David Bowie's Advice to Young Artists

"Never work for other people!" "If you feel save in the area you're working in, you're not working in the right area."
Excerpts from the Michael Apted DVD "Inspirations" (2002), where he discusses with seven artists why they became artists and what it means for them to be creative.

[@catsinq5726]

He was such a naturally deep and thoughtful and deliberate person. This video seemed longer than it was because I had to keep stopping to contemplate his words. He doesn't pander. He's not spouting a bunch of glib nonsense like so many celebrities. He was a true artist and contributed so much newness to the world.

[@sherwoodsmallidge9186]

Sexual predator

[@deathchips926]

I had the same experience with this video-- which might singlehandedly be the most insightful and profound document of how to be an artist from Bowie or anyone else for that matter. These are words to live by.

[@MikeHammerForEver]

Bowie was a true intellectual. That's why he never had to convince us that he was one.

[@ViolaM13]

intellectual and spirit and he wss the kind of guy who needed to improve and change, learn new things, which gives kind of humility too

[@warthogA10]

Yes, he was an intellectual... But above all else, the thing which always appealed to people, is that he was a completely honest person. He spoke honestly and humbly.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

I would say """very intelligent""" rather than an """intellectual""" David Bowie is very artistic as well as being thoughtful. Heart and Mind, not just Mind.

[@halawa_7]

Lol, so true. One really annoying thing about Americans is that they feel the need to try to convince people they’re intelligent. When stupidity is the norm, people think trying hard to sound smart is intelligence...

[@SculptExpress-gv8jp]

I enjoy listening and talking to people like Bowie so much, but unfortunately I haven’t met many like him. I hope it’s not too late.

[@funkymunky]

"I never compartmentalize. Everything is a flux." Real artists know.

[@saltykrug]

What an intelligent and very fucking cool guy. Thank God he took his own advice! When he got comfy with Ziggy, he killed him and moved on to something else which was great too. Mr Bowie was ahead of his time, all of the time.

[@ferkinskin]

Jeffrey Catherine Jones- "An artists only responsibility to society, is a promise not to respond to society, but to have society respond to him!"

[@aldito7586]

He never stayed the same. He was always changing. I've always loved that about him.

[@Elvisism]

Such as life...

[@sandrinefromhawai]

Really miss him...deeply

[@Gary-lu4op]

Definitely, same here.

[@JamesJones-jy8vs]

@@Gary-lu4op Yes me too, he was an anomaly .

[@louiseforshaw1521]

Yep.😔

[@hoibsh21]

He would still be making music and inventing strange styles of rock!

[@haeskenhoff]

R.I.P. Could listen to him all day

[@greatwhitedonkey]

"Sometimes I'm useful currency, other times I'm not."

[@kristinhabing878]

Love this so much, "Getting through life is a big enough task>>>"

[@GrayzBDF]

Absolute Masterclass on Life. A creative perspective with integrity, flow, curiousness and reflection, among other things due his depth as a person ❤

[@Kaktuskastl]

this interview is giving a great view on bowie's person. i am deeply impressed!

[@kevinbaird7277]

Baring his soul is helpful to not just artists, to be tortured by his rejection with some of his material and the how he describes how he embraced and accepted this can translate to all our lives where we feel the rub of our existence that people won't accept, he is true great by admitting his many failings.

[@carlossalazar3480]

This is wisdom. Exactly what I needed to hear!

[@NeonButterfly7]

David Bowie is one of the greatest ❤

[@shrug_shrugsly]

Bowie, you had and have my full love. What a beautiful man and just generally a gift to all peoples

[@Guestyyyyy]

So much learned from such a short video

[@ridumhagen2313]

I wish I would've heard this when I was 12, WOW I LOVE YOU David Bowie ; what an INCREDIBLE human being OUTSTANDING ADVICE WISDOM

[@sherwoodsmallidge9186]

Sexual predator factually

[@laurelwatson3960]

“I’ve never done good things. I’ve never done bad things. I never did anything out of the blue.” -David Bowie, Ashes to Ashes

[@jonasrmb01]

Never did bad things except being a pedophile who slept with 13-14 year old girls?!

[@geraldweissburg8618]

Honesty and humility!

[@melvinburchett]

I miss this man more than anyone. One of one.

[@C.Church]

He and Francis Conroy are accident-blown-eyeball siblings. Super great entertainers, too. If I were irrational, I'd try to go blow my eyeball to get even half their talent. Where's the devil? Come blow my eyeball, devil. Make me talented!!!! ;)

[@phoenixrising5088]

A true Brit. Self effacing, honest, modest, humble funny.

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

I've been doing a deep-dive through his discography, and his words here ring so true. He learned this the hard way: his worst albums came out when he was trying to play to an audience, trying to prove something to himself and others.

[@johnhouse9983]

.....'' FIVE YEARS'' .... ''FIVE YEARS !!! '' FIVE YEAERS.............'' ''mmmm'' what a lyric

[@LEEDAVEY1984]

What a LEGEND. Bowie was such a musical chameleon. Never be other like this true enigma of a man. So sad that he was snatched from us. Try watch the music video of Lazarus and not cry. I've your eyes remain dry, then you must have a hole in your soul!!!!

[@sherwoodsmallidge9186]

Sexual predator factually

[@MrPlokijuhujiko]

Another good tip for aspiring artists: be so insanely cool and talented that the world can't help but notice you... That helps a lot.

[@Imkyehigh]

It helps but its foolish to think that every creative was born with it and not the product of hard work itself...we aren't all blessed with the potential but some have to work to achieve it

[@CipherSerpico]

Do you know why so many people who win the Lottery-end up going broke? Because, _People that are good with money-don’t play the Lottery._

[@PNortRyan]

Yeah, that feeling safe bit, i don't feel happy even when i've done a good painting or drawing, like a lot of artists. I do a good painting, i'm happy enough, but i quickly forget about it and i make myself feel like a total beginner again. Although, i don't think he means that you shouldn't practice painting or drawing something, just once you get there, make another challenge, draw the trains a another angle, in a different setting. I got a painting framed and i'm living in Spain now, i don't really know how else to sell it though for the moment, and Spains a friendly place but still, a lot of these places will want at least 30%

[@nanokiss1220]

A great Man who lived a great Life - a Life to bring Happyness and many other good Things to Humans - and a Life for enjoying himself - I really hope so 🙂 Sorry for my bad English - Im german.

[@toldmetowalkthisway5237]

I had a meet n greet with Kiss yesterday I asked Paul Stanley if he had any advice for starting a band. I expected him to say something like this but instead He said “Don’t do it.” 😐

[@MykeLewisMusic]

Do it, just don't expect to become KISS. But definitely do it.

[@thesuncollective1475]

Amazing perspective , considerable wisdom

[@cbriangilbert1978]

Wonder what type of parents he had?

[@er5029]

Shitty type

[@johndoe5432]

Bowie was genuinely brilliant, a truly magnificent mind and spirit.

[@susannecoolkidsgerman7989]

A fantastic artist and man. And getting up at 6am, I did not know we had something in common ;) He was so real, so human, so intelligent too. Loving his advise! Forever David Bowie

[@sherwoodsmallidge9186]

Sexual predator factually

[@artielarengano9287]

Yeah you’re just like David Bowie

[@mgabrysSF]

Source for the DVD? - it's long gone.

[@moocrumpus1062]

god speaking ... i miss him so much

[@moskito5864]

NEVER work for other ppl ... did it and i am 61 already :)

[@hartmutschader2883]

He was absolutely the Best !!! Why didn´t he lived forever ? Or is he still there (deep in us?)

[@Vicinfi]

I’m so happy I got to live in his era.

[@harleyhunt6073]

His commentary on painting his musical challenges reminded me of the interview Devin Townsend, John Petrucci & Tosin Abasi did where Devin speaks of seeing music in landscapes, paintings, pictures and tries to recreate that in sound.

[@davidcherrier5383]

what if i was born in the sixties ... lost a lot :( as my english ... "I never done good things I never done bad things I never did anything out of the blue" i've heard "out of the law ... French inside .my tears are falling hearing those lyrics. and sorry for the bad bad english, i did my best

[@hortenseweinblatt1508]

4:59 - 5:04 that gesture, on the piano -- is that the same as when Juliette Binoche and Lena Olin are taking the photos of each other, in the Unbearable Lightness of Being?

[@Nautilus1972]

Michael Apted did the 7 Up series. Wonderful artist himself.

[@popeyethesailorman75]

A Truly Missed Artist. One of the Best Vocalist Ever.

[@tedzarras2880]

3:27 Yes! The light - be with the light!

[@GEKWINS]

Yesss, Art is a big deal

[@OGStarlightKY]

What I love about this advice is that it applies to other forms of art as well

[@Hedgehogsinthemist123]

You are absolutely right Mr Jones

[@GereDJ2]

Bowie was always one of my faves right from the get go, through every incarnation.

[@adriantic]

Very kewl. Bowie's dad was a teacher in London School of Economics and Mick Jagger was one of his students. Dig this; Jagger's dad was a teacher in London School of Art, and David was one of his students.

[@MykeLewisMusic]

The social crossover of so many of those British artists from the 60s is crazy, like Bowie growing up with Peter Frampton, etc. What a time to be alive.

[@mikegarvin3962]

Bowies dad wasnt a teacher....anywhere !

[@Harry-xi5qv]

I really miss him.

[@DC_ABC_123]

Beyond music I've applied some of bowies philosophies to life and let me tell you people around you can feel it. its like a sublime electricity.

[@fredflintstoner596]

RIP STARMAN

[@inosukehashibira5511]

Agree david

[@graemel3069]

David Bowie what an amazing creative Artist touched with genius!... a beautiful soul!! shed a tear!!

[@bluuyo]

This resonates at my core. I feel it. Thank you, Ellie

[@EricaBmusic]

Yes this is why I quit ghostwriting no matter the huge payout.

[@tonywords6713]

"I enjoy the fact of seeing the light come up with me and then utilizing the daylight and what it brings and the kind of message that it brings" Beautifully said

[@franzitaduz]

HE IS SOOOOO RIGHT. IF IT IS ABOUT THE ART, ITS THE ONLY WAY.

[@jamesalanstephensmith7930]

I heard someone say he copied styles. His music was so great, so moving. Was he reflecting the times. Nobody like him, really.

[@JeffSmith-pl2pj]

David is very inspirational. I'm just the opposite. I never get up before 1:00 no mater when I go to bed unless I have to. I could force myself but then I think. He's dead and I'm still alive. But he is world famous beloved worshiped multimillionaire rock star. But still dead.

[@lennardvaarten7791]

Get up at 8 tomorrow and go for a run.

[@audreydoyle5268]

​​@@lennardvaarten7791 and if they have a chronic health condition inhibited by high impact exercise? A walk can suffice

[@duewhit310]

That was definitely worth watching/listening to. When youre creating something, it should be an engaging, challenging venture not a walk in the park.

[@paulmenard6219]

Wisdom from the Man Who sold the world... words can't describe how much I love this

[@danieljackson654]

How wonderful, how sage.

[@tradertom4843]

He forgot one other aspect. Doing it all for God.

[@KaBoomChannel]

Now he's broken down into atoms

[@ooohhenrybmblm]

But he went out with a bang!

[@belturbet4]

He is spot on at 1:45. There is no need for artists to be asked (or not asked) for their opinions on other matters.

[@Yeehaw123]

I love this man❤

[@James-q1d1o]

❤

Starman is the ultimate guru for this Era

[@Mr.Maret5]

Oh, and don't mock Christianity right before you kick the bucket.

[@Mr.Maret5]

@Newfoundmike The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

[@lnnocentBloomingFIower-fyday1]

Zoltan

[@lnnocentBloomingFIower-fyday1]

This is Zoltan.

[@kernjames]

This content is wonderful.

[@blissfulbaboon]

Bowie always said it like it is

[@ryanand154]

1.Outside is a good record.

[@ziraprod6090]

But he DID get into advertising.

[@BlackCountryJo100]

Loved his mindset ❤ Best Artist Ever just fabulous ! Live in the light ……. Love plus Light

[@jenniferrivers4892]

Thank you.

[@NullAndVoidEmpire]

Great advice and perspective. Thanks Dave!

[@chrisback001]

Im inspired 😊

[@CybilEvans4010]

We did not deserve him, but we needed him

[@Oldboy..]

There are no words

[@sweetfoampunishment3286]

I simply love him!

[@AM-wt9ev]

He was amazing

[@stayglitteryqueen]

Awesome hair.

[@JeremySchilling-b3s]

This is a good ad.

[@ziggygervasius8682]

In some other reality, he would have been my best friend. I would say little, and listen a lot.. Same with John Lennon.

[@SteveWeave]

Wonderful

[@gosuhenke]

🥰

[@bing1098]

🪷💜

[@hugoact3922]

Real

[@samdeane5003]

DAYMAN!

[@markusmaler-fm2qt]

💜

[@ViccoGallo]

just !WOW!

[@notanotherjamesmurphy5574]

1:02

[@bukkuk5949]

wise man ..

[@Lindforce1]

the fact that Bowie has different eye color just proves he's different in a good way ofcourse.

[@sn0wangel04]

It's not a different eye, it's a diallated pupil.

[@Darrenski]

​@@sn0wangel04it's a blown pupil actually from being punched.

[@sn0wangel04]

@@Darrenski oh, i know.

[@pebblelive]

@@Darrenskibeing punched??

[@t1281]

Even when I didn’t like his current style, I couldn’t deny his genius

[@StripperPingvin23]

How to make a living though?

[@Darrenski]

You can be employed by someone but still be working for your own self, your own benefit. You don't have to be owned to be employed is what he's saying.

[@StripperPingvin23]

@@Darrenski most of these shitty corporations makes you work even on sundays

[@WengStansWorld]

The $100,000.00 question Is he ? or is he not..... HIGH AS A KITE in this video

[@markmolloy1497]

100% not. Obviously. He was sober many years when he did this interview. The drugs and booze were long behind him, and he really enjoyed being sober. That's just how he talks. He doesn't really care that much whether you approve or understand what he is saying.

[@fecklessmovies]

He literally says he has given up drink and drugs, and he is showing no signs of being high. So the answer is no, he isn’t.

[@audreydoyle5268]

Yesn't. He was high on life. Now, that's the good stuff