The World Needs Your Art, and only you can make it. Ever wondered why you just HAVE to make something, anything, or you will just burst? Artists are born, not made. And if you yearn to create, that makes you an artist, no matter your medium. Photography, painting, performance art, writing, singing, or fashion, all are forms of expression of the creative soul. Often, creative people are not encouraged to pursue their heart’s desires by the world at large. They end up frustrated, depressed, or sad because they feel they cannot share their gifts with the world. They get blocked, give up too soon, or worse yet, fail to ever start what they yearn to make. And that’s a downright shame. The World Needs Your Art is a friendly guide to unlocking unlimited creativity while developing your style and learning to never be blocked for very long again by tapping into that innate gift called imagination.

The Artist's Way for the 21st century—from esteemed creative counselor Beth Pickens. If you are an artist, you need to make your art. That's not an overstatement—it's a fact; if you stop doing your creative work, your quality of life is diminished. But what do you do when life gets in the way? In this down-to-earth handbook, experienced artist coach Beth Pickens offers practical advice for developing a lasting and meaningful artistic practice in the face of life's inevitable obstacles and distractions. This thoughtful volume suggests creative ways to address the challenges all artists must overcome—from making decisions about time, money, and education, to grappling with isolation, fear, and anxiety. No matter where you are in your art-making journey, this book will motivate and inspire you. Because not only do you need your art—the world needs it, too. • EXPERT ADVICE: Beth Pickens is an experienced and passionate arts advocate with extensive insight into working through creative obstacles. She has spent the last decade advising artists on everything from financial strategy to coping with grief. • PRACTICAL AND POSITIVE: This book is both a love letter to art and artists and a hands-on guide to approaching the thorniest problems those artists might face. Pickens offers a warm reminder that you are not alone, that what you do matters, and that someone out there wants you to succeed. • TIMELESS TOPIC: Like a trusted advisor, this book is an invaluable resource jam-packed with strategies for building a successful creative practice. From mixing business and friendship to marketing yourself on social media, this book can help. And it will—again and again. Perfect for: • Visual artists and makers • Writers, musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives • Art and design school graduates and grad-gift givers

The little book that can spark BIG changes in your life! Gain Creative Confidence and Build a Future of Your Own Design “Your Art, Your Life, Your Plan” You're about to learn how to approach the problem of struggling to create your art and make a living as an artist. More than that, you'll receive sound advice on how to handle the times that you wrestle with the very idea of being an artist. “Highly recommend to anyone searching for their artistic self.” Uncertainty is a common theme among creative souls and "How to be an Artist" speaks to the ways creative people hold themselves back from living the life they truly desire. “Full of encouragement and grounded in practical advice...” The artistic path is not always easy, but the rewards of becoming the artist you know you are is worth all of the challenges along the way. “Based in the real world....This book offers real advice and ideas for people living in the real world, people with jobs, and families to juggle.” Your life as an artist is within reach...why wait? Buy your copy of “How to be an Artist” today and take the journey!

Be true to your artistic self—but don’t quit your day job. Whether you're a new graduate, considering a job change, or a creative type who isn’t finding time to pursue your passions, don’t fall for this line: “Do what you love and the money will follow.” The world is full of starving artists, but you don’t need to starve financially to thrive artistically. Author JoAnneh Nagler wants you to welcome your creativity and continue to make art—but to do so with a plan. In this groundbreaking book, she provides step-by-step strategies to teach writers, sculptors, painters, musicians, designers, and other artists how tohave a well-supported, well-lived life—and make art at the same time. Learn how to: Answer your own artistic callings and get to your art work Give up starving and struggling and build a supported, creative daily life Manage time, money, and day jobs with easy-to-learn, simple tools Develop rock-solid creative work ethics and motivational skills No matter what kind of creative person you are, this book has the tools you need to live the life you’ve always wanted to live—right now, and for your whole life long.

"Don't Be Selfish, Share Your Art with the World" is a call to action to create the art within every person, and to eliminate fears and share art with the world. Times are changing for artists. By focusing on values, important social change, and taking big steps forward, much can be accomplished.At the same time, there are opportunities to live and thrive off art. Although it is still possible to go undiscovered as a great artist, there is no reason to be an undiscovered artist if that is not the desire.The opportunities are abundant to be creative today and turn creativity into a career. This book brings together a number of concepts that are required to share their work. It is possible to accomplish a tremendous amount with whatever resources are available now to begin.

When 'Living and Sustaining a Creative Life' was published in 2013, it became an immediate sensation. Edited by Sharon Louden, the book brought together forty essays by working artists, each sharing their own story of how to sustain a creative practice that contributes to the ongoing dialogue in contemporary art. The book struck a nerve how do artists really make it in the world today? Louden took the book on a sixty-two-stop book tour, selling thousands of copies, and building a movement along the way. Now, Louden returns with a sequel: forty more essays from artists who have successfully expanded their practice beyond the studio and become change agents in their communities. There is a misconception that artists are invisible and hidden, but the essays here demonstrate the truth artists make a measurable and innovative economic impact in the non-profit sector, in education, and in corporate environments. The Artist as Culture Producer illustrates how today's contemporary artists add to creative economies through out-of-the-box thinking while also generously contributing to the well-being of others. By turns humorous, heartbreaking, and instructive, the testimonies of these forty diverse working artists will inspire and encourage every reader from the art student to the established artist.

THIS BOOK IS FOR EVERYONE LOOKING AROUND AND THINKING, "NOW WHAT?” Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed commencement address, "Make Good Art," thoughtfully and aesthetically designed by renowned graphic artist Chip Kidd. This keepsake volume is the perfect gift for graduates, aspiring creators, or anyone who needs a reminder to run toward what gives them joy. When Neil Gaiman delivered his "Make Good Art" commencement address at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, he shared his thoughts about creativity, bravery, and strength. He encouraged the fledgling painters, musicians, writers, and dreamers to break rules and think outside the box. Most of all, he encouraged them to make good art. The speech resonated far beyond that art school audience and immediately went viral on YouTube and has now been viewed more than a million times. Acclaimed designer Chip Kidd brings his unique sensibility to this seminal address in this gorgeous edition that commemorates Gaiman's inspiring message.