Jeff Goins - Real Artists Don't Starve book review

In a nutshell (240 pages), this book is Goins great attempt to curb the illusion that to be a “true artist” you have to suffer, and in some cases literally go hungry. This is not a motivational book on how to make money at your craft that you are passionate about, it’s a thesis on how to live with your art in a way that you can live.

What I got out of it

I’m no artist, and this book was really more of a curiosity than a book I felt impelled to read. That said, I’m very glad that I did. The book is way better researched and written than I anticipated. There are also a lot of lessons that I believe transfer out of the art world. Lessons like earning what you're worth. When value is being created, if defined by the creation of money through sales of some sort, why not get paid properly for your contribution.

What was difficult

The only criticism I have is that it seems at times in this book that Goins is an artist, in his case a writer primarily, who hasn’t had much experience in other domains. There are a few story explanations or highlights that show a relatively limited view of the world. That said, this only happened a few times and nothing to be concerned about when going through the book.

Recommendation

Artists should definitely read this book, whether aspiring or decorated. I’m no artist, but I got a lot out of the book and I think most people will as well. Even if the premise is more or less interesting to you, the background stories on people like Elvis Presley, Michelangelo, and many more are really interesting. I just recommend that you continue to read and learn beyond this book because it’s not so well-rounded that it alone will give you everything you need to know to begin or to excel.