John Waters’ Advice to Graduates

Filmmaker and self-described “filth elder” John Waters recently spoke at Rhode Island School of Design’s 2015 commencement ceremony. The venerable provocateur had tips for the graduates on how to make it as creatives in the modern world.

“A career in the arts is like a hitchhiking trip: All you need is one person to say, ‘Get in!’ and off you go,” Waters said.

The consummate outsider advised students to try to become insiders.

“Remember, you must participate in the creative world you want to become part of. So what if you have talent? Then what?” Waters said. “You have to figure out how to work your way inside. Keep up with what’s causing chaos in your own field.”

Waters also had advice for the parents and future parents in the audience.

“My parents made me feel safe, and that’s why I’m up here today,” Waters said. “That’s what you should try to do to your children too–no matter where you get your children these days.”