Recently, Creative Communicator and University of the Arts London lecturer Robert Urquhart presented a lecture in college. Robert is a master of multi-specialism, working as a writer, editor, reporter, curator and lecturer. His talk was interesting for the fact that it centred on this multi-faceted approach to the creative industry, encouraging us to consider a similarly versatile path. He said jokingly about how he had "worked with everything apart from opera" and spoke about the benefits of proficiency in various fields, instructing us to always "try new things" and "do more than you are told to do" in terms of what we learn. He explained that in addition to potentially making the difference that results in you being hired over another for a job, this approach also helps in that "life is impossible to predict", and therefore an array of skills you may not usually need could later prove useful. The latter point I particularly identified with, having changed from an unrelated career path to art in a last minute manner, and then further realising my greater ability in photography after undertaking illustration. Robert also advised that making friends and contacts is useful and part of the key to success, and that "empathy, clarity and persuasion" are valuable skills to possess while dealing with others in all areas. As part of his presentation, he showed examples of unconventional works created by others and proceeded to offer his perspective as to what he find interesting about them, and what makes them of value to him. The lecture was interesting, entertaining, and reassuring in it's general message that it's OK to have no specific set direction or plan, just that we should strive to learn and improve in whatever ways we can. This message is especially relevant to myself, with my ongoing effort to improve in multiple skills.
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