annieb123's Review of Make Your Art No Matter What

by Beth Pickens

The Artist's Way for the 21st century—from esteemed creative counselor Beth Pickens.

If
you are an artist, you need to make your art. That's not an
overstatement—it's a fact; if you stop doing your creative work, your
quality of life is diminished. But what do you do when life gets in the
way? In this down-to-earth handbook, experienced artist coach Beth
Pickens offers practical advice for developing a lasting and meaningful
artistic practice in the face of life's inevitable obstacles and
distractions. This thoughtful volume suggests creative ways to address
the challenges all artists must overcome—from making decisions about
time, money, and education, to grappling with isolation, fear, and
anxiety. No matter where you are in your art-making journey, this book
will motivate and inspire you. Because not only do you need your art—the
world needs it, too.

• EXPERT ADVICE: Beth Pickens is an
experienced and passionate arts advocate with extensive insight into
working through creative obstacles. She has spent the last decade
advising artists on everything from financial strategy to coping with
grief.

• PRACTICAL AND POSITIVE: This book is both a love letter to
art and artists and a hands-on guide to approaching the thorniest
problems those artists might face. Pickens offers a warm reminder that
you are not alone, that what you do matters, and that someone out there
wants you to succeed.

• TIMELESS TOPIC: Like a trusted advisor, this
book is an invaluable resource jam-packed with strategies for building a
successful creative practice. From mixing business and friendship to
marketing yourself on social media, this book can help. And it
will—again and again.

Perfect for:

• Visual artists and makers

• Writers, musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives

• Art and design school graduates and grad-gift givers

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Make Your Art No Matter What is a well written practical guide full of anecdotes and advice by art advocate Beth Pickens. Due out 6th April 2021 from Chronicle Books, it's 208 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

It's not much of an overstatement to say that everyone I know has had their lives impacted in major and minor ways because of the pandemic and the societal shifts which have occurred to a greater degree the last year (and a little bit). There have been upheavals in travel, culture, performance art, museums, studios, makers' groups, libraries, concerts, everywhere, top to bottom. Additionally, humans are social creatures, we create because we *need to*... and those psychological and creative outlets have been severely curtailed or cut off altogether.

This is a timely look at how to continue to make art practice and creativity a non-negotiable part of our existence. These are concrete suggestions from an experienced advocate, applicable for all ages. When I read the author's words about social justice and advocacy work they resonated so deeply. I have the same cares, the same feelings (justice, equity, reproductive health advocacy for women no matter where they live, disability action and access, LGBTQIA+ rights, education access, freedoms, safety, etc etc).. and have also *needed* art, music, expression, to gather and maintain some sort of positive energy in my own life surrounded by desperate inequality, unfairness, danger, and the general seemingly unrelenting sh*tstorm that is much of world existence these days. I'm a healthcare professional, I've dedicated my life and my intellect to improving the lives of my fellow humans, but I get overwhelmed and burnt out. I have needed art to survive (and thrive).

This is a valuable resource for artists, with concrete advice and guidance. It's also conversely a good read for audiences and patrons of the arts. I would recommend this as a meaningful selection for library acquisition as well as for students and admirers of the arts.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Make Your Art No Matter What

by Beth Pickens

Reviewed by annieb123 on Mar 14, 2021

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