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Real Artists Don't Starve

Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age

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Real Artists Don't Starve

By: Jeff Goins
Narrated by: Stu Gray
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About this listen

Jeff Goins dismantles the myth that being creative is a hindrance to success by revealing how an artistic temperament is a competitive advantage in the marketplace.?

The myth of the starving artist has dominated our culture, seeping into the minds of creative people and stifling their pursuits. The truth is that the world's most successful artists did not starve. In fact, they capitalized on the power of their creative strength.

In Real Artists Don't Starve, bestselling author and creativity expert Jeff Goins debunks the myth of the starving artist by unveiling the ideas that created it and replacing them with 14 rules for artists to thrive, including:

  • Steal from your influences (don't wait for inspiration)
  • Collaborate with others (working alone is a surefire way to starve)
  • Take strategic risks (instead of reckless ones)
  • Make money in order to make more art (it's not selling out)
  • Apprentice under a master (a "lone genius" can never reach full potential)

From graphic designers and writers to artists and business professionals, creatives already know that no one is born an artist. Goins' revolutionary rules celebrate the process of becoming an artist, a person who utilizes the imagination in fundamental ways. He reminds creatives that business and art are not mutually exclusive pursuits.

Real Artists Don't Starve explores the tension every creative person and organization faces in an effort to blend the inspired life with a practical path to success. Being creative isn't a disadvantage for success, it is a powerful tool to be harnessed.

Business Development & Entrepreneurship Career Success Creativity Entrepreneurship Personal Development Business Employment Career Mythology Inspiring Success Creative Careers
All stars
Most relevant
Lots of examples both past and present of artist journeys and how they made it. Lots of supportive hints on what you can do to change your artist journey - some practical some not so practical but all together enjoyed this book😊

Great little gems inside

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I like the premise but there was too much padding. the ideas could have been sufficiently covered with the content in the conclusion alone. even that I found to be a bit long winded. I appreciate some people might enjoy the narrative aspect though.

a bit too fluffy but some might like the stories

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listened to whole thing in one go. A very well set out book I'm buying a copy and some highlighters.

loved it

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Competently written, Probably a solid read for anyone worried their kid has their head in the clouds for job prospects in a creative career.

Just a little too optimistic and grating on a jaded soul like myself. Will reread when I'm less depressed by the job market and views may change :)

Survivorship Bias: the novel

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All artists need to listen to this book. The romanticized idea of the starving artist is holding so many of us back.

For all artists!

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