Honing the Craft – Exploring Unique Outlooks on Process and Success
To each his own, they say, and the same goes for how we achieve success. But when in comes to mastering your craft, success is often found along the way, through your process.
Stout continues our exploration of craftsmanship and the process this week by identifying unique perspectives from various distinct industry pros. As we found in Honing the Craft – Five Diverse Successes Reveal How Their Process Works, the process, is key. Let these insights serve as a reminder to reflect on what your process might be as you hone and refine your craft.
Austin Kleon
“It might seem like a stretch, but I really think the best thing you can do as an artist or a creative person is pretend you’re Phil Connors in Groundhog Day: there’s no tomorrow, there’s no chance of success, there’s no chance of failure, there’s just the day, and what you can do with it.”
Austin Kleon
Bestselling Author & Artist
AustinKleon.com
“Whenever I message any kind of press statement on behalf of my clients, I always dig into my experience in crisis communications to ensure the words used are carefully selected. In today’s 24 hour news churn, all it takes is one wrong word and you can find yourself in a crisis mode. Words are powerful tools and must be carefully communicated, expressed and emphasized. It takes a special lens to ensure you are thinking through every scenario as to how the message will be digested in the court of public opinion. ”
Suzanne Hofmann Erickson
Founder and President
She-She Media + Design
Suzanne Hofmann Erickson
Brian Ott
“I think you have to start with empathy – the idea that you have to see if from another person’s point of view before you can begin to apply your own idea to a space. What i also love about design is the process of unfolding and unpacking. Rarely do you find the right solution early on. It takes a lot of thoughts and ideas and drawings . . . you repeat the process until you get that feeling that you’ve finally cracked the code.”
Brian Ott
President & Landscape Architect
Nudge Design
“To many folks, ‘craft’ beer is perceived as small, independent breweries fighting the goliaths of the industry. To me, ‘craft’ beer is more of an art – quality, consistency and innovation are all important factors in creating a real brand that resonates with the consumer. This requires a great brewing team dedicated to quality ingredients, mastering the brewing process, and the creative ability to stay ahead of the consumer trends that are emerging more and more often as the lines get blurred between styles and brands.”
Mark King
CEO
Twisted X Brewing Co
Mark King
Scott Willis
“Originally I was inspired by Austin and set out to create a tequila that captured the soul of the city. But once I arrived in the town of Jalisco and discovered La Cofradia, I was deeply moved by the culture and the people and wanted their influence represented in our tequila as well. La Cofradia sits in a mango grove at the foot of a volcano. It’s a magical place full of inspiration for me.”
Scott Willis
Owner
Tequila 512
Missed last week’s insights into the process of craftsmanship? Check it out here.