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Real Artists Don't Starve

Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age

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Real Artists Don't Starve

By: Jeff Goins
Narrated by: Stu Gray
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About this listen

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
Business Development & Entrepreneurship Career Success Creativity Employment Entrepreneurship Personal Development Business Career Inspiring Creative Careers

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What listeners say about Real Artists Don't Starve

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Lots of stories

There are lots of points made in this book that are then backed up by real stories. It's inspiring but then occasionally I felt that some of the points contradicted one another. Overall I felt inspired and it was fun to listen to all of the stories.

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  • Overall
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Not bad, not great!

Overall I'm glad I listened to it (I also bought the book). It's not fantastic (sorry Jeff) - it's a bit generic really, but it's maybe still worthwhile.

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Just the kick I needed

Thanks to Jake Parker for recommending this book. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you help” will stay with me forever. It’s definitely given me the kick I need to progress with my art. Thanks Jeff!

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An inspiring read

I have thoroughly enjoyed Jeff Goin’s book Real Artists Don’t Starve. As a book coach, mentor and strategist, I can only command a book that debunks the myth of the starving artist. It is so strong that it has seeped into the collective and it is high time we got rid of it. Thank you Jeff for getting the ball rolling.

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3 people found this helpful

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Amazing! love this book.

this book helped me to build my business and think differently
definitely will read this again

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Great book. I will recommend it definitely.

Quick read. It summarise most important principles of making art. Money is not everything. Make art but don't forget about money too. We can't beat the system we live in which is driven by money. And we can't live of air and love unfortunately. Thank you for this book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

great book - helps create a good mindset

this book helps create a good mindset for artists to succeed as businesses. thoroughly enjoyed it

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A must read for all creatives!

As a music producer, it was a completely game changer for me. Really helped me to understand what was holding me back in terms of mind set and false 'rules' I had assumed/learned.
As a result my productivity has shot through the roof as has my self confidence.
Great read (listen).

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5 people found this helpful

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Great book

I really loved and enjoyed this book.
definitely recommend it for any artist of any form out there wanting to expand the perspective of being an artist this days.
Good narrator.
It was a great experience for my first audible book.

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Great examples and lessons

I enjoyed the read. Parts of it could have been condensed but in general, it was an insightful read with lots to take away.

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