Whenever you start something new it can be easy in the beginning. For example when people start a new years resolution it will happen for the first few days or weeks but then you end up stopping.
With creative tasks this is exactly the same. Whether you are a painter, writer, photographer or have ay other creative work to do, it can be a challenge to keep going through the bad times.
That's why every so often I have to pick up this book and give it read and I am guaranteed that when I finish it I will want to keep going and the thought about giving up have gone.
I hope you enjoy this book summary.
Summary
This book is written by Austin Kleon and is the third book in his trilogy. This book focuses on how to keep going as a creative individual. It has 10 simple rules that he believes if you do them it will ensure you do not give up.
If you are a creative person and you have a job or hobby that has creativity intrinsically linked with it then I urge you have this book on your desk. Whenever you feel like you are having a slow day or a day you feel like packing it all in, pick this book up, have a flick through and I guarantee you when you put it back down you will find some inspiration.
They contain 10 rules that absolutely anyone can follow. They don't cost you anything, they are just techniques to try. They might not all work for you or you may find just one thing from the 10 is all you need, but you won't know until you give them a go!
Key points
The book is split in to 10 'chapters':
- Everyday is Groundhog Day. This is all about taking each day as it comes. Don't try to think too far ahead. Set up a routine and once that day is over, move on to the next.
- Build A Bliss Station. Your environment is key and this chapter explores how you can create the best environment for your creativity to endure.
- Forget The Noun, Do The Verb. This sounds technical but it really isn't. Simply put, for example, don't be a writer, just write. By writing you fulfil the noun but it is the verb that is important.
- Make Gifts. This is about creating something that people will love. Ignore the numbers and the money side of it. Focus on the enjoyment people would get and the rest will happen.
- The Ordinary + Extra Attention = The Extraordinary. Take a breath and just look around you. If you want to be inspired, it is all around, you just need to take the time to spot it. Focus on this enough and it will come.
- Slay The Art Monsters. Your job as an artist is to make the world a better place by helping others see a different or unique perspective to make them think or feel differently.
- You Are Allowed To Change Your Mind. It is okay to be wrong about something and change your perspective and it is also okay to have a different view to someone else.
- When In Doubt, Tidy Up. My personal favourite because I am a naturally messy person. Tidy up your bliss station and you will probably come across a nugget of an idea or some inspiration for your next piece of work.
- Demons Hate Fresh Air. Going outside and changing your environment can give your mind a break but it can also help stimulate your creativity.
- Plant Your Garden. What you create now may not be popular right now but there might come a time when it is popular to create it and let it come to fruition.
I have just given you a very very brief sentence about each chapter but to get the full understanding of it I would urge you to pick the book up and read the authors words.
My personal likes
Some things that may seem insignificant but appealed to me:
- Similar to his other books, the book is small compared to other non-fiction books. It is only 213 pages long and smaller than A5 size. This makes it easy to carry around with you.
- Also this meant I could read the book in about a hour if I was uninterrupted. It does not drag out topics, it is to the point and very insightful.
- Austin Kleon has his unique style and I really like the visual aspect of his titles and illustrations. They show what he is writing about in another way that really makes sense.
What I have done differently as a result
I have found this book so important to my role as a writer. I am pretty new to this world of creativity so I found this book super useful and made me really think about how I continue along this path.
I have created my bliss station and I turn off all distractions when I am writing. Do not underestimate the impact this has!
I also tidy up more if I am struggling with a topic to write about as I often find something that I can then use for a blog post.
If after reading this you want to purchase this book you can do by using the Amazon link below.
Other books by Austin Kleon
I have read all three of his books and not only read them on the kindle but had to have the physical books so I can flick through and show people that come to my house!
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Thanks for reading,
Gav
*For full transparency, the post above has affiliate links. If you click on affiliate links and make a purchase it is of no extra cost to you but I will receive a small commission from it.
