Real Artists Don’t Starve audiobook cover - Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age

Real Artists Don’t Starve

Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age

Jeff Goins

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CreativityEntrepreneurship

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Real Artists Don’t Starve
Debunking Myths+
Essential Mindsets+
Building a Network+
Audience Engagement+
Valuing Your Work+
The New Renaissance+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8
According to the book, what is a major misconception about creating true art?
  • A. Artists must be completely original and avoid borrowing from others.
  • B. Artists must constantly promote their work on social media to succeed.
  • C. Artists need to find a wealthy patron before starting their career.
  • D. Artists should focus on mastering a single skill rather than multiple crafts.
Question 2 of 8
Why does the author argue that thriving artists must possess a combination of stubbornness and humility?
  • A. Stubbornness helps them negotiate better pay, while humility keeps them grounded with their fans.
  • B. Stubbornness allows them to persist through rejection, while humility enables them to learn from a master through apprenticeship.
  • C. Stubbornness ensures they keep full ownership of their work, while humility allows them to accept constructive criticism from peers.
  • D. Stubbornness helps them work in isolation, while humility encourages them to eventually share their masterpieces.
Question 3 of 8
How does the book view the idea of the 'solitary genius' who works in total isolation?
  • A. It is the most effective way to produce a truly original masterpiece without outside interference.
  • B. It is a romantic but inaccurate notion, as artists actually benefit greatly from collaborative communities and scenes.
  • C. It is a modern phenomenon caused by the rise of digital tools and the internet.
  • D. It is a necessary phase every artist must go through before finding their true creative voice.
Question 4 of 8
What is described in the book as the 'simple rule of the audience'?
  • A. An audience will only pay for art if the artist has a well-established brand.
  • B. You must give away your first few pieces of art for free to build a loyal audience.
  • C. An audience prefers art that is easily digestible and follows popular trends.
  • D. Practicing your craft in front of an audience will cause you to improve faster than practicing alone.
Question 5 of 8
What is the author's stance on artists working for free in exchange for 'good exposure'?
  • A. It is a smart strategy for beginners to build a portfolio and attract wealthy patrons.
  • B. It is a necessary evil in the modern digital age where content is expected to be free.
  • C. It is a bad habit that often leads to exploitation, and artists should always value their work and charge money.
  • D. It is acceptable only if the artist retains full ownership and copyright of the final product.
Question 6 of 8
What crucial business lesson is demonstrated by Jim Henson's early experience with the Purina dog food company?
  • A. The importance of securing a wealthy corporate patron to fund your creative projects.
  • B. The necessity of refusing to sell the rights to your creations for a quick lump sum.
  • C. The value of using commercial advertising as a stepping stone to television production.
  • D. The danger of collaborating with large corporations that might alter your original vision.
Question 7 of 8
According to the book, what characterizes a 'New Renaissance' artist?
  • A. They focus exclusively on classical techniques and reject modern digital tools.
  • B. They rely entirely on wealthy patrons for financial support, similar to artists in the original Renaissance.
  • C. They pursue and dabble in a diverse set of skills and crafts rather than restricting themselves to just one category.
  • D. They isolate themselves in specific geographic hubs, like Silicon Valley or Paris, to create their work.
Question 8 of 8
Based on the actionable advice in the book, what is the best way to secure a valuable apprenticeship with an artist you admire?
  • A. Send them a portfolio of your most original, avant-garde work to prove you don't need hand-holding.
  • B. Offer to work for them for free in exchange for exposure to their network of patrons.
  • C. Study their work extensively, create something influenced by them to show eagerness, and approach them with humility.
  • D. Challenge their existing methods to demonstrate that you can bring a fresh, modern perspective to their studio.

Real Artists Don’t Starve — Full Chapter Overview

Real Artists Don’t Starve Summary & Overview

Real Artists Don’t Starve (2017) is a wake-up call to those who think being an artist isn’t a realistic or viable pursuit. Here, you’ll find ample proof to debunk the myths portraying artists as starving and solitary figures that must suffer for their art. There’s a New Renaissance going on these days – find out how you can be a part of it!

Who Should Listen to Real Artists Don’t Starve?

  • Aspiring artists
  • Workers who don’t feel fulfilled with their jobs
  • Creative readers looking for fresh inspiration and motivation

About the Author: Jeff Goins

Jeff Goins is a former musician who went on to start a writing career, which has since become a thriving business aimed at helping others turn their artistic dreams into reality. His other books include the bestseller The Art of Work. You can find out more about his teachings and keynote speeches at goinswriter.com.

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