Real Artists Don’t Starve: Summary Review
This is a summary review of Real Artists Don’t Starve containing key details about the book.
What is Real Artists Don’t Starve About?
Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins is a book that debunks the myth of the starving artist and provides practical strategies for creative professionals to thrive in their craft and make a living from it. It is a practical and inspiring guide for artists and entrepreneurs who want to turn their passion into a sustainable and successful career.
Real Artists Don’t Starve dismantles the myth that being creative is a hindrance to success by revealing how an artistic temperament is in fact a competitive advantage. 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 Real Artists Don't Starve, the author debunks the myth of the starving artist by unveiling the ideas that created it and replacing them with timeless strategies for thriving.
Summary Points & Takeaways from Real Artists Don’t Starve
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* The myth of the starving artist: It is a myth that artists have to starve for their art. In reality, the most successful artists throughout history have been business-savvy, and have treated their art as a business.
* The importance of finding patrons: In the past, artists found patrons who supported their work, allowing them to focus on their art without worrying about money. Today, artists can still find patrons, but they may take the form of collectors, fans, or investors.
* The power of community: Successful artists build a community of supporters around their work, whether that's through social media, a fan club, or a mailing list. This community helps spread the word about the artist's work and provides valuable feedback.
* The need for multiple streams of income: Artists should not rely on a single source of income. Instead, they should create multiple streams of income from their work, whether that's through licensing, merchandise, teaching, or other creative endeavors.
* The importance of creativity in business: Creativity is not just for artists; it is essential for success in business as well. Successful businesses find new and creative ways to solve problems, innovate, and stand out from the competition.
* The value of apprenticeship: In order to master their craft, artists must spend years learning from others and honing their skills. This apprenticeship is not just for artists, however; it is valuable for anyone who wants to learn a new skill or trade.
* The power of perseverance: Success as an artist or entrepreneur requires perseverance and grit. It is not enough to be talented or creative; one must also be willing to put in the hard work and keep going even in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
Who is the author of Real Artists Don’t Starve?
Jeff Goins is an American author, blogger, and speaker. He is the founder of Tribe Writers, an online community for writers.
What are good quotes from Real Artists Don’t Starve?
“When the right people advocate for your work, your success becomes more likely. Being good is necessary, but it is not sufficient. Skill is a prerequisite for creative success, but talent is only part of the equation. The rest is network.”
“When I notice myself resenting my clients and wanting to quit,” Melissa Dinwiddie said, “I realize I don’t need to quit. I just need to raise my prices. If you’re feeling resentment at all, you’re charging too little.”
“If you don’t want your best work to die with you, you must train yourself to think and live differently than the ways we’ve been told artists behave. Don’t starve for your art. Help it thrive.”
“We don’t fake it till we make it. We believe it till we become it.”
“We are either becoming more of our true selves or drifting into a false self.”
“The reason many of us never self-actualize is because it’s easier to play a role in life than it is to become our true selves.”
“Eventually, you have to decide who you are. You have to choose your role and own that identity. We don’t fake it till we make it. We believe it till we become it.”
“Life is not fixed; things are always changing. We are either becoming more of our true selves or drifting into a false self.”
“This is the Rule of Creative Theft, which says greatness doesn’t come from a single great idea or eureka moment. It comes from borrowing other people’s work and building on it. We steal our way to greatness.”
Book details
- Print length: 240 Pages
- Genre: Nonfiction, Business, Writing
What are the chapters in Real Artists Don’t Starve?
Chapter 1: You Aren't Born an Artist
Chapter 2: Stop Trying to Be Original
Chapter 3: Apprentice Under a Master
Chapter 4: Harness Your Stubborness
Chapter 5: Cultivate Partrons
Chapter 6: Go Join a Scene
Chapter 7: Collaborate with Others
Chapter 8: Practice in Public
Chapter 9: Don't Work for Free
Chapter 10: Own Your Work
Chapter 11: Diversify Your Portfolio
Chapter 12: Make Money to Make Art
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in furthering your personal development, I invite you to check out my list of favorite personal development books page. On this page, you'll find a curated list of books that have personally impacted my life, each with a summary and key lessons.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
