Dean’s Garage has posted an autobiographical essay by Stan Mott (2022) in the wake of his recent death at the age of 89. His story illustrates how the creative spirit that draws designers to the auto industry can eventually feel confining to some.
In Mott’s case, he ended up leaving a styling gig at General Motors in favor of a life of adventure — often while living on a yacht — as well as a remarkably eclectic range of freelance projects. His essay was originally published in the book, Dean’s Garage (2020).
Also see ‘Insider’s look at car design steers clear of Detroit’s fall’
Mott left the comfy world of GM in the 1950s even though he recognized that all he had to do was to be a “good boy and design cars all day long.” However, he also realized this: “I would be totally dependent on the corporation for my daily bread, just the way they wanted it. But not the way I wanted it — producing and selling my own ideas to make my way, not theirs. Huge epiphany!”
After a brief stint as Road & Track magazine’s art director, Mott frankly acknowledged that he “didn’t fit into any organization, large or small.” So he embarked on a globe-trotting career as a freelance designer, illustrator, cartoonist and writer.
In reading about his experiences — which included sailing across the Atlantic — I found myself wondering how many of us wish we had taken more creative risks during the “working” years of our lives.
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RE:SOURCES
- Mott, Stan 2022. “Stan Mott’s Autobiography.” Dean’s Garage. Posted March 22.
- Smith, Gary Dean; 2020. Dean’s Garage: The Future is Back. Performance Design.
There’s a line in a currently popular Country song that goes. “Do what you love and call it work.” Of course, if it was only that easy! That’s kind of what we are all looking for, but most of us have to settle and make some compromises for any number or real life reasons. A lot of times what we love won’t pay the bills reliably or provide enough income to take care of our responsibilities. I suppose that’s why these types of pursuits are best engaged in by the young. That’s when your energy is high and your load of responsibilities are low.
I don’t believe that a person should deny the creative and fulfilling aspects of their lives as a sacrifice that has to be made for their loved one’s benefit. The trick is to find a way to satisfy these needs while taking care of the mundane business of life. That’s what “hobbies” are for. By that I don’t just mean playing with toy trains, I mean engaging in public service as a volunteer, running a side hustle business, of finding a way to express and satisfy your creative side. Sometimes you have to wait until you reach the freedom of retirement, but I don’t think that you should ignore this aspect of your personality. Life IS too short to miss out on the opportunities that come your way.
Jose, that’s very well put. I actually created Indie Auto as a way to fill in the void left by my day job. It had a lot of good qualities, but there wasn’t much opportunity to be creative. Meanwhile, my inner 10 year old was still mad that I had not become a car designer. So I partnered with him to do this weird mix of adolescent absurdities and adult seriousness. Interestingly, now that I’m retired Indie Auto is starting to feel more like work than play.
As a corporate automotive design professional for over 33 years I can attest to the amount of ego that drives the dynamic of the profession and creates sone of its greatest challenges. Against overwhelming odds, the dream of being recruited for one’s ability to express a particular viewpoint is soon met with an even greater need to excel and survive the many factors and people who would serve to suppress or refute their ideas and accomplishments at every stage of design, production and even after release. Most designers cannot cope with it over the long haul, while a few can thrive and enjoy the creative wins of their dream job while keeping the stressful responsibilities and limitations in perspective. It is very individual and circumstantial, but most that I know who have succeeded always seem able to keep this balance and will always primarily identify as a ‘creative’.
Well put by all three of you gentlemen. (Jose, I always enjoy your comments, and have enjoyed reading your entire blog.)
Me, I realized young that I didn’t have any real dreams, so I got into the organization of my choice and stayed there. And it worked for me.