616. How to Make Something from Nothing

Key takeaways

Mentorship shapes careers; the influence of a great mentor can guide individuals towards their passions.
Transitioning to a new creative field can be challenging, but it often leads to growth and unexpected discoveries.
Failure is an integral part of the creative process and can ultimately lead to greater artistic satisfaction.
Effective editing involves high standards, clear communication, and nurturing talent within a collaborative environment.
Finding joy in the creative process, rather than focusing solely on final products, can lead to a more fulfilling artistic experience.

Summary

Mentorship and Influence

Stephen Dubner discusses the impact of Adam Moss as a mentor and boss during their time at the New York Times Magazine. Adam's role was characterized not only by his editorial prowess but also by his ability to guide and influence his colleagues like Dubner. Through various anecdotes, Dubner reflects on the mentorship dynamics, including the push and pull of creative collaboration and the importance of establishing trust and respect in the relationship.

The Transition from Editing to Art

After leaving New York Magazine, Moss transitioned to painting, discovering this new creative outlet came with its own challenges. Dubner and Moss discuss the struggle of being a novice painter and the feelings of inadequacy it brought. This led Moss to write his book 'The Work of Art,' where he examines the creative process and the journey that artists take to make something from nothing.

Failure and Creativity

In their conversation, both Dubner and Moss engage with the concept of failure in the creative process. They emphasize how artists often face rejection and struggle but how these challenges are essential to developing resilience and creativity. Moss shares insights from his book about how accepting failure can lead to greater artistic freedom and happiness.

The Role of an Editor

Moss describes his experience as an editor and the complexities of balancing high standards with nurturing creators. Dubner gains insights into the duality of being exacting yet supportive as a leader, and how this influences team dynamics and output. The discussion touches upon the unique attributes that form a good editor—being both a motivator and a guide.

Finding Joy in the Process

Both Dubner and Moss underline the beauty of the creative process itself rather than solely focusing on the outcomes. Moss shares how a shift in perspective—from seeking validation in the final product to finding joy in making itself—changed his relationship with his work as a painter and informed his writing.

Show notes

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.

SOURCE:
- Adam Moss, magazine editor and author.

RESOURCES:
- The Work of Art: How Something Comes from Nothing, by Adam Moss (2024).
- "Goodbye, New York. Adam Moss Is Leaving the Magazine He Has Edited for 15 Years," by Michael M. Grynbaum (The New York Times, 2019).
- Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking, by Samin Nosrat (2017).

EXTRAS:
- "David Simon Is On Strike. Here’s Why," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2023).
- "Samin Nosrat Always Wanted to Be Famous," by Freakonomics Radio (2023).
- "What’s Wrong with Being a One-Hit Wonder?" by Freakonomics Radio (2023).

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