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Real Artists Don’t Starve

summary ofReal Artists Don’t StarveBook by Jeff Goins

14 min
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You’ll learn

  • How did Michelangelo prosper
  • Why must artists break rules
  • What makes creativity marketable
  • About principles of collaborations
  • How to use technology in art

first KEY POINT

You can live a creative and a prosperous life

Michelangelo, the designer of the Sistine Chapel during the Renaissance era, has been misconstrued as a starving artist and grouped with the likes of Vincent van Gogh. But an investigation of bank records by Harvard Professor Rab Hatfield revealed otherwise. Michelangelo lived a frugal life but was extremely wealthy.Henri Murger popularized the conception of artists as poor in his collection of stories titled “Scenes.” Murger was the son of a concierge and a tailor in France who grew frustrated that creative geniuses couldn’t achieve financial security. He painted artists as impoverished people who could not make money from their creative works. Today, we warn people who appear creative to contain their creativity to avoid becoming starving artists.

The story of the starving artist is not true, and we must change our paradigm to reflect on it.

Mediocrity is chosen over excellence because humans desire the path of least resistance. We are risk averse. Thus, we avoid struggle, ignore our passion, and choose the popular route instead.In the following chapters, we will discover how to change this narrative. You can make a living as an artist. You can approach your work as art so that you unleash your creativity and inspire the next generation to do the same. Michelangelo's transformative influence shifted the perception of artists, elevating them from mere laborers to esteemed figures within society. Today, you have the opportunity to join the New Renaissance by studying the triumphs of accomplished creatives. Remember, each of us possesses a creative spark, and being taken seriously as an artist involves embracing innovative thinking and lifestyle choices rather than adhering to the cliché of struggling for recognition.Did you know? Michelangelo's worth is equivalent to $47 million today.

second KEY POINT

Thriving artists live by the principles of the New Renaissance

The New Renaissance refers to contemporary professionals who are doing creative work and thriving. Principles are universal and can be applied to specific contexts. The world works on principles, and successful people understand these natural laws and follow them. There are 12 principles that successful artists live by. They are:• Flourishing artists are made, not born.
• Prosperous artists steal ideas from their environment instead of striving to be original.
• Successful artists have the mindset of growth instead of thinking they have enough talent.
• Triumphant artists are flexible but stubborn about the right things.
• Thriving artists put themselves in the limelight and attract clients’ attention.
• Palmy artists insert themselves in a community of creatives.
• Flourishing artists believe in collaboration.
• Successful artists work in the full glare of the world.
• Prosperous artists ensure they get paid for what they do.
• Thriving artists protect the ownership of their work.
• Palmy artists acquire multiple skills instead of focusing on one craft.
• Triumphant artists make money to make art.These principles can be collapsed into three themes that surround the work of thriving artists, namely mindset, market, and money.

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first KEY POINT

Changing beliefs about creative work

second KEY POINT

Five major steps for optimum creativity

third KEY POINT

Tackling the market

fourth KEY POINT

Collaboration is vital to success as a creative

fifth KEY POINT

Sharing one’s work is essential

sixth KEY POINT

Mastering the efficacy of money accelerates productivity

seventh KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

With his extensive experience in digital marketing, Jeff Goins equips artists to transform their creative pursuits into careers. He is a writer and speaker celebrated for his creativity and personal development insights.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Real Artists Don’t Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age about?

Real Artists Don’t Starve, authored by Jeff Goins, explores how creatives can succeed in today's economy by adopting a mindset that prioritizes collaboration over competition. The book emphasizes the importance of adaptability, marketing oneself, and building a community to thrive creatively.

What are the key takeaways from Real Artists Don’t Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age?

Some key takeaways from Real Artists Don’t Starve include the idea that artists can and should think of themselves as professionals, the value of networking with other creatives, and the necessity of embracing change to remain relevant in the new creative landscape. These strategies empower artists to overcome the myth of the starving artist.

Is Real Artists Don’t Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age worth reading?

Yes, Real Artists Don’t Starve is definitely worth reading for anyone in a creative field, as it provides practical strategies and inspiration for creating a sustainable career. Jeff Goins' insights encourage artists to rethink their approach and embrace opportunities in a rapidly changing environment.

How many pages is Real Artists Don’t Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age, and when was it published?

Real Artists Don’t Starve is approximately 224 pages long and was published on March 7, 2017. The book is structured to be both insightful and accessible for readers seeking guidance in their creative pursuits.

How can I implement the strategies from Real Artists Don’t Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age in my work?

To implement strategies from Real Artists Don’t Starve, start by focusing on building a network within your creative community, seeking collaboration, and promoting your work effectively. Jeff Goins emphasizes taking proactive steps in marketing and showing up consistently to build your artistic brand.