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Make Your Art No Matter What: Moving Beyond Creative Hurdles Paperback – April 6, 2021

by Beth Pickens (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 244 ratings
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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
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    208 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Chronicle Books
  4. Publication date
    April 6, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    6.05 x 0.85 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1452182957
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1452182957
  8. See all details
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make your art no matter what, beth pickens, creative process, art business

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Beth Pickens is a consultant for artists and arts organizations with a master's degree in counseling psychology and a decade of experience. She is also the author of Your Art Will Save Your Life (2018, Feminist Press). She lives in Los Angeles with her wife and pets.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chronicle Books (April 6, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1452182957
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1452182957
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.05 x 0.85 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 244 ratings

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Beth Pickens

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
244 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Cheryl Riniker
5.0 out of 5 stars Just the book I needed to read!
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2023
Verified Purchase
I needed to read this book. As someone without a formal art education and making my living in another profession, so much of what was written helped me to realize that I am also an artist. She covers the fears and insecurities I have trying to make art. I enjoyed this immensely.
7 people found this helpful
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Luna Bird
5.0 out of 5 stars A great support book for artists
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2021
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A very helpful book full of actionable advice for artists. Beth Pickens really understands artists and the support they need (emotional, financial, social, spiritual). Highly recommend this book!
13 people found this helpful
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Savannah Fisher
3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I was expecting
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
Nothing may be wrong with this book just for me it turned out to not be what I thought. No real life changing advice in it just the regular run of the mill stuff.
7 people found this helpful
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Grace O'Malley
5.0 out of 5 stars True inspiration, not the same old advice
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2021
There are innumerable (almost) books out there for artists, many of which repeat each other. I own about half of them and actually was pleasantly surprised by this book. Creative block is a huge problem for most artists at least at some point, and the advice given in many of these books boils down to: find your muse, set a working schedule, create your niche. These suggestions do have their place, but often the ability to move ahead with one's art has more of the feel of an existential crisis that resists simple solutions. So, imagine my surprise when I opened Ms. Pickens' book and found a treasure chest of valuable wisdom for people like me. The chapters present actually useful considerations on issues like "time" and "work", yes, but also on less obvious challenges such as grief and other people. The author is a practicing therapist who has been through the wars with artists who are locked in the tortuous and torturous pathways-cum-dead-ends that live and multiply in their minds. They (we) can play endless dialogue games about what keeps them from picking up the paint brush or sitting down at the computer or continuing to map out that dance routine. We know the problem and "solutions" but between Point A and Point B we somehow slide off the edge of the earth and land on shame, fear, or other catastrophic continents. (Do any of the metaphors in this review help?) Ms. Pickens has new insights into all of this, is empathetic, and - wait for it - creative. I heartily recommend this book as a prescription for what ails the creatives described above.
56 people found this helpful
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AndreaRomance
4.0 out of 5 stars Practical and compassionate
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2021
This is a practical and compassionate guide for artists who are learning to navigate the particular challenges of an artist's life. It might appeal to new artists or those who've reached a stumbling block.

For established artists, it might be a little annoying that the author seems to be giving us "permission" to be artists, as if we require external affirmation. So, whether you find this book useful might depend on where you are in your career.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
21 people found this helpful
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EyeMD
2.0 out of 5 stars Dissapointing
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2023
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I'm 1/3rd thru the book. I was hoping for something that'd "help me make art no matter what" (ie get into a schedule). Unfortunately, as a hobbyist, this has only talked about artist employment and money thus far, and every other page is insulting capitalism or pushing DEI/LGBTQ - which is fine, just not pertinent and doesn't serve the title of book.
10 people found this helpful
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An honest buyer
1.0 out of 5 stars A lecture on wokism.
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2023
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The rest of the advice is common everyday knowledge. No new information for creatives or wannabes. Don't waste your time.
7 people found this helpful
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GES
1.0 out of 5 stars Misleading title
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2023
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Very disappointed in this book.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

JetsonJoe
5.0 out of 5 stars Like the title says
Reviewed in Canada on February 20, 2023
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You are the only barrier to your painting happiness. No else can do it for you physically or mentally!
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Taranjeet-Kaur
5.0 out of 5 stars Great uplifting read for artists
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2021
Verified Purchase
A wonderful source of encouragement before I start painting each morning. I love how the author respects all artists, paid or not to make art no matter what!
One person found this helpful
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