On being thankful
By William Childs
I was going through some files the other day when I saw my favorite folder that I keep in a nearby desk drawer. It’s a folder containing all the cards and thank you letters I have received over the years from Marketing and Advertising students in our area. The letters begin arriving shortly after Pat Lincoln and I give one of our talks. Our general topic of discussion centers around creativity and what it really all means; as it relates to our understanding of creativity, anyway.
The purpose of these presentations is to inspire students to tap into the raw power of their own minds and realize they have a tremendous tool at their disposal to solve problems and to create an amazing life; their brain. It has been a wonderful honor to do this over the years and I’m extremely grateful to the Greater Lehigh Valley Ad Club for allowing me the opportunity to represent the club in this manner.
I wanted to use this space to thank all of the students and teachers who have sent those cards and letters over the years. I’m energized by the fact that it seems the students and the teachers get a lot out of what Pat and I have to share.
Truth be told, whenever I find myself in a funk, I reach for that folder and read a letter or two. It’s never failed to get me going again. I especially love the ones that start out by saying, “I did not want to attend this lecture… Only to be followed by the line, “boy, am I glad I did.”
I happen to be reading one the other day from a student named Caitlin Nelson. She’s in the Graphic Arts program at Moravian College and her instructor is Prof. Anne Dutlinger. It was one of the most honest, heartfelt and candid letters that I’ve ever received. Here’s some excerpts...
…From the standpoint of a student who is tested on an almost daily basis to be creative, it’s easy for me to admit that more often than not this is a difficult and painful process. Difficult in that so many people who don’t understand the artists’ scope believe wrongfully that we are just brimming with new ideas – and I must say, I’ve never been brimming, if I’m lucky I might get a steady boil. (Either that or my stove is broken, and if that’s the case then I’m in the wrong kitchen.)
And so, to see two grown men who have been at this process for years, it brings a sense of hope to the otherwise broken stove student. I am actually quite fond of the ideas they brought forth, and have spent some time reflecting on their advice.
…It just really struck a chord at how I never had a teacher or Professor look at me say “today’s lesson is learning how to feel comfortable with our ideas.”All in all, it was one of the most comprehensive and entertaining lectures I have ever attended. I have taken much from it both academically and personally.
I’ve been extremely fortunate over the years and I’ve been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with some amazing clients, graphic designers, marketing directors, art directors, copywriters, photographers, make-up artists, actors, camera operators and editors. All of you have contributed to my success.
Also, I extend a huge thank you to all the teachers and professors who have allowed me into their classrooms over the years.
I do believe the one thing I will be most proud of over the course of my career will be all the time I’ve spent sharing my experiences with the next generation of advertising professionals. To me, there’s no greater feeling in the world than to know you have made an impact on another member of the human race, inspiring them to reach for their dreams. Howard Hendricks said it this way, “You can impress people from a distance, but you only impact them up close.” I wouldn’t have it any other way.