Find Your Artistic Voice

An artist's unique voice is their calling card. It's what makes each of their works vital and particular. But developing such singular artistry requires effort and persistence. Bestselling author, artist, and illustrator Lisa Congdon brings her expertise to this guide to the process of artistic self-discovery. Featuring advice from Congdon herself and interviews with a roster of established artists, illustrators, and creatives, this one-of-a-kind book will show readers how to identify and nurture their own visual identity, navigate the influence of artists they admire, push through fear and insecurity, and appreciate the value of their personal journey.

This is a creative workbook for individuals who want to explore their relationship with food and their bodies in a new way. It is based on the idea that art is one of the most powerful inroads to psychological healing through the fostering self-expression, insight, and empowerment. Creativity connects us to our inner voice; healing occurs when we listen.Written by board-certified art psychotherapists, the pages of this workbook literally serve as a canvas for thoughts and feelings ¿spoken¿ primarily through art and elaborated upon through writing. Readers are encouraged to draw, write, and create directly in the book. These images, symbols, and journal entries then become a ¿personal signature¿ that can be accessed and explored to resolve any obstacles to emotional well-being. Fifty-eight expressive art projects and corresponding written exercises lead readers through specific stages of self-discovery related to disordered eating patterns, body image issues, relationships, life skills, emotions, self love, and personal transformation. These various tasks can be completed independently, in conjunction with individual therapy, in a treatment facility or self-help group, or in an educational setting. A list of basic, inexpensive materials is provided.This workbook is appropriate not only for individuals who are seeking answers to a variety of issues with food and weight, but also for the professionals who want innovative materials to use with clients in the recovery process.

Every artist needs a little pep talk now and then. An inspiring tool and beautiful art book in one, Creative Pep Talk offers illustrated words of wisdom from 50 of today's leading creative professionals. With full-color, typographic prints and explanatory statements from a host of creative luminaries—including Aaron James Draplin, Oliver Jeffers, Lisa Congdon, Mike Perry, and many others—this volume encourages artists to stay excited, experiment boldly, and conquer fear. "Create curiosity," "Learn to say no," and "If you can't be good, be different" are just a few of the motivational maxims in this visually rich collection that's perfect for students, designers, artists, and creatives at any stage in their careers.

Photo Quest - Discovering Your Photographic & Artistic Voice is a sequel to Rick Sammon's internationally best-selling book, Photo Therapy Motivation and Wisdom - discovering the power of pictures. This book, Rick's 41st, was written for photographers, as well as for all types of artists - because the lessons and philosophies on these pages are universal to all creatives. Like Photo Therapy, Photo Quest includes only words of wisdom motivation and inspiration. There are no photographs in this book. Rick says there are two reasons for not including photographs (unlike his 40 other books and 18 online classes that are richly illustrated with hundreds of photographs from his travels around the world): "One, I want you to slow down and read the text carefully; Two, I want you to think about your photography and art when you are reading about an idea or technique - and not be distracted by my colorful images." Rick Sammon has assembled an all-star team of photo and creative mentors for this important book - a team that offers advice and insight on finding one's photographic and artist voice. As Rick says, "You'd be hard pressed to find this much talent between the covers of one photography book." This list of contributors reads like a "Who's Who" in the world of photography in 2020. These pros include Erin Babnick, Martin Baily, Richard Bernabe, Steve Brazill, Jeff Cable, Tony Corbell, Patricia Davidson, Dave DeBaermaeker, Ron Clifford, Ed Cooley, Unmsh Dinda, Frank Doorhof, Piper Mackay, Scott Kelby, Karen Hutton, Don Komarechka, Ian Plant, Trey Ratcliff, Art Wolfe - and more! If you are in search of becoming a more creative photographer, and not just ways of taking better pictures (there is a big difference), you have come to the right place. And if you are thinking about "changing lanes" - changing your career or making creative changes in your life - this book is for you. On these pages you will learn about (in chapter titles of the same name): Finding Your Superpower and Inner Voice, Your Secret Weapon, Idea to Image, Specializing or Not Specializing, The Rollercoaster Ride of Creatives, The Importance of Your Conversation, Changing Lanes, Creating a Sense of Mystery, Photography & The Death of Reality, Know Your Audience & Build Your Brand - and more. Each of the 22 chapters in the book ends with a Mission - an assignment - that will help you on your personal photo quest, which Rick feels will be one of the most rewarding adventures in your photographic and artistic life. This book is also filled with dozens of inspirational quotes relating to photographs and all artists. Here is one of Rick's favorites: An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one. - Charles Cooley

Creative block presents the most crippling—and unfortunately universal—challenge for artists. No longer! This chunky blockbuster of a book is chock-full of solutions for overcoming all manner of artistic impediment. The blogger behind The Jealous Curator interviews 50 successful international artists working in different mediums and mines their insights on how to conquer self-doubt, stay motivated, and get new ideas to flow. Each artist offers a tried-and-true exercise—from road trips to 30-day challenges to cataloging the medicine cabinet— that will kick-start the creative process. Abundantly visual with more than 300 images showcasing these artists' resulting work, Creative Block is a vital ally to students, artists, and creative professionals.

The Artist's Way for the 21st century—from esteemed creative counselor Beth Pickens. If you are an artist, you need to make your art. That's not an overstatement—it's a fact; if you stop doing your creative work, your quality of life is diminished. But what do you do when life gets in the way? In this down-to-earth handbook, experienced artist coach Beth Pickens offers practical advice for developing a lasting and meaningful artistic practice in the face of life's inevitable obstacles and distractions. This thoughtful volume suggests creative ways to address the challenges all artists must overcome—from making decisions about time, money, and education, to grappling with isolation, fear, and anxiety. No matter where you are in your art-making journey, this book will motivate and inspire you. Because not only do you need your art—the world needs it, too. • EXPERT ADVICE: Beth Pickens is an experienced and passionate arts advocate with extensive insight into working through creative obstacles. She has spent the last decade advising artists on everything from financial strategy to coping with grief. • PRACTICAL AND POSITIVE: This book is both a love letter to art and artists and a hands-on guide to approaching the thorniest problems those artists might face. Pickens offers a warm reminder that you are not alone, that what you do matters, and that someone out there wants you to succeed. • TIMELESS TOPIC: Like a trusted advisor, this book is an invaluable resource jam-packed with strategies for building a successful creative practice. From mixing business and friendship to marketing yourself on social media, this book can help. And it will—again and again. Perfect for: • Visual artists and makers • Writers, musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives • Art and design school graduates and grad-gift givers

"With its gentle affirmations, inspirational quotes, fill-in-the-blank lists and tasks — write yourself a thank-you letter, describe yourself at 80, for example — The Artist’s Way proposes an egalitarian view of creativity: Everyone’s got it."—The New York Times "Morning Pages have become a household name, a shorthand for unlocking your creative potential"—Vogue Over four million copies sold! Since its first publication, The Artist's Way phenomena has inspired the genius of Elizabeth Gilbert and millions of readers to embark on a creative journey and find a deeper connection to process and purpose. Julia Cameron's novel approach guides readers in uncovering problems areas and pressure points that may be restricting their creative flow and offers techniques to free up any areas where they might be stuck, opening up opportunities for self-growth and self-discovery. The program begins with Cameron’s most vital tools for creative recovery – The Morning Pages, a daily writing ritual of three pages of stream-of-conscious, and The Artist Date, a dedicated block of time to nurture your inner artist. From there, she shares hundreds of exercises, activities, and prompts to help readers thoroughly explore each chapter. She also offers guidance on starting a “Creative Cluster” of fellow artists who will support you in your creative endeavors. A revolutionary program for personal renewal, The Artist's Way will help get you back on track, rediscover your passions, and take the steps you need to change your life.

Discover innovative painting and mixed-media art techniques the most inspired way possible: through rainbows of color! In Mixed Media Color Studio, you’ll learn color and design ideas that will boost your creative intuition. Based on Kellee Wynne Conrad’s popular former online True Colors Art Program, the lessons include color explorations designed to strengthen skills and confidence. You’ll learn how to develop your own unique style using acrylic paint, pastels, graphite, ink, and more. See how to mix colors to make signature palettes and get inspired to try new, exciting combinations of colors, materials, and methods that will take your artwork and imagination further. The imaginative projects include expert information on how to work with colors to evoke moods, emotions, and energy for dynamic landscapes, calming seascapes, vibrant abstract florals, layered architectural pieces, and much more. Discover easy techniques that add texture, details, and interest to your artwork. As with the original True Colors program, guest artists contribute exciting artwork, creating an expanded artistic repertoire filled with fresh styles and ideas. Mixed Media Color Studio also includes: How to create texture with a variety of mediums and tools Ideas for creating your own decorate collage papers using gel plate printing techniques Simple techniques for mixing compelling color palettes Tips for overcoming the fear of the blank page How to expand creativity and boost confidence by making art in an array of styles Easy ways to create pleasing compositions Dive into this incredible world of color and allow your creativity to flow!