An artist's unique voice is their calling card. It's what makes each of their works vital and particular. But developing such singular artistry requires effort and persistence. Bestselling author, artist, and illustrator Lisa Congdon brings her expertise to this guide to the process of artistic self-discovery. Featuring advice from Congdon herself and interviews with a roster of established artists, illustrators, and creatives, this one-of-a-kind book will show readers how to identify and nurture their own visual identity, navigate the influence of artists they admire, push through fear and insecurity, and appreciate the value of their personal journey.
An artist's unique voice is their calling card. It's what makes each of their works vital and particular. But developing such singular artistry requires effort and persistence. Bestselling author, artist, and illustrator Lisa Congdon brings her expertise to this guide to the process of artistic self-discovery. Featuring advice from Congdon herself and interviews with a roster of established artists, illustrators, and creatives, this one-of-a-kind book will show readers how to identify and nurture their own visual identity, navigate the influence of artists they admire, push through fear and insecurity, and appreciate the value of their personal journey.
Photo Quest - Discovering Your Photographic & Artistic Voice is a sequel to Rick Sammon's internationally best-selling book, Photo Therapy Motivation and Wisdom - discovering the power of pictures. This book, Rick's 41st, was written for photographers, as well as for all types of artists - because the lessons and philosophies on these pages are universal to all creatives. Like Photo Therapy, Photo Quest includes only words of wisdom motivation and inspiration. There are no photographs in this book. Rick says there are two reasons for not including photographs (unlike his 40 other books and 18 online classes that are richly illustrated with hundreds of photographs from his travels around the world): "One, I want you to slow down and read the text carefully; Two, I want you to think about your photography and art when you are reading about an idea or technique - and not be distracted by my colorful images." Rick Sammon has assembled an all-star team of photo and creative mentors for this important book - a team that offers advice and insight on finding one's photographic and artist voice. As Rick says, "You'd be hard pressed to find this much talent between the covers of one photography book." This list of contributors reads like a "Who's Who" in the world of photography in 2020. These pros include Erin Babnick, Martin Baily, Richard Bernabe, Steve Brazill, Jeff Cable, Tony Corbell, Patricia Davidson, Dave DeBaermaeker, Ron Clifford, Ed Cooley, Unmsh Dinda, Frank Doorhof, Piper Mackay, Scott Kelby, Karen Hutton, Don Komarechka, Ian Plant, Trey Ratcliff, Art Wolfe - and more! If you are in search of becoming a more creative photographer, and not just ways of taking better pictures (there is a big difference), you have come to the right place. And if you are thinking about "changing lanes" - changing your career or making creative changes in your life - this book is for you. On these pages you will learn about (in chapter titles of the same name): Finding Your Superpower and Inner Voice, Your Secret Weapon, Idea to Image, Specializing or Not Specializing, The Rollercoaster Ride of Creatives, The Importance of Your Conversation, Changing Lanes, Creating a Sense of Mystery, Photography & The Death of Reality, Know Your Audience & Build Your Brand - and more. Each of the 22 chapters in the book ends with a Mission - an assignment - that will help you on your personal photo quest, which Rick feels will be one of the most rewarding adventures in your photographic and artistic life. This book is also filled with dozens of inspirational quotes relating to photographs and all artists. Here is one of Rick's favorites: An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one. - Charles Cooley
Creative block presents the most crippling—and unfortunately universal—challenge for artists. No longer! This chunky blockbuster of a book is chock-full of solutions for overcoming all manner of artistic impediment. The blogger behind The Jealous Curator interviews 50 successful international artists working in different mediums and mines their insights on how to conquer self-doubt, stay motivated, and get new ideas to flow. Each artist offers a tried-and-true exercise—from road trips to 30-day challenges to cataloging the medicine cabinet— that will kick-start the creative process. Abundantly visual with more than 300 images showcasing these artists' resulting work, Creative Block is a vital ally to students, artists, and creative professionals.
A hands-on workbook for self-discovery through artistic expression. In this workbook, art educator and mentor Annette Luycx leads women through twelve dimensions of artistic expression from personal narrative to final exhibition. She encourages women to look inward, find inspiration in personal experiences, and generate their own themes, images and symbols, ultimately discovering what is meaningful to them and learning how to express that visually. Luycx takes women through a step-by-step process using self-reflective thinking, visualizing, journaling, and other creative practices. With twenty-four practical exercises and twelve art assignments, this book guides women in developing self-awareness and personal power through making art. Included are the first-hand experiences of three participating women, reflections about their studio process, and the impact of the workshop on their identity as they learned to trust their life experiences as sources of inspired art-making. From Art to Empowerment is an insightful, hands-on workbook that takes women on an empowering journey of self-discovery through artistic expression. “In the beginning it was difficult for me. Now I let myself. The process has become easier for me. Like I was searching for my own path. That’s why these lessons helped me. Because they revealed my way of thinking, my feeling, my path, to me.” (Anna) “I go deeper. I touch it more. There is more focus. I go to a deeper level. I saw things in myself that I hadn’t realized.” (Markella) “I learn, I learn about myself. In all that I learn I also learn about myself. About my sensitivities, my memories, my feelings.” (Tina)
Every artist needs a little pep talk now and then. An inspiring tool and beautiful art book in one, Creative Pep Talk offers illustrated words of wisdom from 50 of today's leading creative professionals. With full-color, typographic prints and explanatory statements from a host of creative luminaries—including Aaron James Draplin, Oliver Jeffers, Lisa Congdon, Mike Perry, and many others—this volume encourages artists to stay excited, experiment boldly, and conquer fear. "Create curiosity," "Learn to say no," and "If you can't be good, be different" are just a few of the motivational maxims in this visually rich collection that's perfect for students, designers, artists, and creatives at any stage in their careers.
“The remarkable women celebrated in [this] vibrantly illustrated collection . . . offer stirring words of encouragement to any woman, of any age” (Booklist). The glory of growing older is the freedom to be more truly ourselves. With age we gain the confidence to pursue bold new endeavors and worry less about what other people think. In this richly illustrated volume, bestselling author and artist Lisa Congdon explores the power of women over the age of forty who are thriving and living life on their own terms. A Glorious Freedom includes profiles, interviews, and essays from women such as Vera Wang, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Julia Child, Cheryl Strayed, and many others who have found creative fulfillment and accomplished great things in the second half of their lives. Each section is lavishly illustrated and hand-lettered in Congdon's signature style.
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
This book provides all the advice you need for taking the world by storm, from the inimitable Lisa Congdon. In this illustrated guide to life—perfect for graduates and other seekers—acclaimed artist and educator Lisa Congdon offers up wisdom and insights for living. Each inspirational quote, lesson, and piece of advice is brought to life by Congdon's signature illustration style, making the book a beautiful gift or keepsake. Whether you're starting a new chapter of your own story, or simply searching for ways to live with more intention, curiosity, and joy, this book will inspire you to connect with yourself and prepare for any adventure life might have in store. • GREAT FOR GRADS: Everyone needs some extra guidance post-graduation, and this book—packed with colorfully illustrated, down-to-earth advice—makes a thoughtful gift for someone embarking on a new phase in life. • BELOVED AUTHOR: Lisa Congdon's bestselling books, online classes, and Instagram feed (beloved by 375,000 fans) have inspired so many people to follow their creative passions. In this book Condon does what she does best—bring bold and colorful flair to smart, creative, down-to-earth advice and inspiration. Perfect for: • Grads and grad-gift givers • Inspiration seekers • Fans of Lisa Congdon's art and writing
Discover a Deeper Connection to Your Artist Self! Artists and athletes alike benefit from strength training. Building creative stamina takes encouragement, mentoring, and regular practice. In Creative Strength Training, you'll discover powerful strategies that combine writing and hands-on art-making to overcome creative stumbling blocks, develop a unique voice and make creating art a regular habit. • Overcome resistance while dismantling "the Committee" (that group of inner critics). • Explore 10 exercises for making art that stands apart as uniquely yours. • Receive support and inspiration from contributing artists who share how each chapter has improved their practice and helped them evolve. Begin a fresh approach to your creative practice. Begin building stamina today with Creative Strength Training! "In a world of bookshelves lined with self-help guides to overhauling ourselves, Jane Dunnewold gives us, instead, a way to discover ourselves. Creative Strength Training is a gift to the artist just starting out, and a powerful resource for those of us who feel like we may have grown stale." --Mary Fisher, artist and AIDS activist "Jane's approach will resonate with anyone who has ever been stymied in his or her attempt to be original and creative. She guides readers on a journey of self-discovery to seek the core of the creative spirit. This newfound self-awareness and confidence is sure to unleash brand new avenues of creativity for those who read this important new work." --Maureen Hendricks, owner of Gateway Canyons Resort, home of Alegre Quilt Retreat "Jane Dunnewold's approach to the creative process is as refreshing as it is realistic--building stamina means making your art a priority. This method feels at once personal and prolific--a must-have for anyone looking to push his/her boundaries." --Joe Pitcher, founder of textileartist.org
