Library/Real Artists Don't Starve
Real Artists Don't Starve book cover - Leapahead summary
Listen to Key Point 1
0:000:00

Real Artists Don't Starve

Jeff Goins

Duration21 min
Key Points9 Key Points
Rating4.9 Rate

What's inside?

Explore strategies and insights that will help you thrive as an artist in the modern age, debunking the myth that creativity and profitability can't coexist.

You'll learn

Learn1. Beating the "broke artist" stereotype
Learn2. Making cash from your creativity
Learn3. Networking for the win
Learn4. Using your unique skills to your advantage
Learn5. Staying strong in the creative game
Learn6. Selling your art like a pro.

Key points

01You can be creative and still make money if you have the right attitude

There's this old stereotype that's been hanging around for ages, the one that says artists have to be poor. It's a tale as old as time, spun by a French writer named Henri Murger. He was the son of a concierge and a tailor, and he got pretty fed up with seeing creative folks struggling to make ends meet. So, he started painting this picture of artists as poor souls who couldn't make a dime from their art. This "starving artist" image has stuck around so long, it's scared a lot of people away from chasing their creative dreams. But here's the thing: that idea is totally off base. It's built on this false belief that you can't be creative and well-off at the same time. But that's just not true. There's a book out there that busts this myth wide open, showing that you can live a life full of creativity and prosperity, as long as you've got the right mindset. The book points out that a lot of people settle for mediocrity instead of reaching for greatness because we're wired to avoid risks. We like the easy path, the safe route. This fear of risk can make us bury our creative passions and go for more traditional careers. But the book argues that we can flip the script. It uses the story of Michelangelo, one of the greatest artists of all time, to prove its point. Michelangelo wasn't just a genius with a paintbrush, he was also a shrewd businessman. He managed to turn the image of artists as lowly laborers earning peanuts into respected figures of society. In fact, if you adjusted for inflation, Michelangelo would be worth about $47 million today. The book suggests that we can follow in Michelangelo's footsteps and other successful creatives to shift our mindset about creativity. It says that we all have the potential to be artists because we all have unique creative talents. The trick is to recognize and nurture these talents and not be scared to take them seriously. To ditch the "starving artist" myth and embrace the reality of the "thriving artist", we need to change the way we think and live. This means embracing our creativity, taking risks, and learning how to handle the business side of being creative. By doing this, we can live a life that's not just creative, but also prosperous.

02Successful artists today follow the New Renaissance rules

Let's talk about what it takes to be a successful artist in today's world. It's not just about having a knack for creating beautiful things, but also about understanding the business side of art, networking, and keeping a growth mindset. First off, let's debunk the myth that artists are born, not made. Success in art isn't just about having a natural talent. It's about hard work, practice, and never-ending learning. Take Pablo Picasso, for example. He didn't wake up one day and start creating masterpieces. He spent years perfecting his skills and experimenting with different styles before he became the legend we know today. Next, let's talk about originality. Successful artists don't always strive for complete originality. Instead, they "steal" ideas from their surroundings. Now, this doesn't mean they're copying other people's work. It's about drawing inspiration from the world around them. Think about J.K. Rowling, the genius behind the Harry Potter series. She's admitted that she was inspired by various sources, including folklore, mythology, and other authors' works. Another key trait of successful artists is a growth mindset. They believe they can always improve and learn more. They don't think they've reached the peak of their talent. This mindset allows them to continuously evolve and adapt their art. Successful artists are also flexible but stubborn about the right things. They're open to feedback and willing to adapt their work, but they also stand firm on their core values and artistic vision. Take Martin Scorsese, for example. He's faced criticism and controversy for his films, but he's never compromised his unique storytelling style. Self-promotion is another important aspect of being a successful artist. They know that creating great art isn't enough. They also need to put themselves out there and attract attention to their work. Community is also crucial. Successful artists surround themselves with other creatives, learning from them and collaborating with them. This not only helps them improve their craft but also opens up opportunities for joint projects and collaborations. Getting paid for their work is another principle that successful artists live by. They understand that their art has value and they deserve to be compensated for it. They also protect the ownership of their work, ensuring they retain the rights to their creations. Lastly, successful artists aren't limited to one skill or craft. They acquire multiple skills, which not only makes them more versatile but also opens up more opportunities for income. They understand that making money isn't a betrayal of their art, but a means to continue creating. In a nutshell, being a successful artist in today's world is about more than just creating art. It's about understanding the business side of art, maintaining a growth mindset, networking effectively, and ensuring they're compensated for their work. These principles allow artists to not only create great art but also to thrive in the modern creative age.

Real Artists Don't Starve book cover - Leapahead summary

Continue reading with LeapAhead app

Full summary is waiting for you in the app

03Change your views about art to succeed

04The five steps to great creativity are: prep, think, spark, check, and refine

05After sorting your mindset, figure out the market

06Teamwork is key to creative success

07Show off your work to get noticed and liked

08Being good with money helps you create more

09Conclusion

About Jeff Goins

Jeff Goins is a best-selling author, speaker, and successful blogger. He has written several books on writing, creativity, and art. Goins is known for his inspirational messages and practical advice, helping creatives succeed in their work without compromising their artistic integrity.

Explore categories