You Do You: Essays on being creative

by Danny Gregory

We all know creativity isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, right? We hit walls, the muse goes MIA, and self-doubt drops by for a visit. But don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of ideas to help us power through. All served up in bite-sized, snackable essays. My goal is to help you realize your amazing creative potential and to clear the crap that’s getting in the way of having an authentic, creative life. You can do this. I can help. I’ve been writing essays a few times a week for twenty years. I write about creativity, about life, about the challenges we all face as creative folks. Recently, I decided to collect a bunch of my recent favorites, give them a final polish, illustrate each one and pack em into a book. I really like how they turned out. I hope you do too. 262 pp. Fully illustrated by the author.

Genres: Art, Self Help, Essays, Writing

262 pages, Paperback

Published July 12, 2023

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read and loved most of Danny Gregory’s books. So I know his message, know he’s going to be humorous and inspiring and I’m going to want to make art before I’m finished reading the first page of any of his books. Because of all of that, I didn’t think I needed this one. Then bought it on a whim and found it spoke to me and inspired me for exactly where I am in my creative practice right now. Reading Danny Gregory is like talking with a wise and experienced creative friend.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started this book, I thought this isn’t for me, I’m passed this. Then I tagged it all up, read it twice, laughed and cried.

[Sam Hardacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it from cover-to-cover or jump around and read essays in any order and you’re sure to get something out of this book.

The core theme is to ignore that self-critical voice in your head, ignore the outside world and just get going on your creative passion. So, take the time to read it but make sure you take time after to put it into practice :)

[Anna Wheaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are not familiar with Danny Gregory, he is worth checking out on YouTube. This book is a great collection of short essays about creativity. Danny is a sketchbook artist that has experienced a full and rich life which has added to his observations. The essays combine humour and wisdom and by the time you have finished reading you will have reignited your creative spark. This is an easy read and finish it feeling inspired.

[Travelmaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful encouragement on creativity. One of those books you can pick up and open to a section to take a breath and gain some insight and inspiration.