Make Art or Die Trying is an indispensable guide for anyone passionate about art and its potential to bring about change. Stuart Semple’s enthusiasm and belief in the transformative power of creativity shine through every page, making this book a must-read for aspiring artists and seasoned creators alike. It’s not just a book; it’s a manifesto for anyone who wants to make art that matters.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. An interesting art book with examples of different kinds of art that can help make positive changes in the world.

I found that it took me a while to read this book. For some reason, I just couldn't really get into the book. There were a few things that inspired me, but for the most part I found myself skipping ahead to the prompts at the end of each chapter.

A great book to kick start your enthusiasm if you feel worn down by everyday life in your creative practice.

Make Art or Die Trying was interesting in that it appears to be trying to combine the idea of art as doing something "out there" or not thought of before with art that anyone can do. The descriptions of various art history events that inspired the author were fascinating but unfortunately imo the projects were not impressive. Making it seem more of a bio than an art project book.

I enjoyed this book. A wide-ranging introduction to art of all kinds and what it means to make art and be an artist. Lots of practical ideas and activities to get you started too.

This was so good! This wasn't just a book, it was an experience. Stuart Semple is passionate about art and sharing the process of making art and that passion is infectious. You only need to come into this book with an open mind, and a curiosity to try something new. Anything can be art and art is for everyone. Do I believe that after reading this book? I wouldn't say I agree with the anything part yet but this book certainly gave plenty of examples that made me consider the question rather than just dismiss it as a simple no.

This book has exercises for you to do. You don't have to be good at drawing. There are no expectations to meet. The only skill you need is being willing to try it. I haven't managed to do all of them yet at the time of writing this, but it's given me a lot of ideas I want to explore. And that's really the beauty of the book, you'll leave with a creative energy, at the very least ideas, even if you don't do the exercises. It'll be hard not to come up with ideas, because apart from the guidance the book is filled with examples of so much art from so many artists that it's bound to evoke something in your mind. He encourages the reader - and now artist - to share what they've made using # makeartordietrying on social media, making the book itself a collaborative art project, which is delightful.

Lastly, I want to mention the videos that accompany the book. Each chapter has a QR code you can scan that leads to a video. These videos also have something extra and worth the extra few clicks to get to them, because they really make the book feel like a labour of love, even more than the book itself, which clearly has been drafted with thought put into every aspect of it, including the typography, illustrations, and just the overall explosion of colour.

I highly, highly recommend this book.

Thank you Stuart Temple, Quarto Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book for an honest review.

This is such an inspirational book. I hesitated to write that, because the word inspirational can sometimes come across as sappy or sentimental and that isn't at all what this book is about. Semple takes movements from art history that have been pivotal in inspiring him and which have informed some of the artworks he has made. He explains these movements, art pieces and thought processes in a simple way and shows you how he has translated it across into his work. Then, at the end of each chapter are a series of exercises that you can do yourself to start your own art practice, or enlarge and enrich the practice you already have. You don't need expensive materials or equipment. Semple shows you that it's about how you see the world and how you think about things in relation to the things you see. I've already started doing some of the exercises and incorporating them into my own work. I absolutely loved this. It's a book I will buy and gift multiple times.

So colourful and interactive, even with QR codes that lead to videos of the artist.

My favourite part were the pieces of art showcased in here, and the stories surrounding them. The biggest lesson I'm taking away from the book is that art is impactful, and it will influence and change people in ways you don't know. You can use your art to create positive change!

That being said, my "art" is writing, and I found a lot of the practical exercises the author gave quite difficult to transpose to that craft. Looking back, I see this book is probably aimed at visual artists and the like. But if you're willing to go out of your comfort zone, this book will expand the horizon!

I really liked this book. I think it is best enjoyed in physical form because of the size of the pictures and how lovely the layout is. I would love to have this on my coffee table. I felt very inspired by Stuart Semple’s words and art. I’ve used some of his art paints - they are amazing! Thank you to NetGalley for the digital file of Make Art or Die Trying.

Art is for everyone is clearly the message of this book. Every chapter ends with an exercise that's related to the text. None of them ask for much skill, only a few simple tools and some courage.

Although well written, this book didn't work for me. It mainly focuses on Stuart Semple's work and inspirations. They are modern, connect with the world and are more than just pretty pictures. But that is not the type of art that inspires me. So where the book has plenty of depth, I wish it was broader, so it could connect with more people and their different tastes.

I'm not Anish Kapoor nor in any way associated with him.

Thank you NetGalley and Rockport Publishers for giving me access to this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

A great book on creativity. This book is packed full of interesting and accessible ideas to boost creativity and creative thinking. Anyone running workshops, teaching, looking after children, or just wanting to light a spark in their life will find a lot of fresh ideas. There are activities for solo artists, groups or community level projects. All can be tweaked to fit most situations. I feel this book will become the new "must have" and will easily be sold outside of the traditional bookshop. Once my ARC has expired, I will be buying my own copy.

Review...

I want to thank Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I want to start by saying I am a huge lover of art & have been since I was a child & I love museums. Along with libraries, I find them my sanctuary where I feel most at peace but modern art has been off and on love for me since I don't understand it all.

I got this book today and I have been reading through it absorbing its pages one after the other, (I don't get a lot of modern art or certain styles) but this book mentions so many of the artists from these kinds of art styles I didn't understand opening my eyes up to see what they have made or done in a new light & to get a bit more of an appreciation for them and their work. I am thankful for this because I also want to understand art beyond my field of view, but this book also shares a little bit about the (Artist. Author) his beliefs as well as the passion he has not just in art but in life & people. He wants everyone to look at the art shown in the book & then to look at themselves to research inside and do the kind of art that speaks through and to them, to me this is a beautiful message to put out in the world and also a beautiful form of showing the art of the soul (connection and unity).

I have always believed that the world we live in is one big canvas and we are the brushes that stroke across it making a difference in the smallest or largest of ways, each day the world changes and so do we so we are the art of our designs but what path we take all depends on the strokes we take. ( this is and has always been my belief since I was a child).

This was a book full of insight with a guy who has passion and compassion and was a joy to read.

3.5 star

Its art, alright! Thank you netgalley and Quarto Publishing for access to the digital ARC. As someone who loved art as a child but finds it hard to start now as an adult, I find envy in reading this artful title. Its just that the whole title evokes a sense of living art, from the way it is presented with color and photos, to the way the prompts lead you to think about the art being presented. Its unique, I haven't read anything like it, oh and the QR code videos where such a cool touch to add in to the book. It may take a while to digest and work through it all but my art will be better for it! Interesting read, more words than I was expecting, I suppose I thought it would be more of a wreck this journal style with more open ended prompts.

For one, this book is visually appealing, oh the art, the vibrancy and colors and not just that- the way it involves the reader, calling you to act and try some things- made this an interesting read.
Anyone who is new to art, or an expert could learn a lot from this book.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

This is a cool book by an artist about making art like performance art and modern art. He talks a lot about what inspired various things he’s done and other modern artists have done with pushes for the reader to do their own. I am not really moved to do such abstract art and was hoping for more traditional stuff but this is great for people who want to make public statements. It’s packed with examples of modern artists I wasn’t familiar with and does a great job of showing the meanings of them all.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.

A very practical and inspiring guide to making art and projects. It summarises artistic urges, inclinations and tips to make art quite well.

This book is fun. With lots of illustrations, exercises, and stories, you're encouraged to explore all kinds of art - music, performance, and visual arts. Whether it's about using your original ideas or revising what others do, you'll be inspired and energized as you read.

The cover seems kinda bland for the delights and excitement inside. Enjoy every bit of it! Pull that creativity off the shelf. Get moving and make something new.

Loved being able to hear this perspective & it was inspiring for me and my team. Thank you so much for the opportunity to preview this for our store!