Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
Audible Studios (2016), Unabridged MP3; 2h43
Description
This book is duct tape for the mouth of every artist's inner critic. Silencing that stifling voice once and for all, this salve for creatives introduces ten truths they must face in order to defeat self-doubt. Each encouraging chapter deconstructs a pivotal moment on the path to success--fear of the blank page, the dangers of jealousy, sharing work with others--and explains how to navigate roadblock. Packed with helpful anecdotes, thoughts from successful creatives, and practical exercises gleaned from Danielle Krysa's years of working with professional and aspiring artists--plus riotously apt illustrations from art world darling Martha Rich--this book arms readers with the most essential tool for their toolbox: the confidence they need to get down to business and make good work.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member DonnaMarieMerritt
I expected more after loving the title. A beginning artist might find some helpful tips. Other than that . . .
1. While the author tries to include all creative people, it's geared toward artists.
2. The overuse and misuse of the comma irritated the OCD editor in me.
3. Mark Twain suggested
4. Krysa's whole premise is that she is an artist because she learned to ignore her inner critic. Why did someone else illustrate this book?
5. The book looks organized at first glance, but repeats information and jumps around. Feels like some of the writing was rushed just to get something on paper.
6. More originality and fewer cliches would have been nice.
7. Sticking with a central metaphor would have been nice also.
8. Some of the inspirational quotes are good, but easy enough to find with a quick Internet search. Instead of grouping a bunch together in chapter eight, it would have worked to lead each chapter with a relevant quote. Sometimes she did that, sometimes not. Consistency is a helpful organizational tool.
9. When referring back to a chapter, the chapter number is all we need. (Not sure why she kept announcing the titles of chapters.)
10. This book would have worked better streamlined as an online essay with a tighter focus.
Now, given all that, I'm glad Krysa says she's learned to ignore not only her inner critic, but some outside ones. I'm not out to hurt her feelings. However, if she writes another book, I hope she will be open to the advice above.
And to show I'm not a nitpicking grump of an old writer, I will end with a point she made that I like. When asking adults if they are artists, she is often met with a blank look or resistance. When asking children, however:
Me (Krysa): "Are you an artist?"
Kid: "Yes."
Some things are simple. Let's learn to accept our creativity.
1. While the author tries to include all creative people, it's geared toward artists.
2. The overuse and misuse of the comma irritated the OCD editor in me.
3. Mark Twain suggested
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substituting the word "damn" whenever you're inclined to write "very." He said your editor will strike it out and your writing will be just as it should be. Krysa might like to try this with a few different words, but with "very" in particular. If the word you choose isn't strong enough unless you tack "very" or something similar in front of it, you need a different word. Even when my children were young, they learned to count how many times they'd used a word in a story or essay and edit it.4. Krysa's whole premise is that she is an artist because she learned to ignore her inner critic. Why did someone else illustrate this book?
5. The book looks organized at first glance, but repeats information and jumps around. Feels like some of the writing was rushed just to get something on paper.
6. More originality and fewer cliches would have been nice.
7. Sticking with a central metaphor would have been nice also.
8. Some of the inspirational quotes are good, but easy enough to find with a quick Internet search. Instead of grouping a bunch together in chapter eight, it would have worked to lead each chapter with a relevant quote. Sometimes she did that, sometimes not. Consistency is a helpful organizational tool.
9. When referring back to a chapter, the chapter number is all we need. (Not sure why she kept announcing the titles of chapters.)
10. This book would have worked better streamlined as an online essay with a tighter focus.
Now, given all that, I'm glad Krysa says she's learned to ignore not only her inner critic, but some outside ones. I'm not out to hurt her feelings. However, if she writes another book, I hope she will be open to the advice above.
And to show I'm not a nitpicking grump of an old writer, I will end with a point she made that I like. When asking adults if they are artists, she is often met with a blank look or resistance. When asking children, however:
Me (Krysa): "Are you an artist?"
Kid: "Yes."
Some things are simple. Let's learn to accept our creativity.
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LibraryThing member ladycato
Your Inner Critic is a Big Jerk is a blunt yet pleasant self-help book for anyone in the creative arts. Krysa writes as someone who has personally experienced artistic blocks--in fact, giving up on art entirely due to a professor's harsh criticism--and the whole book has a vibe of a friend taking
The book itself is well-made and would work well on a coffee table. It's hardcover, with a front cover that is enough by itself to make a person smile. The design inside is, again, friendly. Pages are not filled with text and there are frequent, colorful illustrations. It's a fast read because there do tend to just be a couple paragraphs to a page--the blank space is soothing, but the author also encourages people to use the space to make notes. There are a few areas where there are activities or questions, but it's not hardcore in that way.
As an author with a loud inner critic, I found the book encouraging without being obnoxious as some books like this are. I'd consider getting this for author friends who were struggling through Imposter Syndrome and other similar afflictions.
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your hand to talk sense into you. The book itself is well-made and would work well on a coffee table. It's hardcover, with a front cover that is enough by itself to make a person smile. The design inside is, again, friendly. Pages are not filled with text and there are frequent, colorful illustrations. It's a fast read because there do tend to just be a couple paragraphs to a page--the blank space is soothing, but the author also encourages people to use the space to make notes. There are a few areas where there are activities or questions, but it's not hardcore in that way.
As an author with a loud inner critic, I found the book encouraging without being obnoxious as some books like this are. I'd consider getting this for author friends who were struggling through Imposter Syndrome and other similar afflictions.
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LibraryThing member CarolynSchroeder
I really enjoyed this little book, a whole lot more than I thought I would. It is like sitting down with a supportive friend. I don't think any of the advice was really novel, per se, but it was great to hear from others who have overcome (or manage) their jerky inner critics. Although I could not
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relate to the part about jealousy (I'm inspired and intrigued by those better than me), it made me learn even more how to be helpful to others struggling to create; and that kindness comes back 20-fold. The tips to be more productive were the most helpful for me. My only small complaint is that the book seems mostly geared towards collage artists such as the author. The thought of going out and cutting out little images from magazines makes me kinda nuts and it would be the anti-thesis of sparking me, but I think it would be really good for those into collage or similar kinds of mixed media. Overall, I really liked this book and think it's just incredibly necessary. It is so, so, easy to fall into the Jerky Inner Critic Pit of Despair and simply ... not create. Any help in that regard is just wonderful. Show Less
LibraryThing member shulera1
Disclaimer: I received this item for free in exchange for my honest review.
Your Inner Critic is a Big Jerk is a fine little read. It’s cute and quirky with some good advice and delightful drawings. It doesn’t feature much advice that a creative person hasn’t heard quite a bit, but it serves
I wouldn’t have bought Your Inner Critic for myself, since I have many similar books already, but it made for a nice gift. If you or someone you know has hit a rough patch in their creative endeavors, go ahead and pick this one up. There’s nothing mind-blowing in its pages, but there is some solid advice arranged in a pretty little package.
(This post has been cross-posted to my blog.)
Your Inner Critic is a Big Jerk is a fine little read. It’s cute and quirky with some good advice and delightful drawings. It doesn’t feature much advice that a creative person hasn’t heard quite a bit, but it serves
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as a friendly little reminder that lots of people struggle with the same issues. And sometimes that’s what you need.I wouldn’t have bought Your Inner Critic for myself, since I have many similar books already, but it made for a nice gift. If you or someone you know has hit a rough patch in their creative endeavors, go ahead and pick this one up. There’s nothing mind-blowing in its pages, but there is some solid advice arranged in a pretty little package.
(This post has been cross-posted to my blog.)
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LibraryThing member reedread
Artists can get stuck in all sorts of headgames, most of which they heap upon themselves. Danielle Krysa's book is an irreverent look at the "truths of being creative" and gives an oft-needed push out the rut in which artists often land.
Written in a down-to-earth, "get real" style, the advice is
I enjoyed reading this book, which tackles serious subjects that can derail artists in a lighthearted way. Artists of all levels would appreciate this book from beginning to end. It is a refreshing way to tackle those pesky pitfalls for artists of all types, and I would recommend the book to artists in all genres of creativity.
Written in a down-to-earth, "get real" style, the advice is
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such that all artists can heed. Sections such as "Don't let the paper push you around," and "Embrace Creative Potholes" can inspire artists to get going with their art. And serious advice such as "Don't share big ideas with small thinkers" and "Criticism of your work is NOT criticism of you" are wonderful concepts to remember.I enjoyed reading this book, which tackles serious subjects that can derail artists in a lighthearted way. Artists of all levels would appreciate this book from beginning to end. It is a refreshing way to tackle those pesky pitfalls for artists of all types, and I would recommend the book to artists in all genres of creativity.
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LibraryThing member lyndsay
Fun little book that I actually found inspirational. It felt like a hug and a push to do creative work--the stuff I've put on the backburner since having kids. No more excuses! This book covers self and outside bullying, jealousy, motivation, and so much more. I'm ready to put creative time on my
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calendar and get to work. Show Less
LibraryThing member book_in_hand
This book was so inspiring!!! The whole time I was reading it I kept thinking about different people I wanted to give it to, so they could be inspired too! However I will be keeping this copy because I see myself picking it back up in the future! 😉 Also the book is filled with Martha Rich's
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paintings and I love her artwork!!!!! Show Less
LibraryThing member pjmanley41
This was okay but it didn't really hold my interest.
LibraryThing member nicholasjjordan
There are lots of better books than this on being a productive artist. Read them instead. Unless this is the one you already have. Then read this one.
Original language
English