Do you ever just read a title and go, “Yup, that’s me!” I’m feeling that 100000% on this one!
Thank you St Martin’s Press for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Synopsis: This is an honest guide to the creative life for artists of all kinds. Lee Crutchley, author of How to Be Happy (Or At Least Less Sad), skips the platitudes, positive affirmations, and guarantees of success; he’ll never ever tell you to just Do What You Love. Instead, Crutchley discusses the things nobody else is talking about—that, frankly, your work sucks (but that’s ok because everyone else’s does too), that making bad art is worth it, and so much more. In a world desperate for a glimpse of authenticity, Nobody Knows What They’re Doing is a breath of fresh air that reveals the truths hiding between the lines of Instagram-friendly aphorisms and behind the words of the most inspirational TED talks. An honest look at the reality of creativity and the joy and difficulty of crafting good (and bad) art, this book belongs in the hands of every exhausted creative, every starry-eyed dreamer, and every artist who is trying to make their way in the world—and keep a roof over their head while they do it.
While I don’t consider myself a true artist by trade, I find myself an artist of my specific craft – a high school teacher and a blogger. This book still fits my lifestyle whether I paint or sculpt or do no form of art at all. I think you have to be in the right mindset to read this book. If you are not in a place to be told your work sucks, this book is not for you. I’m at the point in my life where I need some boosts and pick-me-ups to grow in my joy of my jobs and hobbies. This book tells it like it is, but sometimes that is really what we NEED to hear in order to find peace with it and learn to grow in our mess. I really enjoy the fun style the book was written in – there is a lot of word graphics throughout that make it a less boring read than most self-help books. While it’s not something I was emotionally ready to read today, it will be later on which is why I’m glad to keep it on my shelf for times when I need to feel set free from the chaos of this world bringing down my self-worth as an artist.
3/5 Stars
Live, Read, And Prosper 