Neil Gaiman melted more than a few hearts when he delivered the inspirational "Make Good Art" commencement speech at Philadelphia’s the University of the Arts this past May. Gaiman's sage advice inspired illustrator Gavin Aung Tung to create a brilliant comic following its YouTube debut. Next up for the author's wise words? A new book designed by Chip Kidd.
Gaiman, known for his short fiction works including "Coraline" and "The Sandman," gives a 20-minute speech on the difficulties waiting in both failure and success that emerge in the pursuit of art. The standout passage reads:
When things get tough, this is what you should do: Make good art. I'm serious. Husband runs off with a politician -- make good art. Leg crushed and then eaten by a mutated boa constrictor -- make good art. IRS on your trail -- make good art. Cat exploded -- make good art. Someone on the Internet thinks what you're doing is stupid or evil or it's all been done before -- make good art.
The book won't be released until May 14th but you can watch the YouTube video below to get your inspirational juices (or New Year's resolutions) flowing:
And check out the best commencement speeches of 2012 below: