In Just Making, Mitali asks why artists should continue making art despite the world's troubles and inequities. The book is part memoir, part philosophical discourse, and part practical advice. Its second half, the part covering practical advice, lays out 10 steps an artist can take to stay engaged with their work and with the world, but I found the first part a little confusing. Perhaps I was expecting something more of a how-to aid justice through art. Some readers may be put off by the infrequent quotes and teachings from Judeo-Christian tradition, which also serve as the basis for some of Mitali's advice. But overall this is a good book for creatives, more so if you are a marginalized creative trying to make your way in our world today.

Just Making by Mitali Perkins asks and answers a lot of great questions. The ability to be creative and become wrapped up in the projects we work on is a feeling like no other. However, that joy can quickly seem frivolous and even selfish seeing what else is going on in the world.

Perkins draws on her own life and experience growing up in an immigrant family to sort through mixed feelings of creative and justice.

Just Making is a deep, thoughtful, and encouraging to spur you on to finding peace and purpose in your own creative practice.