How to Be an Artist

By: Jerry Saltz

Narrated by: Jerry Saltz

Length: 2 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

"Inspiration leaps off the pages from Jerry Saltz's new book on creativity.... This book is for the artist or non-artist, for the person who gets plain English, for the person who understands that practical talk can coax out the mystical messages that lie underneath." (Steve Martin)

Art has the power to change our lives. For many, becoming an artist is a lifelong dream. But how to make it happen? In How to Be an Artist, Jerry Saltz, one of the art world’s most celebrated and passionate voices, offers an indispensable handbook for creative people of all kinds.

From the first sparks of inspiration - and how to pursue them without giving in to self-doubt - Saltz offers invaluable insight into what really matters to emerging artists: originality, persistence, a balance between knowledge and intuition, and that most precious of qualities, self-belief. Brimming with rules, prompts, and practical tips, How to Be an Artist gives artists new ways to break through creative blocks, get the most from materials, navigate career challenges, and above all find joy in the work.

This useful audiobook will help artists of all kinds - painters, photographers, writers, performers - realize their dreams.

©2020 Jerry Saltz (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"How to Be an Artist has relevance way beyond the art world. With his typical clarity and compassion, Jerry Saltz outlines a path for anyone who wants to dedicate their lives to chasing something they believe in. Even as a chef, I have Jerry’s advice ringing through my brain at all times." (David Chang)

"In How to Be an Artist, Jerry Saltz is so right-on it scares me." (Cindy Sherman)

“Inspiration leaps off the pages from Jerry Saltz’s new book on creativity. One wants to say he’s revealing secrets, but really, he’s revealing intuition - intuition formed from decades of thinking about art. This book is for the artist or non-artist, for the person who gets plain English, for the person who understands that practical talk can coax out the mystical messages that lie underneath.” (Steve Martin)

Loved it.

I will return to this again and again. There are passages in here that will help
my students and continue to help me as an artist. Thank you Jerry!

Loved it so much!

I will definitely listen to it over and over. Now I want to buy the book so I can pick it up and reread it all the time.

Great advice.

I enjoyed hearing the author tell the story.
There is great advice on direction and practice for an artist. I especially like the list of how many people you need to succeed. Great job Jerry

Enlightening

I’ll listen again. I have the book. Commitment to art. This will help, after a lifetime of thinking I can’t art, I need to make money. Jerry where were you when I graduated art school?

Genuine voice

It was a genuine account on what it is to be an artist and the vitality art has. The fact that the narrator is Jerry Saltz, the author himself adds to this genuine voice, relatable and revealing. I would recommend, not only to artists, but to all creatives. What resonates with me is the one that talks about limitation of time, it got me thinking of working quicker; in these times of isolation and limitation. Hope everyone has a similar experience

I enjoyed this so much

this is a great tool if you're one of those souls that need it like me. needed reminders of things you already know. Thank you Jerry

Am inspired with each reading

I have read and listened to this book multiple times. I’m an artist, and this book has reminded me again and again what I love about art and making art, and shone a light forward in times of lethargy. I love this book.

Good thoughts

I do enjoy learning more about the art profession. It is helped me with my job as an artist painter.

Great advice from a fellow creator

I’ve read this twice now and I plan to use it to guide me as I become more serious about my art. It’s wise, practical, humble, hopeful, and intriguing.

Thank you Jerry Saltz, I needed this

I know most of what he wrote... and was honestly hesitant to listen to a man tell me “how to be an artist” as a mother of 4, 3 of them 9 & under & currently home full time. But his words were honest, to the point reminders, that I found I needed reminding of after all. As 1 of thousands of parents who found themselves drowning in 10x the work during Covid vs having extensive free time for “all the hobbies”, the weight of this has felt especially crushing to my own artistic drive. I am generally quite tenacious & don’t give an anything about what people feel about what I’m working on atm, but this is drowning on a whole different level & this book was the air I personally needed right now.