Zen Pencils--Creative Struggle

For everyone who's ever felt only geniuses are capable of art, or that masterpieces come into existence miraculously, this collection of cartoons reminds us that the opposite is true. These stories from Gavin Aung Than's blog use a clever format -- taking quotes from famous artists, inventors, and thinkers, and literally illustrating their point. Each story uses their own words to remind us how much persistence, dedication, and also freedom and flexibility it takes to unleash our creativity. Unlike most books of quotes that try to inspire through the quotes alone, this book gives us a bigger picture (er, so to speak) and a narrative that galvanizes by example.

The story I enjoyed most was (hope this doesn't constitute a spoiler) that of the author's himself. If that sounds like an audacious inclusion, it isn't -- by this book's end, I think you will be enchanted by these stories of struggles and ultimate joys in being an artist and wholeheartedly ready to applaud the artist who brought them to life.

An inspiring and well-done collection from the popular series. Highly recommended.

I love this book. I recommend is children to adults. I think it is informative and funny book about creativity, and famous people.

I've long enjoyed Zen Pencils, so a collection built around a specific theme really appeals to me. A very nice, encouraging, chill collection of inspirational comics. I really enjoyed it.

Clever and motivational book for anyone. The author gives snapshots of historical, famous creative people and how they dealt with finding motivation, persistence, the inspirational spark, routine and work ethic which helped launch some of the world most memorable art. From various disciplines, this is interesting and enlightening for all audiences.

These fun cartoons of quotes and mini-bios are a fun way to motivate creative dreamers.

This lays somewhere between a comic and a graphic novel. Cute illustrations along with fantastic quotes. A great read for anyone looking for inspiration.

Zen Pencils: Creative Struggle is a wonderful compilation of stories about real people, all of whom were visionaries of their time. The focus isn’t just on their successes however, but on how they persevered or their viewpoint on how to get through a writer’s block or find their inspiration. The stories included are: Vincent van Gogh (The Blank Canvas), Albert Einstein (Life is a Mystery), Leonardo da Vinci (Step Away from the Canvas), Mary Shelley (Teenage Dream), Marie Curie (Our Happy Place), Creative Pep Talk #1, Ludwig van Beethoven (Art Has No Limits), Stephen King (the Desk), Akira Kurosawa (the Notetaker), Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (In the Mood for Work), Creative Pep Talk #2, Nikola Tesla (Visions of the Future), John Coltrane (the Power of Music), Frida Kahlo (Heroine of Pain), Ernest Hemingway (A Lonely Life), and Creative Pep Talk #3.
What I truly loved about this book is just how inspiring it is. I believe any artist (or writer, musician, composer, anything creative you can think of) should read this book when they find themselves struggling. Seeing other people, real people that we’ve grown up idolizing, be in the same position? Well it certainly puts a new perspective on things, to say the least.
I think everyone has felt like they’ve fallen into a creative rut at some point in their life, even if they wouldn’t personally consider themselves to be terribly artistic, and that is why I think reading empowering stories like this is so important. I know I certainly felt a bit better about my creative blocks, both past and present.

A super fun, pretty quick read. Perfect for those who need a little motivation. It features comic depictions and short, couple page explanations of the creative lessons you can draw from the achievements of scientists, artists, and writers alike; meaning there's something for anyone to be found. Some parts felt a little dumbed down to me, which is why its 4 stars not 5, but I thought it was fun and well put together. The illustrations were really well done.

I did not know what to expect by the cover of the book. I was so surprised to see it told tales of creative persons in history. Not just artists, but scientists, and musicians alike. A wonderful teaching book, for those struggling with perfection and self doubt.

Another volume of the fun and educational series featuring quotes illustrated, this time with a more specific perspective, as the title tells.
Van Gogh died having sold only one painting. I know that’s not the takeaway from his story, but it’s what I’ll remember.
No mention of Einstein’s wife in that entire section. Huh.
“Mortifying negative.”
Frankenstein is mentioned as the first sci-fi story, but that would be Paradise Lost.
The look on Marie Curie’s face at the gas coming in through the window. . . priceless. And her tongue sticking out in concentration. . . it’s the little things that make these stories great.
Tesla inspired by poetry is classic, literally. “Suck it, Professor Poeschl.”
Frida’s conga line of injuries, culminating in the bus crash, are truly horrific. This is the first time I’ve really seen the difference in size between Kahlo and Rivera played up; age, yes, but him being 300 pounds and her under 100 is staggering. And she really was the first Queen of Selfies.
And of course no book about creativity nowadays would be complete without Brené Brown.

I picked this book up on Netgalley by randomly looking through the graphic novels section on the website. This looked interesting and honestly, I'm really glad I took the time to read it. Gavin Aung Than was able to perfectly illustrate the struggle that many creative individuals have. It was truly inspiring. I think many people are scared to begin a project, or take a step out and create something different. This book has shown that you're not alone and the great creators in the world dealt with the same things that you are going though.

The artwork in this graphic novel is really fun. I enjoyed looking at the artwork and I really loved how it was illustrated.

All in all, the artwork, the words, everything was perfect.

This is a short book that you can read in one sitting, but it packs a lot of good advice in it. I loved the inspiring examples and the creative pep talks. My favourite was the eight tips to overcome creative struggle at the end of the book.

This volume showcases the creative greats; from artist to inventor, from author to chemist -- all of whom underwent some form of hardship in their quest to birth something previously unformed or undiscovered. Among the challenges faced were physical deficiency (Beethoven's loss of hearing) and mental anguish (Mary Shelley's writer's block).

This book is suitable for readers of all ages, in that the comically-rendered graphics complement the (written) message, which is one of encouragement to persist in the face roadblocks, for the creative endeavor is one where the 'muse' favors the prepared and persevering mind and hands.

Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2237853322

This was a very inspiring collection of cartoons that went along perfectly with the quotes from many inspirational artists, musicians, writers, and scientists. Each quote stood out to me especially from those that I admire myself. Another great addition to each of the quotes was the little biography that came after each one so that you could learn about each of the people a little more. There were quotes from Vincent van Gogh, Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Mary Shelley, Stephen King, Ernest Hemingway, and so many more.

What really stood out in this book though was seeing many of these very famous people express how they worked past their creative struggles. Beethoven using his music as a way of getting past his loss of hearing, Mary Shelley getting over writer's block, and so many more.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've really liked Zen Pencils ever since Gavin Than's art began appearing online. This is a great volume about the various ways that creative folks from all walks of life (ranging from art to music to science) have worked to overcome adversity and continue their creative work. Strangely, perhaps, I found that the most valuable bit was Than's own advice to modern-day creators.

The cartoons illustrate how famous people (artists, writers, composers, etc.) struggled -- and can be an inspiration to others. Even though I was already familiar with most of these creators, I still learned things. For instance, I had known that Frida Kahlo had a hard life, but I didn't know how physically difficult it was for her. Parts of this book could be helpful in a history class and/or any class dealing with creativity, such as art or writing.

I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cartoonist Gavin Aung Than has, since 2012, been posting cartoons based on various inspirational quotes and stories at zenpencils.com. For his newest book, Zen Pencils--Creative Struggle: Illustrated Advice from Masters of Creativity, he selected quotes from some of his favorite authors, writers, musicians, and scientists and drew them in comic book form for our enjoyment and inspiration.


The featured subjects are eclectic, and the quotes are, indeed, inspiring: Leonardo da Vinci's Notebooks, Stephen King's Memoir, Akira Kurosawa's Autobiograpy, Nikola Tesla's My Inventions, Ernest Hemingway's Nobel acceptance speech, and others. The quotes are well-selected. Stephen King reminds us that "Life isn't a support system for art. It's the other way around." Kurosawa encourages us to read actively, with pen in hand, collecting memorable quotes and thoughts in a notebook.


Most of the cartoons set the subject in his or her natural setting, but in an unusual turn, Than applies the writings of the Indian mystic Jiddu Krishnamurti to a modern urban setting. I don't particularly like Indian mysticism or rap music, but I loved the message that art should be created for the love of it, not merely with the aim of notoriety or material success. "Our present education is rotten because it teaches us to love success and not what we are doing."


I thoroughly enjoyed Than's approach to this book, presenting the respective figure's words without editing, but with his own clever illustrated interpretation. As one of his subjects, Brenè Brown, writes, "There's no such thing as creative people and non-creative people. There are only people who use their creativity and people who don't." Check out Creative Struggle and be inspired to unleash your creative side.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!

Creative Struggle is wonderful. It is such an uplifting, inspirational book. I was familiar with Zen Pencils before picking up this book, so I was thrilled to see this collection.

My favorite piece was the section on Stephen King and his giant desk. Its inspiring to see the priorities of someone you consider to be the best of the best.

I really enjoyed seeing the struggles and successes of some of the most well known people that have ever lived. It was inspiring to read about how they all persevered in spite of what life threw at them. I found myself learning quite a lot about the human behind familliar names ( like Frida Khalo and the bus!! OMG THAT WOMAN WAS INCREDIBLE).

Overall I thought this book was great. Probably not something I would reread as a whole, but I would absolutely go back to some of the more memorable sections.

Recommended for: People who are struggling with inspiration, anyone who is feeling discouraged, or just in need of a pick me up. Anyone who appreciates stories told through art.

Sadly, i wasnt able to finish this before its expiry. I had only a quarter left. So sad about it.

I was really enjoying the book. I loved the illustrations and the stories and then the motivational information about the different creative, talented people.

In short, this was informative, intriguing and quite enjoyable.

I will be getting the book as to continue with it and also buy this as a gift.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for this review copy.

For an aspirant writer, who wants to start writing her debut novel this year, Zen Pencils: Creative Struggle was definitely an important and inspiring read.

It shares a light on how everyone's method is different, specially creators: everyone has a different method and a different goal, but all good creators stick to their goal and don't budge while facing insecurities. You don't have to be born a genius to create, you just have to do it. Nothing comes alive out of nowhere, and Gavin Aung Than explained that exact thought in this book.

Don't wait to be the next Leonardo da Vinci, or Stephen King, just do what you feel passionate about and don't let fear, insecurities or even procrastination stop you. Just create.

The latest Zen Pencils book brings us the story of various visionary innovators and how they harnessed their creativity. Perfect for Growth Mindset lessons.

I expected more illustrated quotes, like the last Zen Pencils book. I appreciated the longer quotes, the more complex stories and imagery. The hidden gem, though, is the brief biography laying out the challenges and creative barriers for the various figures.

This book gives wonderful bite-sized biography of creative thinkers through bright comic illustrations. The biographies balance the portrayal of facts with comedy in a way that will appeal to younger readers as well as adults. The biographies are a great way to learn a little something new when you have five minutes to fill while waiting for your kid at the bus stop.

I was pretty pleased with this little volume, though I wish there had been a bit more concrete advice peppered in with all of the great quotes. I thought the illustrations were definitely a nice edition and I think this could be a fun book to have around and share in creative circles.

Gavin Aung Than has found a unique approach to introducing the young reader to the backstory behind those famous people whose names are a familiar part of our modern culture. What a surprise that their talents didn't flow naturally but were often accompanied by numerous trials and tribulations, providing inspiration to others as they persevered in spite of poverty, physical infirmaries, lack of opportunities, internal demons, or other adversities.

Zen Pencils - Creative Struggle: Illustrated Advice from Masters of Creativity uses cartooning, quotes, and biographical sketches to tell these stories, showcasing that even the greatest creative minds had challenges to overcome. The delightful caricatures of each subject along with Than's colorful, descriptive illustrations perfectly express the emotions behind their own words describing the visionary processes surrounding their life's work.

Included in the 150 page book were Artists (Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Frida Kahlo), Scientists (Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Nikola Tesla), Writers ( Mary Shelley, Stephen King, Ernest Hemingway, and Japanese film director and screen writer Amira Kurosawa), Musicians (Ludwig Van Beethoven, Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and John Coltrane), with three "Creative Pep Talks" by Jiddu Krishnamurti - a philosopher from India, Brene Brown - a research professor at the University of Houston, and the author, Gavin Aung Than - a cartoonist. In addition, references to the full length works which assisted the author in his research provides a pathway for those who are motivated to read beyond the excerpts included in the book.

While anyone can pick up this book, I think its strength is in filling a neglected niche for upper elementary and middle school students. While there is not enough information to use this book as a research tool for upper grades, it is an interesting introduction to some of the personalities who have made a name for themselves via their contributions to society. I also appreciated that the names chosen represented a diversity of race and nationality covering various eras of world history. I definitely found this title more relevant for children than Than's other comic book endeavor, Zen Pencils - Inspirational Quotes for Kids.

Four stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Equally helpful and informative, Creative Struggle is another amazing comic from Zen Pencils that gives advice and encouragement in the shape of little stories about well-known "genius"