Real Artists Don’t Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age by Jeff Goins

If you’re a creative person looking to find success in your craft, then you’ve likely heard of Jeff Goins’ book, Real Artists Don’t Starve. In the book, Goins helps creatives tap into their talents and true calling to make a living. The goal is to show people that it doesn’t have to be a starving artist’ situation anymore - it is possible to make a career out of pursuing one’s passions.

In Real Artists Don’t Starve, Goins provides an inspirational roadmap to help us sustain our creative endeavors and discover freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment as we do. The book shares our stories of young and successful creatives, such as contemporary actress Viola Davis, TED speaker and world-traveler Tim Ferriss, and creativity guru Austin Kleon. Through their examples and his own case study, Goins provides 12 universal laws that help creatives build a sustainable creative life and never 'starve' again.

The first law Goins explores is the ‘law of the inner circle.’ According to Goins, having a group of people who share in and understand your creative journey is key to success. With a support system of like-minded individuals and mentors, creatives can better stay on track and be able to call on these individuals in times of need.

The second law is the ‘law of strategic generosity.’ Creatives need to use the gifts they have to give away something meaningful and receive something back in return. This kind of exchange is beneficial in promoting success and building relationships that are rewarding, and mutually beneficial.

The third law is the ‘law of diversification.’ Goins believes that pursuing multiple creative projects is beneficial by diversifying one’s portfolio, spreading risk, and ensuring that all our creative eggs are not in one basket. He encourages creatives to “explore, experiment, and uncover the hidden gifts that come with self-discovery.”

The fourth law is the ‘law of incremental progress.’ Goins believes that, in order to become successful, creativity must be consistent, small steps forward should be taken all the time, and that short-term goals that lead to long-term progress should be identified and pursued.

The fifth law is the ‘law of risk.’ Goins believes that taking risks, setting aside our comfort zones, and learning are all fundamental to success in the creative domain. He explains that without risk-taking, we can’t grow and make the most of our creative abilities.

These are just some of the laws that Goins focuses on in Real Artists Don’t Starve. Through stories of young, creative stars and his own experiences, Goins helps us discover the critical strategies and habits that will help us turn a creative dream into a successful reality.

Goins’ book is essential reading for any creative person looking to find success in the chosen field. Real Artists Don’t Starve is full of inspiring stories, time-tested strategies, and insightful tips for achieving and sustaining success in a creative career.