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Joining the Dots: The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills
Using our creative skills to make money and make an
impact - while staying sane - can be hard as heck...
…If you don’t know what you’re doing.
A lot has been done to help creatives and artists find
success, but much of it doesn’t apply to people with
‘arty’ skills. It can be hard to understand, and some of it
is downright unhelpful.
With over a decade working for himself as an illustrator,
writer and coach, Alex Mathers is intimately familiar
with how we can hold ourselves back.
The common thread he’s discovered in his approach to
success is the need to feel alive.
Every idea in this book addresses this very human need,
distilled into a handy A-Z guide.
Though none of us is perfect, the way we think
consistently will move us in the right direction.
Whether you’re an artist, a designer or a writer, working
for yourself or with a team, the right mindset is the
difference between giving up and thriving.
These 26 concepts will help you join the dots, seeing with
greater clarity what it takes to be a successful creative.
Success is in your hands.
-
impact - while staying sane - can be hard as heck...
…If you don’t know what you’re doing.
A lot has been done to help creatives and artists find
success, but much of it doesn’t apply to people with
‘arty’ skills. It can be hard to understand, and some of it
is downright unhelpful.
With over a decade working for himself as an illustrator,
writer and coach, Alex Mathers is intimately familiar
with how we can hold ourselves back.
The common thread he’s discovered in his approach to
success is the need to feel alive.
Every idea in this book addresses this very human need,
distilled into a handy A-Z guide.
Though none of us is perfect, the way we think
consistently will move us in the right direction.
Whether you’re an artist, a designer or a writer, working
for yourself or with a team, the right mindset is the
difference between giving up and thriving.
These 26 concepts will help you join the dots, seeing with
greater clarity what it takes to be a successful creative.
Success is in your hands.
-
- GenresNonfiction
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2017
23 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 12, 2018
There are a lot of concepts to consume in this book--and for creatives, this can be overwhelming or exactly what they need.
I think every concept covered in this book is worthwhile mentioning and being aware of. I would recommend this as a great, startup handbook for the creative looking to get a quick overview of the things they will encounter on their business journey and how to handle each one.
I wouldn't recommend it to someone who has been in business for a longer than 6 months, as I personally feel that by that point many of these concepts would have been encountered and dealt with, or would just overwhelm them. If someone were struggling in their business they would need to find the root of their problem and find a book going into more depth on that single concept to then move forward. That being said, it would be a great resource to have on your desk and go through if you are unsure what a specific problem might be and want a list of places to start looking--from there, you can work further on the problem.
Overall, the book is quirky and creative, very easy to understand and highly recommended for anyone looking to break into the business world as a creative. Each concept goes into adequate depth--not too much or too little--and will give you a wealth of knowledge I know I would have benefited from in my own startup year.
I think every concept covered in this book is worthwhile mentioning and being aware of. I would recommend this as a great, startup handbook for the creative looking to get a quick overview of the things they will encounter on their business journey and how to handle each one.
I wouldn't recommend it to someone who has been in business for a longer than 6 months, as I personally feel that by that point many of these concepts would have been encountered and dealt with, or would just overwhelm them. If someone were struggling in their business they would need to find the root of their problem and find a book going into more depth on that single concept to then move forward. That being said, it would be a great resource to have on your desk and go through if you are unsure what a specific problem might be and want a list of places to start looking--from there, you can work further on the problem.
Overall, the book is quirky and creative, very easy to understand and highly recommended for anyone looking to break into the business world as a creative. Each concept goes into adequate depth--not too much or too little--and will give you a wealth of knowledge I know I would have benefited from in my own startup year.
September 28, 2018
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Starting any business can be daunting and Joining the Dots: The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills is a resource that can help you stay focused. It's presented in an entertaining and thoughtful way, helping the reader to consider the questions that are important to being successful. It also has a place for notes at the end of each chapter which is helpful.
I've always tried to emphasize to my boys the importance of making your passion your profession. Joining the Dots: The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills is designed to help you do just that.
Just for fun, the author has arranged the concepts from A to Z, and there are adorable illustrations throughout (think quirky fruit). Anyone starting their own business to market their creative skills would definitely find Joining the Dots: The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills an excellent resource to go back to again and again.
Starting any business can be daunting and Joining the Dots: The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills is a resource that can help you stay focused. It's presented in an entertaining and thoughtful way, helping the reader to consider the questions that are important to being successful. It also has a place for notes at the end of each chapter which is helpful.
I've always tried to emphasize to my boys the importance of making your passion your profession. Joining the Dots: The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills is designed to help you do just that.
Just for fun, the author has arranged the concepts from A to Z, and there are adorable illustrations throughout (think quirky fruit). Anyone starting their own business to market their creative skills would definitely find Joining the Dots: The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills an excellent resource to go back to again and again.
August 8, 2018
In today’s growing industry, it’s harder than ever for you to find success. Competition for seconds of people’s time is a fierce battle. Whether you’re a designer in the creative field or a business owner of a large company, finding what works is a challenge. In Alex Mathers’ book, Joining the Dots, he gives over 100 pages worth of helpful information and....
Read my full review here: http://sevendaysaweek.co/joining-the-...
Read my full review here: http://sevendaysaweek.co/joining-the-...
December 27, 2018
Inspiring read
Great advice in small chunks. Really good read for creative people having difficulty in their business and communicating their value.
Great advice in small chunks. Really good read for creative people having difficulty in their business and communicating their value.
August 10, 2021
Ok, cute, not a lot of info, more about inspiration but may be useful for the artist crowd. Bought for my daughter, read it first.
October 12, 2018
“I know that people’s definitions of success vary. For me, success is about doing what makes me come alive.”
In a world of blogs, Etsy and social media, creative people have more avenues to express themselves than ever before. However, it can be hard to navigate these areas successfully. To be successful at using creative skills – to have people buy what you are creating – takes some thought, planning and work. Joining the Dots: The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills gives creative people 26 tips on how to practically make money off their creativity.
I was asked by the author to review The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills through my blog.As a writer, I am a creative person, so I thought the book would be both interesting and helpful. I was given a free copy in exchange for a fair review.
The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills is a very practical book. There are colorful illustrations and each tip follows the alphabet and gives the reader a place to jot down notes after each tip. Even though the author follows the alphabet, the tips build upon each other. The first is to determine your audience so you know who would buy your creative products. Then, you create a brand. It ends with being zealous – as you should have complete buy-in to sell your creative skills and products.
I think this book would be great for anyone who is just starting out in a creative venture or just thinking about starting out. For those who have started using their creative skills to make money, this book is a good reminder of the basics and could offer insight in areas to improve. Sometimes we all need practical reminders on how to put our best foot forward in business.
Read more here: http://sarahannecarter.com/joining-th...
In a world of blogs, Etsy and social media, creative people have more avenues to express themselves than ever before. However, it can be hard to navigate these areas successfully. To be successful at using creative skills – to have people buy what you are creating – takes some thought, planning and work. Joining the Dots: The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills gives creative people 26 tips on how to practically make money off their creativity.
I was asked by the author to review The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills through my blog.As a writer, I am a creative person, so I thought the book would be both interesting and helpful. I was given a free copy in exchange for a fair review.
The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills is a very practical book. There are colorful illustrations and each tip follows the alphabet and gives the reader a place to jot down notes after each tip. Even though the author follows the alphabet, the tips build upon each other. The first is to determine your audience so you know who would buy your creative products. Then, you create a brand. It ends with being zealous – as you should have complete buy-in to sell your creative skills and products.
I think this book would be great for anyone who is just starting out in a creative venture or just thinking about starting out. For those who have started using their creative skills to make money, this book is a good reminder of the basics and could offer insight in areas to improve. Sometimes we all need practical reminders on how to put our best foot forward in business.
Read more here: http://sarahannecarter.com/joining-th...
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July 20, 2018Joining the Dots: The A-Z Handbook for Making a Success of Your Creative Skills by Alex Mathers is an easy, fast-paced read that is full of valuable and useful information that Alex shares through his own personal experiences. Written much like a study guide you will find a quote followed by a personal story and a place to write down your own notes to reflect. An interesting read that is sure to help improve your creative skills.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews