Page 16 - ChildArt_2021.Q1_Global Creative Leaders

16 CHILDART GLOBAL CREATIVE LEADERS JAN-MAR 2021 17

ILLUMINATING

IDEAS

FRED DUST

DESIGN ADVISOR

ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION
NEW YORK CITY

Hundreds of years ago, talented storytellers and ways to do business and meet the needs of clients. kinds of moments, that often spring from listening, Today, near his home in rural Maine, Fred enjoys
artists made beautiful books called illuminated He even helps design conversations, reminding looking, and making connections. Fred’s family his association with the children in his close-knit
manuscripts. These books were handwritten and us of the joy of human connection that can result life was not always problem free, and sometimes community. Fred suggests that “children are expert
were decorated with brilliant designs and miniature from talking with actual live beings compared with even included heartache and loss. “I’ve kind of in most things.” They understand that one rule simply
pictures in the margins around the text. Originally, screen-based technology. As one of the world’s lived my whole life knowing that we all have a stated as “be safe,” can often do the job of fifty rules
they were embellished with gold and silver. In time, most creative thinkers, he finds solutions through time limit. We have to make every minute count.” about all the things one can and can’t do. As children
the embellishment was sometimes added with thoughtful design. explore human values, their minds are open to how
colorful dyes made from plants. The illuminations When the time came to decide upon a career, Fred they and others feel. “We can learn so much from
offered clarity, additional information, and beauty. Fred’s creative approach to life runs deep. He was an gave himself the space to explore. He tried theater, kids. Children are leading the way for global climate
They were treasured works of art. The books were extreme reader as a young child, devouring volumes revolutionary studies, politics, activism, history, art, change. They are great at design. At IDEO (the
not quick and easy to make. The paper for the pages of Hardy Boys and Agatha Christie mysteries, and and architecture. Ultimately, he earned his BA in art international design firm where Fred was Global
was called vellum. It was made from animal skins, performing in weekly childhood plays of those same history and then went on to UC Berkeley to obtain a Managing Partner) we did a lot of listening to kids.
usually calf, sheep, or goat. Frequently monks were Hardy Boys novels. Later, he created a few of his master’s in architecture. His education and creative Children can lose their expertise as they enter the
the makers of these books. Sometimes they found own illuminated manuscripts, before he had even thinking paved the way for his success as an architect, adult world, so we can’t consider creativity, art, sports
the task to be quite tedious and would complain formally learned of them, as embellished letters to author, designer, international consultant, and now and play as luxuries for kids; they are necessities.”
that the paper was too hairy, or the room they were his brother away at summer camp, and other pieces design advisor at the Rockefeller Foundation.
working in was too cold. But in the end, their work of visual art. One key to his success is the approach he takes Light is a form of energy and children are great
was beautiful and is still treasured today. Fred spent long childhood days with neighborhood to empathy. “I take things a little further than participants in the energy and brightness of life.
What can children do to illuminate their own lives
The word illuminate means to shine a light on, or children playing in the streets of Chicago, in vacant empathy. I ask people to fall in love with the people and those of others? Fred says “talk to your pets.
to brighten with light. Shining a light on something lots, and construction sites, barefoot and free. He they are designing for. If you don’t love the people you Go have a serious conversation with your dog or
helps us to see it more clearly. Perhaps we see also spent time in rural Indiana in the care of his are designing for or the final users of your design, it’s your cat or your fish. Remember that you are there
more of something—a bigger picture, or perhaps great grandmother, Alma, a strong and hardworking evident in the work. You’re going to make something for them just as they are there for you. Understand
we see something in a new way, or perhaps we woman who was both a farmer and a steel mill worker better if you fall in love with who you’re designing for.” that humans are not the only species. We have
gain clarification. after the Second World War. Fred learned much Fred goes on to explain that to make this happen you an important responsibility to respect and protect
from his great-grandmother. “My grandmother have to look for the commonalities between people all species.” And also, “listen to good stories, and
Fred Dust is a designer who illuminates. He was an exceptional storyteller. You wanted to and between cultures. There are fundamental human learn to tell good stories. Practice speaking your
shines a light on human connections, global listen to her.” On occasion, the stories she told elements to be found in most situations. thoughts out loud. Learn how to speak up when
needs, and reform. With an eye for both art and would convey moments of illumination about life. something is important. This is something you’ll
understanding he helps companies find innovative Fred has learned to be on the lookout for these Children can be some of the best experts at need to practice forever, but it’s worth it.”
focusing on these fundamental human elements.

FRED DUST ILLUMINATING IDEAS https://icaf.org