[Book Review]: Real Artists Don’t Starve

Creative Artists Have It Harder Today

It may not be obvious at first, but musicians, storytellers, artists and filmmakers have it harder than they have ever had.

Certainly, we are seeing a wellspring of artistic activity, through free sites like Spotify or YouTube, with so much competition demanding your attention for a moment.  The floodgates have opened for all creatives to participate, and the overabundance of material has made it harder for any creation to get noticed.  And even if your work were to go “viral,” there is oftentimes very little financial return from the hours of efforts that spurned such a work.

Even Harder for Catholic Musicians

From my years helping to promote Catholic music (whether contemporary or not), I have witnessed many, many talented composers and musicians struggle with getting noticed.  Christian radio stations do not pay much attention to independent artists, nor any signed artist to a Catholic label.  Catholic radio stations have, by in large, ignored music entirely.  The Catholic populace has remained largely ignorant of the plethora of musical styles inherent in Catholic music, preferring to solely look upon liturgical songs, often chosen for them by their parish music directors, often a recycling of the same dozen-or-so songs over the past four decades.

So I have made many efforts to try to bring quality Catholic music to the attention of the greater populace.  I have started websites, started forum groups, worked a massive advertising campaign, spread videos, and promoted concerts.  And after all this work, I sometimes see some positive response.  But also, I see a lot of creatives giving up.

Why Real Artists Don’t Starve Is Different

So a few weeks ago I was given a pre-release copy of Real Artists Don’t Starve by Jeff Goins.  I have become a fan of Goins’ writing in the past, being a big fan especially of his last book, The Art of Work.  But this, in my opinion, towers heads and shoulders of everything he has ever done.

Even though the book was written for a broader artistic base, I felt he was writing specifically for me.  I felt he understood the hardships that I had endured for almost two decades in trying to get the word out about my creations, as technology dramatically changed the artistic landscape.  And in so doing, he laid forth twelve precepts that need to be drilled into the minds of every single creative.

I’m not going to say what these are; but I will say that never, in a single resource have I seen all twelve laid out, clearly articulating what I, and all Catholic musicians (and filmmakers, storytellers, artists, etc.) need to hear.

How Good This Material Is

For years I would be part of a national organization of Catholic Musicians, where we would spend hundreds of dollars in a annual fee, and then pay additional hundreds of dollars to go to an annual conference, to hear talks and to network.  (The networking was still very important, don’t get me wrong).

But had I heard a series of talks that laid down all twelve of these precepts, then I would’ve considered that money well spent.

These precepts have laid a foundation where I can now see the opportunities can be limitless, provided you are making wise choices to integrate this content into your life.

Bonuses Worth Your While

So I cannot recommend this book highly enough.  But the author has crafted a tremendous bonus package if you purchase before June 6.  You see, he wants this book to be a best seller, so that more creatives from all circles of artistic communities can benefit from this knowledge.  In this way, more people can be helped in their individual artistic journeys.

Bonus #1: The Real Artists Don’t Starve Online Course ($100)

In this 12-part video course, Jeff teaches how to make a living off your art, elaborating on the principles in the book and sharing his own knowledge and experience.  This helps you to retain the information that is so pivotal for artists today.

Bonus #2: All the Expert Interview Transcripts

Learn from the hundreds of experts and Thriving Artists Jeff interviewed during the research of this book.  There might be a nugget of insight from a thought leader that didn’t make the final edit, that may make all the difference for your artistic direction.

Bonus #3: Exclusive Community Access

Get special access to a private Facebook group where Jeff will answer your questions regularly and you can connect with others reading the book.  Having a community of like-minded artists will further enhance your reach, and help improve both your crafts.

My Highest Recommendation

It is in light of all of this that I give Real Artists Don’t Starve my highest recommendation.  It is, at turns, profoundly insightful, inspirational, and motivational.  It helps create clarity in your vocation, as to how to best use your talents to benefit those around you, and to stand apart from the noise.

Be sure to purchase your copy today, or before June 6, to take advantage of all the extra offers provided!