Creativity Sucks: And 30 Other Things I've Learned while Living a Weird, Amazing, Crazy, Creative Life

An essential guide for artists of all levels, on how to live and work as a creative, from a popular artist and TED speaker.

When we're kids, our parents tell us that being creative is fun, fun, fun. But when you decide to turn art into your career, whether that's painting, writing, drawing, or sculpting Edgar Allan Poe out of earthworms, that's when things get tough. Let's be honest. Creativity isn't always fun. It's also hard work.

In this insightful and heartfelt guide, artist and speaker Phil Hansen shares his hard-won wisdom from the frontlines of life as a professional creative. Paired with his edgy art, Hansen provides advice for the difficult moments--the slumps, the creative blocks, the times when something you love doesn't resonate with the world--and gives you the pep talk you need to get through the tough times. He also shares helpful tips on how to put yourself in the prime creative mindset, how to build a support system, and how to create art that sells.

Phil Hansen is a multimedia artist and keynote speaker whose TED Talk, "Embrace the Shake," has been viewed nearly 3 million times. He speaks to major international corporations about enhancing creativity, and several of his YouTube videos have garnered millions of views each. His art makes use of unconventional materials, including wine, mud, fire, and hamburger grease.