This is a fun take on how to remain inspired and find inspiration. The illustrations and advice were so well designed the book itself is inspiration.

an acceptably written book but I didn't think it was notable enough to buy copies for our library system.

I think that these kinds of books have some value. But reading something like this does not inspire me artistically as much as reading a really good novel does. I like the prompts to look at and analyze artwork, but I think you'd have to have a certain mindset in order to really get something out of this. This is the kind of book that is a great gift for, say, a high school student who is getting into art, or someone who really likes those journal books that give inspirational prompts every day. There are books that are made to be given as gifts and there are books that you would buy for yourself. This is a gift book.

Jerry Saltz is one of the most straight forward writers I have read in a while. He does not mince words in writing about art, artists, and the capacity that each individual has to create. "How to Be an Artist" acts as an inspirational guide and a kick in the ass for any aspiring artist who has doubts about their ability or worth. There are moments, throughout, where Saltz gets a little bit harsh, but being a critic himself, this is to be expected.

The book is not a blueprint for how to be an artist, but it does act as motivation to become a maker. "How to Be an Artist" is an expansion of the New York magazine article of the same name, which won Saltz an Ellie award in 2018, and continues to ruminate on the ideas presented within a larger (book format) frame. Adding to each section and step reveals more about the ideas that Saltz originally presented and allows the reader to delve deeper into personal creativity. Exercises provide direction for the reader and give artists the license to try out new techniques in a controlled fashion.

The ultimate theme of the book is one of action. For each individual to 'do the work'. Stop thinking about it, mulling it over, letting those negative thoughts (demon voices) get the best of you and just DO IT. If you need someone to give you that push to create, I highly recommend picking up this book and then getting to work!

A nice, inspirational book, albeit one that covers some frequently-trod ground. The author maintains a humorous, encouraging tone, so it's a quick and easy read. I have to admit, I didn't expect to laugh out loud, but point 25 cracked me up. This would be a good gift to yourself or a blocked artist (along with Julia Cameron's and Austin Kleon's books).

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of my unbiased review.

I am married to an art professor and what started as nonchalant peruse through this book found me hours later having read it cover to cover and hand-selling it to my husband as the book he absolutely must include as required reading for all his classes going forward. The cadence and thoughtfulness of this book completely drew me in and the storytelling kept me engrossed throughout. This is already at the top of my top titles for 2020 list.