This is a super fun read. I really enjoyed this one!

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book had much more humor than I thought it would. Although it seems that the book is geared toward more artistic type, it really can and does apply to anyone. Crutchley really connects with his readers! thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was a lot more fun than I expected and honestly, I wish I'd read it sooner. This has been such a difficult time to be creative. Between the distractions to the digital expectations, the pandemic has diminished my own capacity as an artist, but the rules that Lee Crutchley lays out are useful reminders and techniques to get to the bigger meaning behind our successes and our failures. I like the way he turned attention to our failures in order to learn about ourselves and what we gain from an experience that might otherwise be seen as a negative. This technique removes fear because every experience is a worthy endeavor. In some ways, it reminded me of the teachings of Bruce Lee and Zen, but in others, it was a humorous look at the absurdity in our humanity. We are not perfect yet we strive for perfection.

This is a great guide, practical in every way, for anyone in need of a shift of thinking and process for their creative selves. You do not need to be an artist to get a lot out of this book, but I hope every reader realizes how creative thinking can improve their lives.

This was a wonderful book from start to finish. Although Crutchley's chief demographic are artists, this book is applicable to everyone regardless of profession. He summarizes themes we might have heard of or internalized but never put to words. The physical affirmations he culminated in this book were uplifting, powerful, and a good reminder for those discouraged about the future. As the year of 2020 comes to pass and 2021 brings new hopes on the horizon, this book is a wonderful "reset" for a "new year new me" mentality.

Crutchley also highlights an important point not necessarily defined in other motivational books-- that advice is "flawed by its very nature" and that to change ourselves, we must first acknowledge that we all don't know what we're doing. We could all be doing better than we are today, and we could all be doing worse. But that is what makes us human and allows us to utilize our lows to appreciate our greater moments.

10/10 recommend to anyone looking for a pick-me-up, a book to brighten up their day, and possibly high school seniors before they transition to college or life at large.

I guess this was supposed to be inspiring? The problem is that there's nothing here that I haven't read in every other book on a similar topic. I guess at least the author is following their own advice and making bad art.

A lot of good, straightforward points made about pursuing any type of art. I think it can help a lot of people who pursue art and sometimes get discouraged, but don’t expect this to be full of motivation. Which isn’t a bad thing, because there’s plenty of that in the world and a bit of slap-in-the-face reality is necessary. The author shares his own story as well, with helps connect with his readers. Great reminders when one is feeling sensitive or fearful of the work they share with the world.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a pretty straightforward book about creativity.

It's light and fun and organized into different secrets. It's the kind of book that can be read in a sitting. It's a peak behind the curtain of being successful as a creative. Most of the advice is things you expect like not comparing yourself to others and you have to start somewhere to be good.

Overall it's a short and sweet read.