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  • Real Artists Don't Starve

  • Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age
  • Written by: Jeff Goins
  • Narrated by: Stu Gray
  • Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (47 ratings)

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Real Artists Don't Starve

Written by: Jeff Goins
Narrated by: Stu Gray
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Publisher's Summary

Best-selling author and creativity expert Jeff Goins dismantles the myth that being creative is a hindrance to success by revealing how an artistic temperament is in fact a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

For centuries the myth of the starving artist has dominated our culture, seeping into the minds of creative people and stifling their pursuits. But 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, 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)

Through inspiring anecdotes of successful creatives both past and present, Goins shows that living by these rules is not only doable but it's also a fulfilling way to thrive.

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. In fact success in business and in life flow from a healthy exercise of creativity.

Expanding upon the groundbreaking work in his previous best-seller, The Art of Work, Goins 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; rather, it is a powerful tool to be harnessed.

©2017 Jeff Goins (P)2017 Thomas Nelson

What listeners say about Real Artists Don't Starve

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very helpful insights

a must read for everyone who wants to stop doing what's expected and start doing what one really really wants

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Photographer looking for inspiration

I barely read, I'm dyslexic, trouble in school, but not to lose hope. One of my passions is photography, an "art" I want to share with the world. After listening to this book, and following along with a physical copy, I finished it. Yes!

This book has put in perspective for me a lot, and given me strategies to be proud of what I do and my goal to make money doing it, so that I can keep doing it and be better it at. The case studies were both classic and modern and have given me hope that I am not alone and around the corner of an amazing network that is mine to discover.

For the artist and creatives looking for a great read of how you can coexist with your talents, I recommend this book.

For those with who read slow or have reading challenges, I would say that this book is a pretty easy read with a very positive and straight to the point writing style.

The reader is clear, and easy to understand and does a great job keeping you attached to the book.

That's just my opinion, ~AmeelMD

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1 person found this helpful

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mind blowing and life affirming

more motivated than ever to master my craft. this book is a MUST have for every professional rtist.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Mediumly Decent

Not the best book I have ever read. Not the worst.
It could have been said in a much simpler, and shorter format, but then it wouldn’t have been a book.

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Useful Actionable steps

This book provided clear actionable steps that will allow any artist to move closer to their goals.

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Awesome!

I loved this book! It's so insightful and I highly recommend it to other artists.

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endless anecdotal mythology

There are ideas worth pursuing in this book but they're few and far between.



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It's alot of cliche repetitive information. Your art should make money. Thats the message.

I wouldn't recommend this.
I couldn't find anything of value in regards to actionable business or creative steps to take.
it's mostly fluff in my opinion.

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