No Mistakes

by Keiko Agena

An inspiring creative journal based on mindfulness practices and the "no mistakes" principles of improv, by a Gilmore Girls alum.

What if there were no mistakes? OK, that's impossible--but what if you learned to view your mistakes in a whole new light?

In this inspiring workbook, artist and former Gilmore Girls actress Keiko Agena guides you through simple exercises based on one of the founding ideas of improv: Any misstep is an opportunity for growth and creativity. Interspersed with coloring pages and original artwork by Agena, each exercise teaches you to confront your emotions, rethink your art, and take mindful breaks to recharge in her own playful, encourgaging voice:
* Describe a success you had, and identify the skills you learned to get you there.
* Look at an old piece of art that you're not proud of. What works, and how could you rework what doesn't?
* What actions can you take today to feed or rest your artistic impulse?

No Mistakes is a supportive space for amateurs, professional creatives, and everyone in between to test their boundaries, get to know their inner artist, and produce unique, meaningful work they feel proud of.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Art

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2018

About the author

Keiko Agena is an actress and artist.

Reviews

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It really makes you do some soul searching, while drawing some sketches to help you think things through. It can be some deep soul searching, while some other pages are lighter and a bit of fun. This is definitely a one of a kind type book that I have never seen or owned before. I will and have been using it and enjoying it very much. This was a goodreads win, and it was very well thought out and written well. Thanks!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t done the “workbook” part of this yet, just read through it because it came today BUT it was powerful without even doing the exercises. It’s framed around being an artist, which I usually assume is like a painter or a sculptor, but I guess writers are artists too so this kinda spoke to me on a level. Loved it. Loved her voice throughout.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the innovative workbook “No Mistakes” which I won through Goodreads Giveaways Keiko Agena challenges the artist in every reader to use their imagination and creativity while confronting their deepest emotions and expressing them in a unique new way. Using “no mistakes” as the theme she has us explore our inner frustrations like our anxieties, failures and complaints, bringing them to life in our art and as a result giving a positive way of expressing them.

Inspirational in content and a fun way of looking at myself and the world around me, I am thoroughly enjoying this inventive way of expressing myself, giving voice to my emotions while fuelling my artistic streak. High praise for "No Mistakes: A Workbook for Imperfect Artists".

[Liz Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this workbook! The design is so inviting to your pen, heart, and mind. It's full of invitations and suggestions to get your heart pumping, your mind churning, and your hand moving across the page. There's space and prompts for writing, coloring, doodling... ripping, scribbling... I bought my copy at the book launch, and I decided to read it all the way through it before I broke it in - Which was actually difficult, because it's *so* inspiring! In the middle, Keiko says, "This book is the book I needed to read in order to be able to write this book." I feel like this is exactly the book *I* need right now, and I'm starting with #4 - Gratitude. <3

[Stephanie Emanuele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me good-cry in the first 10 pages. Keiko has managed to make an art workbook, yes, but it is so much more. The questions she poses will reveal answers deep within yourself. I received this book as a gift and at first wrote it off as another “draw everyday” type of journal, but I was so wrong. No matter what kind of artist you are, no matter what skill level, you need this book.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway..thank you. Nice little workbook, but it isn’t anything exceptional. It is great for a young person who wants to explore their creativity. I have passed it on to my niece who loves it.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book to help develop an artist's mindset. Filled with fun exercises as well as the author's doodles. I won an advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher as part of the Goodreads giveaways program.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on the creative process. Keiko is encouraging and supportive while giving a bit of tough love. I think some of these would be great to do with kids!

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this as a Goodreads Giveaway – thank you! It’s a workbook, so I’m not finished … it’s a work in progress. But I can see that it will prod me to self-survey, and inspire imaginative response to all the thought-provoking stimuli Keiko Agena uses as a springboard to artistic expression.

[Margo · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting book, loved it