by Becky Sciullo | Apr 9, 2021 | Artisan Advantage Book Club, Learning
The best laid plans sometimes get off track. The good news is that you can always get back on track. In this case, it’s with the Artisan Advantage Book Club.
The Artisan Advantage Book Club
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while or a long term subscriber to my newsletter, you might remember the Artisan Advantage Book Club. You might also remember that I posted in one of my weekly newsletters about how I had a very difficult time reading in 2020. With that struggle, I stopped reading my book club selection, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.
I finally re-started this book, and am so glad that I did. It has really helped me to get focused.
This is not a new book, but it was on my reading list forever.
the War of Art
Here is an overview of the book taken from Goodreads.
Internationally bestselling author of Last of the Amazons, Gates of Fire, and Tides of War, Steven Pressfield delivers a guide to inspire and support those who struggle to express their creativity. Pressfield believes that “resistance” is the greatest enemy, and he offers many unique and helpful ways to overcome it.
Join the Book Club
Joining “the Club” just means that you commit to reading this book and seeing if you can find something useful to help you with your art business.
You could win a free book!
There have been some changes to the Book Club. Instead of randomly selecting a winner from my email list, I am going to offer a trivia contest in one of my weekly emails every month. The last book selection will be the source of the question. This gives you another reason to follow along with the Club!
If you’re not already subscribed, join my email newsletter here.
Do you have an idea for the book club? Share book suggestions with becky@artisan-advantage.com.
by Rebecca Sciullo | May 18, 2020 | Artisan Advantage Book Club, Learning
Next up for the Artisan Advantage Book Club is The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. This is not a new book, but it’s been on my reading list forever.
Here is an overview of the book taken from Goodreads.
Internationally bestselling author of Last of the Amazons, Gates of Fire, and Tides of War, Steven Pressfield delivers a guide to inspire and support those who struggle to express their creativity. Pressfield believes that “resistance” is the greatest enemy, and he offers many unique and helpful ways to overcome it.
Join the Club!
It’s easy. All you have to do is get your copy and start reading! Stay connected to the Artisan Advantage blog for posts about how you might apply principles from the book to your visual art business, and for opportunities to share your comments about the book with others.
Sign up for my email newsletter here.
Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
by Rebecca Sciullo | May 1, 2020 | Artisan Advantage Book Club
We All Have an Ego
I
t’s something that we develop throughout our lives, and not necessarily on purpose. In Ego is the Enemy, Ryan Holiday makes that case this ego is one of the biggest stumbling blocks in life. His thoughtful book gives advice and anecdotes on how and why to avoid the ego trap.
Takeaways from Ego is the Enemy.
Just when you think you’ve got it, there is always more to learn.
Pride can make us overly sensitive to criticism that could help us.
The ego leads us to try to control things.
When things don’t go our way, instead of getting upset, we should figure out what happened.
As a career or venture blossoms, be mindful of the role ego is playing in our actions.
Read More
Ryan Holiday is a best-selling author and media strategist. I enjoy receiving his Reading List Email, where he encourages his followers to read and provides lists of a wide variety of recommended books.
It’s never too late to join the Artisan Advantage Book Club. The next book selection posts next week. Sign up here to join the newsletter mailing list.
by Rebecca Sciullo | Feb 13, 2020 | Artisan Advantage Book Club, Learning, Resources
Next up for the Artisan Advantage Book Club is Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
Here is an overview of the book taken from Goodreads.
Many of us insist the main impediment to a full, successful life is the outside world. In fact, the most common enemy lies within: our ego. Early in our careers, it impedes learning and the cultivation of talent. With success, it can blind us to our faults and sow future problems. In failure, it magnifies each blow and makes recovery more difficult. At every stage, ego holds us back.
The Ego is the Enemy draws on a vast array of stories and examples, from literature to philosophy to history. We meet fascinating figures like Howard Hughes, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt, all of whom reached the highest levels of power and success by conquering their own egos. Their strategies and tactics can be ours as well.
Who is Ryan Holiday?
Ryan Holiday is a best-selling author and media strategist. I’ve read his book The Obstacle is the Way and follow his blog. I enjoy receiving his Reading List Email, where he encourages his followers to read and provides lists of a wide variety of recommended books. Read more about him here.
Win a Free Copy of the Book
I’ve made some changes to the Artists’ Book Club. Instead of randomly selecting a winner from my email list, I am going to offer a trivia contest. The last book selection will be the source of the question, giving you another reason to follow along with the Club!
The first person to email me at becky@artisan-advantage.com with the correct answer to the trivia question below wins a copy of the book.
What does Lisa Congdon encourage you to learn to navigate in Chapter Four of Find Your Artistic Voice?
Join the Club!
It’s easy. All you have to do is get your copy and start reading! Stay connected to the Artisan Advantage blog for posts about how you might apply principles from the book to your visual art business, as well as for opportunities to share your comments about the book with others.
Click here to read more about the Club.
Sign up for my email newsletter here.
Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
by Rebecca Sciullo | Jan 10, 2020 | Artisan Advantage Book Club, Learning
Next up for the Artisan Advantage Book Club is Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic by Lisa Congdon.
Find Your Artistic Voice helps artists and creatives identify and nurture their own visual identity.
This one-of-a-kind book helps artists navigate the influence of creators they admire, while simultaneously appreciating the value of their personal journey.
• Features down-to-earth and encouraging advice from Congdon herself
• Filled with interviews with established artists, illustrators, and creatives
• Answers the question “how do I develop a unique artistic style?“
It’s easy. All you have to do is get your copy and start reading! Stay connected to the Artisan Advantage blog for posts about how you might apply principles from the book to your visual art business, as well as for opportunities to share your comments about the book with others.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
by Rebecca Sciullo | Nov 11, 2019 | Artisan Advantage Book Club
Next up for the Artisan Advantage Book Club is Everybody Writes by Ann Handley.
Writing is essential to your visual art business. You have a message to share, and at times you need to communicate that message in writing. The more you do this, the better you will be at speaking about it, and the more people can learn about it. So, I’m here to encourage you to write! As a first step, let’s read this book.
This is a book that’s helpful for anyone wanting to boost their writing skills, including for an art business. Handley breaks down the writing process in a clear manner. She gives great tips on making catchy headlines, writing blog posts, and content for social media updates. Whether you’re an avid writer or just starting to write for your business, this book has something for everyone. Handley’s focus on keeping it real and understanding your audience makes it easy to learn and apply.
Stay connected to Art Is An Advantage through our weekly newsletter. for posts about how you might apply principles from the book to your visual art business, as well as for opportunities to share your comments about the book with others.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
