How To Make It: 10 Rules For Success From Today's Top Creative Innovators

In a time when it seems like many successful artists and designers are keeping things close to the vest in fear of competition, there are still creatives who feel that sharing their knowledge and helping others is the only way that their respective fields will grow, challenging those bold enough to participate and do better. They understand that there is no innovation without mentorship, bold attempts, and yes, even failures.

We spoke to 10 creatives, from painters and photographers to sneaker customizers and gallery owners, and asked them to share a rule for success that aspiring and emerging artists can learn from on their journey towards greatness. The eclectic and talented group has a lot of great advice to give, so you should probably take notes from this list of How To Make It: 10 Rules For Success From Today's Top Creative Innovators.

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Director of New Museum's Art & Tech Incubator

Rule: Stop waiting for permission. Just go out and do it already!

"This rule may be a bit obvious and cliché, but it's also one of the hardest ones to follow, so it bears repeating. Too often I see young people afraid to pursue a project or idea because they don't feel qualified to do it. Maybe they're worried about not having enough experience, know-how, or the right resources, or maybe they don't feel empowered in their current position or situation. Whatever the case, most of the time they just need to get out of their own way. You never learn how to do something until you actually go out and do it. Experimenting with scrappy self-initiated projects that you have to beg, borrow, steal, and stay up all night to make into a reality is a great way to rack up experience and exposure. Find a way to make your idea happen. At the end of the day, that'll be the thing that separates you from the rest of the pack."

Founder of The Fancy

Rule: Do not underestimate anybody.

"There are a lot of people out there who are smarter than you. Anyone can get lucky. Over 7 billion people in the world means that thousands of geniuses thought of your amazing idea before you. Even if you get a head start and move first, if your idea is worth anything at all, thousands more will compete. You don't have to like your opponents, but you should respect them."

Favorite Fancy Profiles:

Drake
Roberto Maggio /The Heart Director
Nick Matarese
Steven Boal
François-Henri Pinault

Artist and Creative Director of WorstofAll

Rule: Be bold.

"You have to be brave to put your creative ideas out into the world and accept the judgement that comes with it. Never apologize for your vision. Criticizing the ideas of others is a waste of time. Spend yours creating what you want to see and getting it out there. Everything has been done, so don't try to be original, just do you and be extreme about it. If you think 'I could have done that,' you already missed your chance. The circumstances are never going to be perfect, so don't wait to do anything."

Recent Projects:

#SELLOUT
The (UN)FAIR
Red Bull Canvas Cooler
Branding for Zezziou

Co-owner, Co-curator of Gallery1988

Rule: To succeed as a gallery, make a conscious decision to have your own voice and artists.

"The saddest thing I see with other galleries is their undying need to pounce onto artists who are selling well at other venues. It's got this desperate bandwagon-esque vibe that exposes their lack of vision and confidence. Successful galleries are able to tell stories with their own artists, from their early stages of development to a place where they may even move on to spaces with higher price points (or hopefully museums). Telling this story is vital to not only the gallery's success, but also the artists'. And on top of that, who wants to look like a shitty biter?"

Owner of JustKids, Creator/Curator of Rise Above

Rule: Don't compromise the content.

"I don't believe in formulas, but I would say never compromise the content of your project. The form can be altered, the organization can be different, you can adjust the way to do it, and you can be flexible, but don't concede on the substance. Short or long term, that won't lead you anywhere except a bad spot, and when works gets tough, integrity can provide drive and energy. So keep it real, work hard, and have fun."

Illustrator

Rule: Experiment constantly with different mediums to help further your creative voice.

"The more you challenge yourself artistically, the more options you have to share your creative voice and vision. Experiment constantly and try new things. Learn from your mistakes. If something doesn't work, ask yourself why and what you can do differently next time. By constantly pushing myself with different, new media, I'm now able to work in a variety of fields. It also helps me determine which media to choose depending on the deadline for the project."

Founder and CEO of Revive Customs

Rule: Offer something new.

"What's the point of customizing a shoe or making any kind of art that exists in the market already? Aspiring customizers should make customs that are daring and that big brands wouldn't have the balls to tackle, not just colorflips."

Recent Projects:

Bad BeAr
Jack's Lament
Run DMC Adidas Superstars
Knicks Lunargrands for Spike Lee
Cole Haan X Revive Customs for Spike Lee

Executive Creative Director of Sanders\Wingo

Rule: Make something for yourself.

"A lot of us are employed in the commercial creative arts. Although our day jobs might kinda scratch an itch, I believe that you gotta make something for yourself. Make something that only has one reason for being, and that is to please you. No client. Just you. For an artist, this is as essential for self care as brushing your teeth... or champagne."

Director on Bob's Burgers, Creator of SN'EADS, Artist, and Producer

Rule: You can't do it alone.

“If Michael Jordan couldn't win 6 championships by himself, you for damn sure can't level up in your career by yourself. You might be the most uber-talented person in the world, but you will only get so far without people on your team helping you reach your goal.

In any business, GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS are your 2nd greatest asset next to being highly skilled. I can credit my success thus far to two things: 1) my work ethic and 2) those that believed in me enough to give me keys to locked doors. Be mindful of how you treat people and don't be so quick to blow up bridges, because one day, when you least expect it, you might need to cross them again.”

Freelance product photographer

Rule: The road to success isn't going to come from emulating someone else.

"You'll establish it by being different, always pushing yourself to be better, being passionate about your work, and by creating on a daily basis. It can even be just using your phone to take a photo or writing something down that inspired you in a physical or digital notepad to use later. Always remember that you are surrounded by the same inspiration others use for their success. You just have to find what works for you, but I guarantee that once you do, your vision for creation will open like a black hole. After that, it's up to you to keep pushing the boundaries while staying consistent."

Recent Projects:

New Balance "Barbershop Collection"
New Balance "Propaganda Pack"
Sneaker Freaker "Why Are Kids Getting Killed For Their Jordans?" article
Braggadocios