Sometimes there’s this picture being painted of how this is the best time to be an artist. We get anecdotal success stories and are fed the positive side of technology and social media in particular.
However, sometimes looking from a very tech or business type lens can make us forget the actual situations that artists (not just musicians, but also visual artists, filmmakers, writers) face when theory hits the ground of the real world.
This book by William Deresiewicz is a heavy read at 356 pages… but is one of the best books on the creative life I’ve read in awhile. For one, Deresiewicz actually formally interviewed around 140 artists and individuals involved in the arts.
That alone contributed real examples the likes of which I haven’t read in a single book.
The bad part?
It reveals the depressing and crazy state of being an artist in the modern world.
The good part?
It reveals the depressing and crazy state of being an artist in the modern world.
As a musician who’s been doing this for the past 27 years, besides all the moments that I go, “OMG” while reading the book… I also am grateful that someone is actually documenting and sharing the perspective of being an artist, with input from actual artists.
There are so many issues that the book covers but safe to say the summary is: know what you’re getting yourself into, and figure out what to do without burning out.
I am recommending this book to all my students who are serious on embarking (or already) doing music (or any artistic endevour) as a career. This and The Unfair Advantage are great reads for different reasons but still overlap in educating a musician who wants to do this and thrive (or at least survive).
Thank you William Deresiewicz for writing this.
If you’re a creative or you aspire to do any art as a career, read this book now before you do anything else. It might just help you determine whether you are really meant for this life.
Pros: Well researched and well written book.
Cons: Heavy read, 356 pages… not for everyone. Also, can be depressing to see the state of arts right now.
TLDR: Recommended read if you want to be in the arts and make a living from it.
Get it on the BookXcess website here or at one of their physical bookstores.
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