Neil Gaiman - Inspirational Commencement Speech at the University of the Arts 2012

Neil Gaiman Addresses the University of the Arts Class of 2012
One of the best commencement speeches. A must watch for any artist and everyone who hopes to be creative and successful.
Make Good Art.

[@linesyverinsen9215]

"People will tolerate how unpleasant you are, if your work is good and you deliver it on time. People will forgive the lateness of your work if it's good and they like you. And you don't have to be as good as everyone else if you're on time and it's always a pleasure to hear from you."

[@realm316]

"The Moment you are walking down the street naked, exposing too much of your art and your mind and what exists on the inside, showing too much of yourself, that is the moment that you may be starting to get it right." - That's amazing

[@StrawberryPopProductionsGaming]

That was my favorite part ❤️

[@randompersonontheinterweb]

I didn’t realized how much I needed to hear this

[@soularwave]

@11:52 your *heart* and your mind

[@maikenelissen3767]

Problem is that's the moment you probably shy away from the most.

[@just-her-author5635]

I met him once getting some books signed. I gushed to him about how his work on making LGBT characters visible, especially the fact the first transwoman I ever read about was in his comics and I knew in my heart she had always been a girl....made me feel seen. Then I said I wanted to be a writer...he shook my hand and said he couldn''t wait to read my work.

[@dawid4211]

G writer

[@jungefrau]

Gmafbytp.

[@leebinpoggersmomento6101]

Oh yeah I think Neil gaiman is a progressive HERO

[@StoryWolf420]

@@leebinpoggersmomento6101 He absolutely is. He has my full support.

[@shaymaaabusalih9580]

I never imagined the "professionally replying to email" bit would hit me like a bucket of cold water. I remember watching this when I was in high school, thinking that would never be me. But last year, I looked up from my computer at work, and tried to figure out why I felt so lousy. Why it felt so wrong. One year later, I'm unemployed, and have completed a manuscript I never thought would survive my daydreams. It's a precarious place to be in, but it feels like home. Onto the next step! Thank you, Neil.

[@Toporshik]

Good luck to you! I hope it will all work out!

[@ondox]

Did you get it published?

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

I have lived my creative life as this man proposes and I have found in this all the things he says are there

[@PLOJ]

hey david love your vids and pictures you post!

[@thatwhatsherface]

When you realize; he has written novels, children's books, comics, recorded audio books, and wrote 2 episodes of doctor who

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

, you become aware of your uncompleted sentence.

[@phantomapprentice6749]

By now when it comes to screenwriting he did much more than just 2 episodes of Dr.Who.

[@sean9816]

@@Captain_MonsterFart "Incompleted"

[@raw_dah]

@@sean9816 *incomplete, the action never got finished so don't end with "ed". *incomplete

[@sean9816]

@@raw_dahI always finish my action, completely. Tx teach. You're correct

[@clarennhalee]

"Leave the world more interesting for your being here."

[@cr8cat794]

I feel lucky to be alive at the same time as Neil Gaiman.

[@niharikamanjunath]

I feel like he took everything that was going on in my brain-all the doubts and insecurities about art and creativity- worded them beautifully and said them back to me. All I could think of was- he gets me. *He gets me.* The bit about the message in the bottle is so true. And of course, make good art.

[@jessiefanshaw3038]

It’s been 12 years and I keep coming back to these words.

[@StoryWolf420]

It's timeless advice.

[@Himani_inamiH]

He speaks like he writes like the way he changes volumes and emphasis on words he sounds like he is narrating not just talking

[@leau3199]

well he *is* reading from a pre-written script

[@oldgit4260]

l'eau and he's full of shit

[@clarastevens6576]

Rory Guitar great now you get to where he is in life and then you can say that.

[@douglasdiggins8296]

@@clarastevens6576 i dont agree with the guy you replied to, but you cant use appeal to authority to argue a point. Just saying.

[@clarastevens6576]

Douglas Diggins ok well I’ve never heard of the guy writing that comment whereas Neil Gaiman is a published author with an astonishing plethora of books.

[@WilliamGMedinaGIO]

Great speech. I don't follow this guy's work religiously or anything, but man, what a great speech. :) Whenever I'm doubting myself, I throw this video on, and I'm back on it. He's a very wise man.

[@olivergehrmann6535]

I've read everything he's published; he's my favorite author and I'm 100% with you. I've watched this video a number of times and forwarded it often and I always get positive responses. In fact, I should be getting back to work just now. ^^

[@zdanlins]

Same here, man

[@fsdfasdfasdfsdf]

I heard this back in 2014 for the first time. 6 years later I still come back for some guidance and words of wisdom. I am glad I'm not the only one

[@paulabee81]

Same... Freelancing for 10 years now as a writer and I come back here every so often for inspiration.

[@larsscholz3762]

"He's a very wise man" - Yeah, or is he just very good in pretending to be a very wise man? ;-) If you think it through, there is no difference, but you think it's easier the latter way. That's the genious in it.

[@shad9674]

That second to last bit about gatekeepers leaving their gates, in the context of 2012, makes me so damn sad. 7 years later, every path the internet had to offer, every freedom and empowerment it started giving artists all over the world, is now run by giant platforms and their dehumanizing algorithms. It doesn't take back any quality of this insanely good, profound, human speech, but man. I hope the corporate social media age is one that will end soon. I miss the collective excitement over what internet used to make possible for individuals. That said, back to making art !

[@groovydeath]

I love this man so dearly. What an excellent beautiful soul.

[@oldgit4260]

Sonia Grodzka you're thinking of Alan Moore, not this fake

[@Azori10]

Do you think the same after 2 years?

[@spiderjerusalem4009]

@@oldgit4260 wow ok

[@msmsmsms8515]

😬

[@shenotski]

And remember everyone when someone tells you Neil Gaiman would never do that, oh yes he would

[@fsdfasdfasdfsdf]

Its been 6 years since I first heard this speech. My life got tough at that moment, but I always remembered his advice. Time took its sting away and things got better, whenever I had doubts, or worried too much about the future or keeping the good things I had going around, I tried to follow his advice, and enjoy the ride. I have his voice in my head telling me: "This is really great, you should enjoy this" and he always manages to help me see the good stuff behind the problems of success. Totally, one of the best pieces of advice I have ever gotten.

[@Shahablo]

Hey, how are you these days?

[@billjitsu]

This is one of the best speeches I've ever heard.

[@MelanieWalby]

I have to listen to this once a year and it holds up every time for a different reason.

[@doubletrouble5448]

I’ve recently found Neil Gaiman because we’re reading his book on Norse Mythology in language arts class. I’m very glad I’ve found him, and I’m excited to read more of his work.

[@omowako]

This is such an old video but...I'm a high-school senior about to graduate. I have my dream university offer that I feel like I shouldn't have gotten and Neil Gaiman talking about imposter syndrome felt so close to heart. His lessons so worthwhile. I hope I don't forget them in the next four years.

[@zoopothecary]

Congrats, I hope it’s going well. I’ve rewatched this video at least once a year for the past 6 years and each time I am inspired anew but notice areas of life where I’ve been forgetting these lessons. I’m happy to report though that each year I do better, and these days I feel more comfortable in my own skin than I have since I was a kid.

[@aebbinge]

I don't think this is just for artists, it's for everybody. Everything can be art and if you make a mistake, you did something diffrent from last time. I love the speech!

[@jennyjube]

best bit "Be wise, because the world needs more wisdom. If you cannot be wise, pretend to be someone who is wise and just behave like they would."

[@ramansehgal3571]

Thank you Tim Ferris for mentioning this again and again on his podcast... I got here in the end. And it was well worth it :)

[@kyperoonie]

My Son graduated in this class and it was a thrill to be there to hear Neil's Speech... The class was encouraged to decorate their hats and gowns as they wanted, and as far as the hair... well it is an art school! lol

[@funkyspiderhat9006]

This is the most important video I think I've ever watched.

[@seppuku-]

Me too. I related to every word, I’m not even being cliche I had to pause this video.

[@Grinchdom]

Omg, I'm so glad I've heard this speech now. I am not an artist of any kind and yet I am stuck with something I need to do. This is so inspirational! I guess I am going to pretend I am someone who knows how to proceed and will act like them. In the end, anything we produce can be a good art, can't it?

[@Oshin_Life]

yup

[@SaltAddictMUGEN]

This speech always motivates me and cheers me up whenever I'm feeling down!

[@chickennuggets353]

Most inspiring speech I've ever heard! Gaiman gained a new fan her.

[@RainaRamsay]

I come back here and rewatch this every time I recommend it to someone else, and it makes my life much better to have done so

[@Eowynnofrohan]

I was feeling discouraged because of a post on tumblr that was disparaging to following your dreams. I posted, "I will make life work for me if it's the last thing I do" and a friend on tumblr, who knew I was a writer, sent me this. Inspired me to push forward.

[@noblethoughts1898]

Awesome inspiration. What a great quote about the moment you are walking down the street naked......

[@lilypendragon6624]

The first time I heard this; I dropped to my knees and WEPT. THIS IS TRUTH.

[@stuffguy6664]

a legit fantastic person a nature story teller. His voice is so hypnotic and one of a kind.

[@AnnoulaXeni]

His 'rule of two out of three' is something you can bank on. What a valuable bit of advice! What a wonderful speech.

[@fiddlefan8958]

I have recommended this speech to dozens of my hypnosis clients. I actually extracted an MP3 so I could listen on my phone during my daily commute.

[@isamuhammad5671]

Never heard of this writer before, but after listening to this I had to learn more. He has a spiritual foundation which is my attraction. Beautiful Words !!

[@vjmtz]

Curious...5 years later...what did you think of his books and comics, work?

[@walterreally]

I don't see what is so great about this speech that it made you cry.

[@ladystellawords]

What an inspiring speech! The wisdom in every sentence is profound and clear as crystalline water..."mistakes" are the essence of being is extraordinary. And he is English and I have cross his pathways many times over...just amazing how life is mysterious. Coraline was a misspelling wow.

[@DebraAJason]

That was so beautiful & poignant. I especially liked "I learned to write by writing," "When things go wrong, do what only you can do best, make good art...the only thing you have that no one else has, is you," and, "Pretend you're someone who can do it."

[@udornyc]

This is so inspiring and reflecting my own, decades long journey as a self taught photographer and surrealist painter! While watching/listening to this speech, my eyes glanced several times over my canvas, stored on the top of a bookshelf, underpainting done, but waiting to be completed into a painting for almost 10months... Thank you Peter Shev for sharing this remarkable speech... :)

[@ijebusjebus]

Most of us only find our own voices after we've sounded like a lot of other people. But the one thing that you have that nobody else has is You - your voice, your mind, your story, your vision.

[@Nogapu]

Niel Gaiman is the reason I strarted writing and making art... This man saved my life so many times and he doesn't even know I exist

[@jacegerard8343]

Anyone else choose to write on this for a school assignment?? I had the option to choose a speech by Obama, but this was on the list too. I'm glad I chose it because I am a fan of Neil Gaiman, thanks to my mom raising me.

[@EvelynBaron]

Neil Gaiman always a pleasure one of this world's brilliant souls who also happens to be one of those humans of immense good will. A treasure ... his books helped me through good times and bad.

[@basseartist]

I still come back to this speech for inspiration :)

[@aarondavis5604]

I heard this speech in 2012 and to this day there are 6 or 7 things he mentioned in this video that I still do. I have to come back to listen at least once or twice a year. This is easily my favorite speech of all time. Just sit back and enjoy this ♥️

[@diannesison]

Thank you for reviving the artist in me and for that fantastic speech. RESPECT.

[@pepoppins]

I LOVE this guy! I took his Masterclass and just hung on every word!

[@JacobP420Stayfaded]

this is the best speech on art i've ever heard i truly could not stop watching due to how smart this man is. This is perhaps the greatest advice for all writers alike....Truly amazing :)

[@nirau]

I'm so grateful that i found this speech. Totally made my day. Gonna revisit it sometime for sure.

[@Ivykyrn]

I revisit this every so often. Just remember to pretend that your somebody who does something and do what they would do.

[@ashoo1807]

This is the most inspiring talk I ve ever heard after Steve jobs'' speech .. in some parts I feel this is touching the precisely right chord .. especially " Make good Art " .. ! Great Speech ..

[@bruffie1]

What a brilliant man! I came upon Gaiman through Terry Pratchett and I've been working retrospectively through his work. A wonderful creative genius!

[@ELJoseNova]

Through all my trials and tribulations. Making good art saved me

[@CourtneyCoulson]

I don't have that many role models, certainly there are people I admire, but when it comes to someone who really inspires and influences me, I'd say Neil Gaiman is at the top of that short list.

[@lord-licht]

Absolutely. I think every one who wants to become an artist and listens to this will be moved. For me Gaiman is what I can be, what everyone can be. So people, MAKE GOOD ART.

[@aryabluebird1]

I envy these kids so much! As an art student myself, I cannot even imagine how life-changing it would be to have one of the world's most successful writers before me, talking about their path to success. .

[@MichelleZimmerman]

I cannot even start to express my love for this. What pure inspiration you have brought to the world. Share this with EVERYONE!

[@truthrarelypure]

It's Friday morning and I'm sitting at my job as an admin and being moved to tears because of this jawn. When I found out he was giving the commencement speech, my head nearly exploded and I wish I had known someone in that class so I could've snuck in. It's the first time I'm listening to the whole thing, and I really need to follow his advice and make changes so I can make art.

[@gameapril]

I love me some Neil Gaiman! Incredibly inspiring. What a blessing that we have the internet and KZbin so that people years later who were not at that commencement ceremony can enjoy it as well.

[@aamirafzal3992]

wooow....that speech must have inspired so many people across the globe for sure. Amazing Neil Gaiman

[@phoebeshunkerbell]

"Be wise, because the world needs more wisdom. And if you cannot be wise, pretend to be someone wise, and then just behave like they would."

[@rahul6075]

From the bottom of my heart, Thank You! Grateful to you for your decision to take your time out to share your priceless experience!

[@nandakishoren2138]

WOW! ... W-O-W! ... W-O-AAA-W! Incredibly inspiring and thought provoking and so inimitably contemporary

[@jamiedennewitz]

Amazing and inspiring. I love his work, and this made him my new hero. Neil, you are a treasure. Thank you. You have accomplished more in 19 minutes than My therapist has in a year.

[@MrsWackyJaqi]

Neil Gaiman always talks about a distant mountain.

[@KaityKat117]

the thing about a distant mountain is even when you've climbed up the foothills, it still looks like a distant mountain. The only ones who can accurately judge your ascent are those looking from elsewhere. You're too close to tell.

[@barbarathulin8263]

I cannot watch and listen to this speech enough! What a gift!! It has given me so much peace with my creative quest with my art and Decadent Digs. It is a must watch and feel profoundly blessed sharing this on my Facebook~! You Rock Neil!!!

[@angliase]

Barbara Thulin

[@NiallMor]

Brilliant! I'm trying to write something now, not for publication necessarily, but just to see if I can turn a jumble of ideas into a finished story. This is the kind of inspiration I need.

[@paradoxalmess7027]

i don't have enough time to watch the whole thing but i just can't skip because every sentence he says is a fricking gem

[@discount_mpdg]

dropping out of college this semester bc it’s just not working out and this made me feel wholly, and completely, and totally better about it

[@SusaraPhillips]

"I love him for what he was, for who he is, and for who he yet may be."

[@karanjotsingh1873]

Why is he such a nice person I get a aura a knowledge and experience from him .... he is a very interesting person

[@titanicsmusic]

so inspiring, I always come back to this. what a king.

[@Vinicius777]

he's just awesome ... it's always good to hear good advices like these and Neil really do magic putting those advices in his own words!

[@ZarateCreations]

Thank you for sharing Neil's Commencement Speech and thanks Neil for such inspiring words. May we all enjoy the journey rather than concentrating on the destination and may we all Make Good Art.

[@garyapple]

I find myself watching this speech over and over again. It never fails to move and inspire me.

[@fredericasteller7280]

I love this dude! I appreciate his candid, inspirational encouragement!

[@KlausBeckEwerhardy]

One of the best and most important speeches at all.

[@RaRawesome]

reason 5,000 why he's my favorite author. Constantly inspiring.

[@momon8738]

You know from the way he spoke/narrated on masterclass ad, even before the content of the class, he already attracted me to attend his class

[@mcostanzo18]

This is truly incredible. I wish I had gotten a speech like that when I graduated last year. Oh well, this has made me rethink what I doing with my life.

[@elementalemcee]

Absolutely perfect. Having just started the journey towards that mountain, I can attest to it all.

[@susanjboston]

This without a doubt is the most inspirational thing I have ever seen.

[@jobsinphiladelphia]

One of the most inspiring speeches I've ever heard.

[@OdysseusIthaca]

The most inspirational, and relevant career advice ever given.

[@vimzyview]

Probably the be best speech I've EVER heard....keep watching this each day :)

[@RawVids21]

2:20 I understood that reference and now I feel proud of myself. Thanks for this feel, OP.

[@cchapman1896]

This is so good! He has such a hopeful outlook on a life in the arts and listening to this spreads it around!

[@KKAkuoku]

I never read a single piece of work from him, but I adore this wonderful speech.

[@hanahorack4287]

Doing a great job of pretending to be wise! Thanks for posting.

[@GoranofallTrades]

"People who know what they're doing, know the rules and they know what is possible and what is impossible; you do not and you should not. The rules on what is possible and impossible in the arts were made by people who had not tested the bounds of possible by going beyond them, and you can. If you don't know it's impossible, it's easier to do. And because nobody's done it before, they haven't made up rules to stop anyone from doing that particular thing again." "I tended to do everything as long as it felt like an adventure and to stop when it felt like work. Which meant that life did not feel like work." I just had to write down these two somewhere.

[@jjmichaud471]

And now its the apple commerical

[@manjake]

has to be one of the if not THE best speech(es) i've ever heard.

[@FacundoStrazzarino]

From "Think different" to "Make good art". Words of wisdom.

[@shrotcake]

He was already my favourite author, now I love him even more now. Such an inspiration.

[@hestheman929]

A tremendously well crafted speech. Truly exceptional.

[@slayerkhan]

I tell the kids at school something like that all the time...think about the person you want to be and make your decisions as if you were that person. Eventually you won't have to think about it at all, you'll be that person.

[@murasaki848]

Excellent commencement. For those who enjoyed this, I recommend looking up the "9 Life Lessons" commencement speech by Tim Minchin at the University of Western Australia.

[@venusinpigtails14]

I needed to hear this tonight to get past my discouragement. I'm inspired!

[@avariel600]

you have to be an artist, I guess. It had the same effect on me. When you remove yourself from the structured ladder that most career paths have turned themselves into, where you know exactly what will happen in the future, and start striking out on a desperate bid to do something exciting and risky and dangerous, with absolutely no idea of what will happen, it's beautiful to have someone take that immutable struggle and speak to it and praise it so eloquently. If you get it, it moves you.

[@WendyFedan]

I could watch this a million times and never tire of it. I want to memorize this whole thing :) SO thankful for this video.