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  • Real Artists Don't Starve

  • Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age
  • By: Jeff Goins
  • Narrated by: Stu Gray
  • Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (120 ratings)
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Real Artists Don't Starve

By: Jeff Goins
Narrated by: Stu Gray
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Summary

Best-selling author and creativity expert Jeff Goins dismantles the myth that being creative is a hindrance to success by revealing how an artistic temperament is in fact a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

For centuries the myth of the starving artist has dominated our culture, seeping into the minds of creative people and stifling their pursuits. But the truth is that the world's most successful artists did not starve. In fact they capitalized on the power of their creative strength. In Real Artists Don't Starve, Jeff Goins debunks the myth of the starving artist by unveiling the ideas that created it and replacing them with 14 rules for artists to thrive, including:

  • Steal from your influences (don't wait for inspiration)
  • Collaborate with others (working alone is a surefire way to starve)
  • Take strategic risks (instead of reckless ones)
  • Make money in order to make more art (it's not selling out)
  • Apprentice under a master (a "lone genius" can never reach full potential)

Through inspiring anecdotes of successful creatives both past and present, Goins shows that living by these rules is not only doable but it's also a fulfilling way to thrive.

From graphic designers and writers to artists and business professionals, creatives already know that no one is born an artist. Goins' revolutionary rules celebrate the process of becoming an artist, a person who utilizes the imagination in fundamental ways. He reminds creatives that business and art are not mutually exclusive pursuits. In fact success in business and in life flow from a healthy exercise of creativity.

Expanding upon the groundbreaking work in his previous best-seller, The Art of Work, Goins explores the tension every creative person and organization faces in an effort to blend the inspired life with a practical path to success. Being creative isn't a disadvantage for success; rather, it is a powerful tool to be harnessed.

©2017 Jeff Goins (P)2017 Thomas Nelson

What listeners say about Real Artists Don't Starve

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

A must read for all creatives!

As a music producer, it was a completely game changer for me. Really helped me to understand what was holding me back in terms of mind set and false 'rules' I had assumed/learned.
As a result my productivity has shot through the roof as has my self confidence.
Great read (listen).

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5 people found this helpful

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An inspiring read

I have thoroughly enjoyed Jeff Goin’s book Real Artists Don’t Starve. As a book coach, mentor and strategist, I can only command a book that debunks the myth of the starving artist. It is so strong that it has seeped into the collective and it is high time we got rid of it. Thank you Jeff for getting the ball rolling.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Simply brilliant!

I adore this book and the wisdom held within it. So many revelations whilst listening. Thank you!

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2 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Meandering anecdotes.

I listened to the first hour and had to turn it off. As soon as I heard the narrator say "Chapter 2" I realised that we were actually into the meat and potatoes of the book. I thought I was still listening to the introduction and that the meandering anecdote was, in some way, the author recounting his path to success before we heard his concise 'bullet point' method on how to make your artistic career work with a view to becoming more successful.
This was not to be.
If you are looking for a well-meaning lecture on how someone believes something should be done, this is the book for you.
If you are looking for a well-structured list of do's and don'ts, it is probably best to look somewhere else.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Very interesting information

I've read some reviews on how annoying the narrators voice is; however, don't allow this to stop you from listening to one very interesting book.

I would highly recommend

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Insightful!

A rather insightful audiobook that gives many useful information about the current art market, but most importantly the mentalities that can boost an artist's creativity and career.

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1 person found this helpful

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Just the kick I needed

Thanks to Jake Parker for recommending this book. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you help” will stay with me forever. It’s definitely given me the kick I need to progress with my art. Thanks Jeff!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not bad, not great!

Overall I'm glad I listened to it (I also bought the book). It's not fantastic (sorry Jeff) - it's a bit generic really, but it's maybe still worthwhile.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

great book - helps create a good mindset

this book helps create a good mindset for artists to succeed as businesses. thoroughly enjoyed it

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Lots of stories

There are lots of points made in this book that are then backed up by real stories. It's inspiring but then occasionally I felt that some of the points contradicted one another. Overall I felt inspired and it was fun to listen to all of the stories.

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