting how insecurity can fuel curiosity and creativity.
Q: What advice does the speaker share about embracing inexperience?
A: The speaker encourages embracing inexperience as it can lead to generating unique ideas and challenging conventional thinking.
Q: What does the speaker believe is the role of creativity in shaping the future?
A: The speaker believes that creativity is essential for progress and positive change, challenging zero-sum thinking and envisioning a better future.
Q: How does the speaker empower the graduating class?
A: The speaker empowers the graduating class to pursue their dreams, embrace feedback, acknowledge limitations, and leverage the power of creativity with support from family, friends, and the Otis community.
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