A few weeks ago I had the privilege of seeing one of my favorite authors Frank McCourt speak at the Miami Book Fair International. I became a fan of his memoirs since I first read Angela’s Ashes 8 years ago while riding the school bus to Design & Architecture Senior High and back.
I knew if the opportunity arose to meet the man who overcame a miserable childhood, a miserable adolescence, and a miserable career as a teacher, I would go. So when I attended Mr. McCourt’s session at the book fair, which was co-hosted by the funny Dave Barry, I knew what I wanted to ask him. If you’re at all curious what I asked, watch the video below. The whole presentation is entertaining, but my few seconds of glory can be found at the 37:13 mark.
Afterward when McCourt was signing a copy of Angela’s Ashes for me he said, “Sorry I won’t be able to join you for that drink,” and we both laughed. Then we took the photograph above. Unfortunately, there were 2 volunteers taking the photos and I think he was looking at the wrong one. Oh well. It’s not a completely miserable photograph.
There’s a fine line between critiquing, criticizing, and insulting. Constantly being in a school and work environment where design is discussed and dissected, I think it’s fair to say that I’ve become a bit calloused when participating in the dialogue of design. To me, it’s about improving the work, helping it reach its potential. I like to think that my peers come to me for my opinion because I’m honest in my assessment about their work.
I’m what some may call picky (for lack of better words, although I imagine my friends can think of better adjectives for me) when it comes to grammar and design. In a strange sort of way I relish the title. Is it a gift to spot a typographical error? Should I take joy in finding flaws? Am I hurting them by staying quiet? My ego thinks so. But I should be honest with myself when I see the opportunity to blurt out my opinion, especially when it’s not invited.
And yet I can remember times when I’ve produced a piece and wished someone would have pointed out a mistake or misjudgment in the work before I declared it complete. But there’s a right way and wrong way of giving feedback.
Right way: privately, sincerely, and with the ol’ sandwich method (compliment, criticism, compliment).
Wrong way: publicly, dismissive, and followed by (choose of the following: sneers, insults, punches, scissor kicks, leg drops, or anything else that could potentially leave a scar).
I usually show my drafts to a handful of people whose opinions I respect when it comes to these matters. And they’ve been a big help. But I realize that if someone outside of my inner circle has something critical to say about the piece, it’s much easier to brush it off or take offense. So I think I’ve learned a lesson…
Nobody wants to hear your lousy opinion. And if they do, they’ll ask for it.
Whenever it gets cold down here in Miami I like to drive with the windows down while blasting this song. Well today is one of those days. It’s a neat little video, too. Enjoy!
Side note, I had the pleasure of voting today. The pleasing aspect, besides fulfilling my civic duty, was being able to sit and read a magazine whilst in line in the best weather of the year. Today I’m feeling good, my friends. I hope you do, too.
