On My Mind: Think Different

As a creative person in a creative job in a creative industry, I’d like to take a moment to remember Steve Jobs. The founder of Apple,

Jobs encouraged not only employees of his company to think differently, he also encouraged the world at large to think differently. He elevated our expectations for personal computers, music, communications, and even animation. Even if you aren’t an Apple fanatic (like I am), you probably still are benefiting from Jobs’ genius. Because not only did he push his own company to take risks and push boundaries, he also pushed his competitors to do the same.

When Apple launched its “Think Different” campaign in 1997, the ads were unique and inspiring. They included imagery of creative geniuses such as Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Mahatma Gandhi, Bob Dylan, Jim Henson, Pablo Picasso, and Miles Davis. With Jobs’ death and all of the subsequent pop-up memorials for him, I’ve been reminded of the text of these ads. And I actually think they relate to you — nail artists and others in the beauty industry — so I’d like to share those words here:

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward. Maybe they have to be crazy. How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art? Or sit in silence and hear a song that’s never been written? Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels? We make tools for these kinds of people. While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

In our nail microcosm, you are the crazy ones. You see things differently. You create art on tiny canvases. You figure out ways to use products in unique and interesting ways. You challenge the status quo. You explore and invent. And while some people might not understand your passion or your art, I see strokes of genius. I am inspired by you all. I urge you to continue to push the boundaries. Remember to “think different.” And never, ever be afraid to be one of the crazy ones.