Summary
— A Gift for All Aspiring Artists
— Writers, Musicians, Filmmakers, Visual Artists, Dancers, Actors
— Save years of trial and error
— Avoid the common pitfalls of creative careers
— A mentor in a book
Talent is not enough, sometimes it's not even the most important quality to promote success in the arts says author A. Michael Shumate. His new book, Success in the Arts: What It Takes to Make It in Creative Fields encourages straight thinking and professional attitudes in aspiring artists. He means artists in the broadest sense: musicians, visual artists, actors, dancers, filmmakers and writers.
Each page contains an essential tip, entertaining illustration or pointed quote to guide any would-be artist. Michael shoots from the hip with real-world advice, plus realistic counsel and encouragement. This book sobers you up, loosens you up and fires you up at the same time.
Here are just some of the essential questions dealt with in this short but powerful book:
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What factors contribute most to success in the arts
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Do you have enough talent?
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What do you need besides talent?
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What are the myths about creativity?
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What is real creativity and how do you cultivate it?
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How do you get through tough times?
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How do you deal with criticism?
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How do you "get the breaks" in your field?
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What foundation principles don't change?
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How do you hang on to the important things in life?
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How do you keep from "selling your soul?"
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What if you don't make it?
While these and other essential artistic issues are ably treated, Michael Shumate manages to do it in a down-to-earth style. One minute you'll feel like you're engaged in a seminar and the next like you're having a fireside chat. For complex material, it's amazingly light, understandable and memorable.
