#estherreads: the WAR of ART
I recently reread this book on a trip to Korea so I thought I would write about it for #estherrreads while it was still fresh(ish) in my brain. When I first read the book a couple years ago it really helped me to understand the ways I self-sabotaged myself from just even drawing every day. It forced me to face up to the excuses I made and also gave some insight in how to overcome them.
This time around as I read the book it was more about how to get to the next level. I have been able to work as a professional creative for several years now and am committed to this path but have been afraid to reach for higher goals. Its hard to admit you are afraid to go up but there is a lot of self-doubt that can come along and this time around the parts of the book addressing that fear really struck me. I feel like I need to reread those parts right now but I left the book at my friend's house in Korea(gosh darnit) and am contemplating re-ordering it.
I think often more than skill and ability the mental toughness required to make a creative career is what prevents people from pursing this path. It really helps to read about how to work as creative. There are so many great books out there. For those just beginning it doesn't have to be so mysterious or opaque read as much as you can! I think it will make all the difference. For those going on a couple years it helps to keep from burning out and for moving up to the next stage. There is never an end to the pursuit of knowledge.