Reviews

Art Books

Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an ArtistArt, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist by Lisa Congdon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just as I hoped, this book was a great overview of the visual artist career, covering all kinds of topics from essentials that all artists should know to various avenues (that may or may not be applicable to every reader) for selling and profiting from one's work. Much of the information was already known to me thanks to other art career books I've read, but this one was more digestible than any other book in my library. Some of the most useful things I got out of it were practical steps that any visual artist, regardless of focus, could take, right then and there, like starting a daily art journal, or exploring and breaking down one's career goals. Although this information is generally out there in other forms, other books, this particular book is one of the most accessible and attractive, small enough to carry around with you, well-organized visually and conceptually, easy to read both due to the approachable language and the way sections allow frequent breaks if the reader wishes. The book is also short, so it's not overwhelming, but it still contains a wealth of information so it's a valuable asset, especially to anyone who hasn't yet read a book like it.

Real Artists Don't Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative AgeReal Artists Don't Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age by Jeff Goins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, did it really only take me three days to finish this? It felt like longer! Not because it dragged on or some other negative reason, but because there was so much excellent information to digest! I highly recommend this book to my fellow artists, whether they be focused on visual arts, writing, music, film, etc. If you're in need of direction, motivation, or even affirmation, this is the book for you! As I read, I found myself feeling bolstered when ideas I already had were promoted by the book, I felt inspired when things I'd been confused about were addressed, and more than anything, my confidence continually grew as I progressed through each chapter. "Real Artists Don't Starve" has shown me that I'm on the right track, that pursuing a career in art was the right choice, that with intelligence, self-respect, and perseverance, not only will I succeed in achieving my life's dream, but that I'm already well on my way.

View all my Goodreads reviews here.

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