Adam Moss, a renowned magazine editor and the author of 'The Work of Art,' shares his journey from editing to painting. He reflects on the creative process and how it can bring joy, even amid self-doubt. The conversation sheds light on mentorship dynamics within creative fields and the importance of collaboration. Moss emphasizes the pleasure found in creation itself, rather than the end product. He also discusses the role of self-awareness and external validation in shaping artistic identity, along with insights from influential figures that inspire creativity.
Adam Moss's transition from magazine editor to author illustrates the significance of personal growth through creative exploration and expression.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of mentorship in the creative process, highlighting the reciprocal nature of learning between mentors and mentees.
Deep dives
The Role of Stripe in Business Growth
Stripe provides financial infrastructure that supports the revenue growth of influential companies like Hertz and OpenAI. Its platform streamlines processes, ensuring that businesses can focus on achieving their goals without being hindered by the complexity of financial systems. For example, Hertz utilizes Stripe to enhance customer checkout experiences, which illustrates the tangible benefits of the platform in improving operational efficiency. Overall, Stripe's services empower various organizations to manage their financial transactions with ease and adaptability.
Adam Moss's Transition to Authorship
Adam Moss, a prominent figure in magazine editing, made a notable shift to writing with the release of his book, The Work of Art. His transition surprised many, given that he was primarily recognized for his editorial work rather than as a writer. The book details case studies of creation processes, emphasizing the struggles and triumphs of artists and creators. Through his work, Moss utilizes his extensive experience in magazine publishing to frame the narrative of artistic creation and the underlying challenges faced by creatives.
Mentorship and Learning in Editorial Roles
The dynamic of mentorship is explored through Adam Moss's perspective on his relationships with young editors and creatives. Moss reflects on the informal apprenticeship model where learning occurs through observation and engagement, highlighting that mentorship is a two-way street. For example, he speaks about his own experience watching mentors shape their projects, teaching him the nuances of editorial work. This reciprocal learning environment fosters growth and confidence, making mentorship a valuable aspect of the creative process.
The Challenge of Balancing Exacting Standards with Collaboration
Moss acknowledges the delicate balance required in maintaining high expectations while fostering a collaborative spirit. As an editor, he aimed to inspire his team to invest in their work emotionally, likening the process to parenting where guiding individuals to assert their ideas was crucial. Moss's exacting nature pushed his team to strive for excellence, yet he recognized that adaptability was essential in understanding the diverse needs of each team member. This approach encourages creativity while also emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and encouragement in a collaborative environment.
Adam Moss was the best magazine editor of his generation. When he retired, he took up painting. But he wasn’t very good, and that made him sad. So he wrote a book about how creative people work— and, in the process, he made himself happy again.