Creative block : get unstuck, discover new ideas : advice and projects from 50 successful artists

David Lynch

EDITORIAL REVIEW: \*\*In this "unexpected delight,"\* filmmaker David Lynch describes his personal methods of capturing and working with ideas, and the immense creative benefits he has experienced from the practice of meditation.\*\* Now in a beautiful paperback edition, David Lynch's \*Catching the Big Fish\* provides a rare window into the internationally acclaimed filmmaker's methods as an artist, his personal working style, and the immense creative benefits he has experienced from the practice of meditation. \*Catching the Big Fish\* comes as a revelation to the legion of fans who have longed to better understand Lynch's personal vision. And it is equally compelling to those who wonder how they can nurture their own creativity. \*\*Catching Ideas\*\* \* Ideas are like fish. If you want to catch little fish, you can stay in the shallow water. But if you want to catch the big fish, you've got to go deeper. Down deep, the fish are more powerful and more pure. They're huge and abstract. And they're very beautiful. I look for a certain kind of fish that is important to me, one that can translate to cinema. But there are all kinds of fish swimming down there. There are fish for business, fish for sports. There are fish for everything. Everything, anything that is a thing, comes up from the deepest level. Modern physics calls that level the Unified Field. The more your consciousness-your awareness-is expanded, the deeper you go toward this source, and the bigger the fish you... Lire plus…

Tharp, Twyla

Creativity is not a gift from the gods, says Twyla Tharp, bestowed by some divine and mystical spark. It is the product of preparation and effort, and it's within reach of everyone who wants to achieve it. All it takes is the willingness to make creativity a habit, an integral part of your life: -- The Creative Habit Tharp's exercises are practical and immediately doable -- for the novice or expert. In "Where's Your Pencil?" she reminds us to observe the world -- and get it down on paper. In "Coins and Chaos," she provides the simplest of mental games to restore order and peace. In "Do a Verb," she turns your mind and body into coworkers. In "Build a Bridge to the Next Day," she shows how to clean your cluttered mind overnight. To Tharp, sustained creativity begins with rituals, self-knowledge, harnessing your memories, and organizing your materials (so no insight is ever lost). Along the way she leads you by the hand through the painful first steps of scratching for ideas, finding the spine of your work, and getting out of ruts into productive grooves. In her creative realm, optimism rules. An empty room, a bare desk, a blank canvas can be energizing, not demoralizing. And in this inventive, encouraging book, Twyla Tharp shows us how to take a deep breath and begin!;Cover; Dedication; Epigraph; Chapter 1: I Walk into a White Room; Chapter 2: Rituals of Preparation; Chapter 3: Your Creative DNA; Chapter 4: Harness Your Memory; Chapter 5: Before You Can Think out of the... Lire plus…

Lehrer, Jonah

Did you know that the most creative companies have centralized bathrooms? That brainstorming meetings are a terrible idea? That the color blue can help you double your creative output? From the New York Times best-selling author of How We Decide comes a sparkling and revelatory look at the new science of creativity. Shattering the myth of muses, higher powers, even creative "types," Jonah Lehrer demonstrates that creativity is not a single gift possessed by the lucky few. It's a variety of distinct thought processes that we can all learn to use more effectively. Lehrer reveals the importance of embracing the rut, thinking like a child, daydreaming productively, and adopting an outsider's perspective (travel helps). He unveils the optimal mix of old and new partners in any creative collaboration, and explains why criticism is essential to the process. Then he zooms out to show how we can make our neighborhoods more vibrant, our companies more productive, and our schools more effective. You'll learn about Bob Dylan's writing habits and the drug addictions of poets. You'll meet a Manhattan bartender who thinks like a chemist, and an autistic surfer who invented an entirely new surfing move. You'll see why Elizabethan England experienced a creative explosion, and how Pixar's office space is designed to spark the next big leap in animation. Collapsing the layers separating the neuron from the finished symphony, Imagine reveals the deep inventiveness of the human mind, and its... Lire plus…

Joy Deangdeelert Cho, Meg Mateo Ilasco

As the hipster classic __Craft, Inc.__ did for crafters, this book will teach all types of creatives illustrators, photographers, graphic designers, animators, and more how to build a successful business doing what they love. Freelancing pros Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho explain everything from creating a standout portfolio to navigating the legal issues of starting a business. Accessible, spunky, and packed with practical advice, __Creative, Inc.__ is an essential for anyone ready to strike out on their own. Lire plus…

Edited By Sharon Louden

"In this day and age, when art has become more of a commodity and art school graduates are convinced that they can only make a living from their work by attaining gallery representation, it is more important than ever to show the reality of how a professional, contemporary artist sustains a creative practice over time. The forty essays collected in 'Living and Sustaining a Creative Life' are written in the artists' own voices and take the form of narratives, statements, and interviews. Each story is different and unique, but the common thread is an ongoing commitment to creativity, inside and outside the studio. Both day-to-day and big picture details are revealed, showing how it is possible to sustain a creative practice that contributes to the ongoing dialogue in contemporary art. These stories will inform and inspire any student, young artist, and art enthusiast and will help redefine what "success" means to a professional artist."--Publisher's description.;Adrienne Outlaw -- Amanda Church -- Amy Pleasant -- Annette Lawrence -- Austin Thomas -- Beth Lipman-- Blane De St. Croix -- Brian Novatny -- Brian Tolle -- Carson Fox -- David Humphrey -- Ellen Harvey -- Erik Hanson -- George Stoll -- Jay Davis -- Jennifer Dalton -- Jenny Marketou -- Julie Blackmon -- Julie Heffernan -- Julie Langsam -- Justin Quinn -- Karin Davie -- Kate Shepherd -- Laurie Hogin -- Maggie Michael and Dan Steinhilber -- Maureen Connor -- Melissa Potter -- Michael Waugh -- Michelle Grabner -- Peter... Lire plus…

By Danny Gregory

Packed with the signature can-do attitude that makes beloved artist Danny Gregory a creativity guru to thousands across the globe, this unique guide serves up a hearty helping of inspiration. For aspiring artists who want to draw and paint but just can't seem to find time in the day, Gregory offers 5– to 10–minute exercises for every skill level that fit into any schedule—whether on a plane, in a meeting, or at the breakfast table—along with practical instruction on techniques and materials, plus strategies for making work that's exciting, unintimidating, and fulfilling. Filled with Gregory's encouraging words and motivating illustrations, Art Before Breakfast teaches readers how to develop a creative habit and lead a richer life through making art. Lire plus…

Lisa Congdon; Hoopla Digital

Wise words from great minds: “Revisit this colorful read whenever you need a pick-me-up—or a push—to get out there and make the most of your day.” —Real Simple   A quote book like no other, this thought-provoking collection compiles the timeless wisdom of great original minds— from Marie Curie to Stephen King, Joan of Arc to Jack Kerouac, Oscar Wilde to Harriet Tubman—brilliantly hand-lettered by beloved indie artist Lisa Congdon. You’ll find enlightening insights (“Wisdom begins in wonder”— Socrates), stirring calls to action (“Leap and the net will appear”—John Burroughs), and stimulating encouragements (“Be curious, not judgmental”—Walt Whitman) beautifully illuminated on every page. A delightful reminder to make the most of life, Whatever You Are, Be a Good One is perfect for recent graduates, creative thinkers, and anyone looking for a little inspiration.   “An impossibly charming compendium . . . The common thread underpinning these quotes—which include such beloved luminaries as Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, Henry James, Anne Lamott, Soren Kierkegaard, and Leo Tolstoy—is Congdon’s own sensibility about what it means to live with kindness and integrity, to cherish beauty and the creative spirit, and ultimately to be a good human being.” —Brain Pickings Lire plus…

James Gulliver Hancock

This cultural who's-who illuminates 50 famous figures, from Leonardo da Vinci to Coco Chanel, through the fascinating trivia of their lives. Artist James Gulliver Hancock depicts historical icons in quirky annotated portraits surrounded by their associated possessions, baggage, and foibles. Hemingway's hobbies, Amelia Earhart's preferred dessert, Martin Luther King Jr.'s favorite TV show—each portrait reveals the ordinary quirks of these extraordinary people and captures their personalities in the process. An exquisitely illustrated almanac and cultural literacy cheat sheet, this fun and informative collection offers both history buffs and art lovers a treasure trove of interesting facts about beloved artists, writers, thinkers, and dreamers. Lire plus…

Darrell Rees

Annotation This book offers practical help and guidance to aspiring illustrators. All areas of the job are covered - how to create a portfolio; the most effective ways to approach would-be clients; how to prepare for meetings and negotiate contracts; and how to handle, deliver, and bill a job. There is advice on how to avoid the pitfalls that can undermine crucial first impressions; how to set up a studio; and how to maintain a flow of work and manage one's time and cash. Success in self-promotion, creating websites, self-publishing, and the pros and cons of agents are all explored. International illustrators are interviewed, discussing how they got their break in the industry, their experiences with clients, their methods of promoting work, and more. In addition, leading art directors describe their approach to commissioning illustration, how they spot new talent, their thoughts on promotional material, and their advice to up-andcoming illustrators. Packed with useful tips gleaned from the author's own career as an illustrator, and his work as an agent handling some of the best new talent, the book is an essential read for anyone looking to succeed in illustration Lire plus…

By Danielle Krysa (Author), Anthony Zinonos (Foreword)

Collage Contemporary Artists Hunt and Gather, Cut and Paste, Mash Up and Transform Collage has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity during the twenty-first century, resulting in an explosion of creativity. This showcase of cutting-edge contemporary art from across the globe features galleries of collage by 30 practitioners, from the surreal landscapes of Beth Hoeckel to Fabien Souches humorous appropriations of pop culture. Each artist has also created a new piece especially for this book—all using the same original image, but with results as wildly diverse as the medium of collage itself. This collection is visual inspiration for art lovers and an appreciation of the transformation of old into new Lire plus…

David Bayles And Ted Orland

"This is a book about making art. Ordinary art. Ordinary art means something like: all art not made by Mozart. After all, art is rarely made by Mozart-like people; essentially—statistically speaking—there aren't any people like that. Geniuses get made once-a-century or so, yet good art gets made all the time, so to equate the making of art with the workings of genius removes this intimately human activity to a strangely unreachable and unknowable place. For all practical purposes making art can be examined in great detail without ever getting entangled in the very remote problems of genius." —-from the Introduction Art & Fear explores the way art gets made, the reasons it often doesn't get made, and the nature of the difficulties that cause so many artists to give up along the way. The book's co-authors, David Bayles and Ted Orland, are themselves both working artists, grappling daily with the problems of making art in the real world. Their insights and observations, drawn from personal experience, provide an incisive view into the world of art as it is expeienced by artmakers themselves. This is not your typical self-help book. This is a book written by artists, for artists -— it's about what it feels like when artists sit down at their easel or keyboard, in their studio or performance space, trying to do the work they need to do. First published in 1994, Art & Fear quickly became an underground classic. Word-of-mouth response alone—now enhanced by internet... Lire plus…

Danielle Krysa

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. Lire plus…

Danielle Krysa; Paintings By Martha Rich

This book is duct tape for the mouth of every artist's inner critic. Silencing that stifling voice once and for all, this salve for creatives introduces ten truths they must face in order to defeat self-doubt. Each encouraging chapter deconstructs a pivotal moment on the path to success—fear of the blank page, the dangers of jealousy, sharing work with others—and explains how to navigate roadblock. Packed with helpful anecdotes, thoughts from successful creatives, and practical exercises gleaned from Danielle Krysa's years of working with professional and aspiring artists—plus riotously apt illustrations from art world darling Martha Rich—this ebook arms readers with the most essential tool for their toolbox: the confidence they need to get down to business and make good work. Lire plus…

Jay Anthony

Have you fallen into a creative slump? Are you struggling with the development of your ideas? Look no further than BE CREATIVE!, one of the most helpful and comprehensive books you need to set you back on the road to creativity. Open your mind and set your ideas free. It's time to get creative! Lire plus…

Fields, Jonathan; Ilasco, Meg Mateo; Congdon, Lisa

You don't have to starve to be an artist. Build a career doing what you love. In this practical guide, professional artist Lisa Congdon reveals the many ways you can earn a living by making art—through illustration, licensing, fine art sales, print sales, teaching, and beyond. Including industry advice from such successful art-world pros as Nikki McClure, Mark Hearld, Paula Scher, and more, Art, Inc. will equip you with the tools—and the confidence—to turn your passion into a profitable business. LEARN HOW TO: • Set actionable goals • Diversify your income • Manage your bookkeeping • Copyright your work • Promote with social media • Build a standout website • Exhibit with galleries • Sell and price your work • License your art • Acquire an agent • And much more Lire plus…

Gompertz, Will

**From international bestselling author** **Will Gompertz, __Think Like an Artist__ is a guide to increasing creativity and productivity with help from some of the greatest artists throughout history.** How do artists think? Where does their creativity originate? How can we, too, learn to be more creative? BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz seeks answers to these questions in his exuberant, intelligent, witty, and thought-provoking style. __Think Like an Artist__ identifies 10 key lessons on creativity from artists that range from Caravaggio to Warhol, Da Vinci to Ai Weiwei, and profiles leading contemporary figures in the arts who are putting these skills to use today. After getting up close and personal with some of the world’s leading creative thinkers, Gompertz has discovered traits that are common to them all. He outlines basic practices and processes that allow your talents to flourish and enable you to embrace your inner Picasso—no matter what you do for a living. With wisdom, inspiration, and advice from an author named one of the 50 most original thinkers in the world by __Creativity__ magazine, __Think Like an Artist__ is an illuminating view into the habits that make people successful. It’s time to get inspired and think like an artist! Includes a full-color pull-out insert featuring works of art discuessed. Lire plus…

Tim A Shaw, Cachetejack (Illustrator)

Drawing makes you happy! This boldly illustrated handbook offers easy-to-follow drawing exercises—some thought-provoking, some meditative, all fun—inspired by art-therapy practices. Each page features an activity written by artist and activist Tim Shaw and brought to life with colorful art from Spanish illustration duo Cachetejack, offering readers simple strategies for boosting their confidence, reducing stress, and expressing themselves in meaningful and joyful new ways. With a distinctive, modern aesthetic, Draw & Be Happy will resonate with both new and experienced artists looking for fulfillment through creativity. Lire plus…

Jeanne Oliver

**Take a mixed-media journey to the very heart of your creativity!** __The Painted Art Journal__ opens doors to your most personal and authentic art yet. Tell your story as only you can, through a series of guided projects that culminate in a beautiful, autobiographical art journal worthy of passing along to future generations. Along the way, you will hone your own unique style of artful storytelling, filled with the images, colors and symbols that resonate most powerfully with you. Twenty-four inventive, step-by-step prompts help you to: * Set the scene for making art--from establishing rituals that unlock creativity to curating a personal storyboard. * Draw inspiration from photos, typography, sketches, childhood memories, quotes and more. * Shape your story with timelines, gathered-word poetry and simple approaches to portraits. * Express yourself through an exciting range of mixed-media techniques, using everything from pen and ink, markers and watercolor to image transfers, printmaking with linocuts, acrylic and collage. A book unlike any other, __The Painted Art Journal__ is all about digging deeper, honoring your life, and coming away with a truer understanding of yourself and your art. "Each of our stories is so different, lovely and broken in its own way." --Jeanne Oliver Lire plus…

Heather Box; Julian Mocine-Mcqueen

Everyone has a story to tell. Sharing that story can change you, your community, or even the world. But how do you start? This inspirational guide invites readers to unlock their truth and share it, whether in a TED talk, a blog post, or a conversation with their loved ones. Storytelling coaches Heather Box and Julian Mocine-McQueen reveal how to embrace the power of personal storytelling in a series of easy steps. Their practical and motivating advice fills this charming hardcover, which features a textured cover with glittering foil stamping, and colored paper printed with metallic ink on the interior. It's a meaningful gift and a powerful reminder that stories matter. Lire plus…