An Interview with Life-long Learner & Dec Speaker, Daine Mawer

No doubt, we are all preparing to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. CMCT takes some time, this December 12, to reflect on what we have learned and what we yearn to learn as 2014 winds to a close. Our theme is “Education,” and we will be honored to hear from teacher and life-long learner, Daine Mawer. Below is a sneak peak of what we will hear from Daine.

CMCT: This month’s theme is education. As a life-long, self-taught learner, what advice to you have for creative adults who feel stuck in trying to educate themselves further?

DM: What a great question! The most valuable piece of advice I can provide is: Be as consistent as possible. Even if you’re doing 20 minutes of self-study each day, it will build up over a long period of time. Commitment is the hardest thing to learn, no matter what the subject of study.

CMCT: What has been one of your favorite moments as an educator? Why? DM: There’s nothing more rewarding than moulding future talent. To see young people grow in confidence, and go from zero to hero due to the knowledge that you’re imparting, is always a special thing to see.

CMCT: How do you keep your creative juices flowing?

DM: Gosh, I’m quite a work-a-holic, so I don’t tend to take too many holidays or breaks. I find a good getaway to the sea for some surfing works miracles. If I can’t do that, then running a good few kilometers clears my brain of all the stress and clutter and lets me focus on the task at hand.

CMCT: What are a few of your favorite things to do around Cape Town, just for fun?

DM: I’m a bit of a coffee-snob so I really enjoy finding new places around Cape Town that feel creative, with good coffee and a great place to sit with my notepad . Other than that, a good craft-beer at Yours Truly is always fun, and a run up Lions Head, of course.

CMCT: Can you give us a sneak peek of what you’ll be talking about at Creative Mornings Cape Town on December 12?

DM: Friday’s talk will stretch a bit broader than just education in the creative industry - I’ll speak about some of my experiences and how I’ve found just the idea and attitude of “learning” to be one of the most powerful skill sets any creative or individual could have.

Come join us this Friday, December 12, at 8 a.m. at Friends of Design - Academy of Digital Arts, for coffee, breakfast and inspiring conversations.