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Create: Tools from Seriously Talented People to Unleash Your Creative Life
Creative conversations from some of the world’s top photographers, filmmakers, Grammy award winners, TED presenters, actors, CEOs and more!
Many of us think of creativity as something distant and incompatible with daily life—a skill that artists get to use, but not the rest of us. Maybe you feel like a land-locked surfer, yearning for exhilarating rides. Or maybe you live for the few hours a week when you can take photographs, paint, or write. It’s time for a new mindset. Create shows you how to rediscover the artist within you.
People who make a living in the creative arts know that there is a cycle to unlocking the imagination. Visualize, know your tools, work your craft, refine, share. When you tap into this cycle, you’ll find ways to operate at your highest state in all aspects of life.
Overcoming the barriers to innovation is easier than you think. Marc Silber—bestselling author, award-wining creative and educator—shows you how to avoid the traps of procrastination, overthinking, and self-doubt. The exercises in Create are specifically designed to help you find certainty and confidence in self-expression.
Learn how
· Master the techniques of visualization
· Draw inspiration from the world around you
· Collaborate with people who can further your vision
· Share with others to spread the joy
“Take it from someone who has been an educator in the arts for if you want a more artistic and fun life, you’re holding the book that will do it (plus, you’ll love Marc’s delightful and engaging writing style). Highly recommended.” —Scott Kelby, author of The Digital Photography Book
Many of us think of creativity as something distant and incompatible with daily life—a skill that artists get to use, but not the rest of us. Maybe you feel like a land-locked surfer, yearning for exhilarating rides. Or maybe you live for the few hours a week when you can take photographs, paint, or write. It’s time for a new mindset. Create shows you how to rediscover the artist within you.
People who make a living in the creative arts know that there is a cycle to unlocking the imagination. Visualize, know your tools, work your craft, refine, share. When you tap into this cycle, you’ll find ways to operate at your highest state in all aspects of life.
Overcoming the barriers to innovation is easier than you think. Marc Silber—bestselling author, award-wining creative and educator—shows you how to avoid the traps of procrastination, overthinking, and self-doubt. The exercises in Create are specifically designed to help you find certainty and confidence in self-expression.
Learn how
· Master the techniques of visualization
· Draw inspiration from the world around you
· Collaborate with people who can further your vision
· Share with others to spread the joy
“Take it from someone who has been an educator in the arts for if you want a more artistic and fun life, you’re holding the book that will do it (plus, you’ll love Marc’s delightful and engaging writing style). Highly recommended.” —Scott Kelby, author of The Digital Photography Book
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2019
89 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Marc Silber
6 books86 followersMarc Silber is an award-winning professional video producer, photographer, and photography educator who has been successfully working in the field for decades. Marc combines his passion for the visual art of photography with his love of life.
He started out learning darkroom skills and the basics of photography at the legendary Peninsula School in Menlo Park, CA, in the ‘60s, and moved on to hone his skills to professional standards at the famed San Francisco Art Institute, one of the oldest and most prestigious schools of higher education in art and photography in the United States.
Marc has been an educator since then as well; he began his teaching career at the age of 19 at the National Outdoor Leadership School, teaching mountaineering.
When teaching a life-or-death subject such as mountaineering, one learns how to make sure the students understand the material; when Marc moved into teaching photography in workshops all over the country, he became renowned as an engaging and helpful speaker and coach, as his greatest joy comes from helping others.
More recently, Marc has embraced the digital age with a highly popular YouTube show called “Advancing Your Photography,” which has won several Telly Awards and other recognition for his work there.
This book is a distillation of all the pro tips and wisdom in the YouTube series, in a format you can take with you and refer to constantly when you are out taking your photographs.
He started out learning darkroom skills and the basics of photography at the legendary Peninsula School in Menlo Park, CA, in the ‘60s, and moved on to hone his skills to professional standards at the famed San Francisco Art Institute, one of the oldest and most prestigious schools of higher education in art and photography in the United States.
Marc has been an educator since then as well; he began his teaching career at the age of 19 at the National Outdoor Leadership School, teaching mountaineering.
When teaching a life-or-death subject such as mountaineering, one learns how to make sure the students understand the material; when Marc moved into teaching photography in workshops all over the country, he became renowned as an engaging and helpful speaker and coach, as his greatest joy comes from helping others.
More recently, Marc has embraced the digital age with a highly popular YouTube show called “Advancing Your Photography,” which has won several Telly Awards and other recognition for his work there.
This book is a distillation of all the pro tips and wisdom in the YouTube series, in a format you can take with you and refer to constantly when you are out taking your photographs.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 2, 2023
I was going to drop the book, and then a gem dropped. And then another. So it’s a bit of a mixed bag of information that I didn’t find all too useful and then gems of actionable insights I didn’t consider before reading this book.
3 of my personal actionable takeaways:
1. Always observe for creative insights. Don’t just react or zone out. In a boring meeting? Instead of zoning out, monitor the behaviors of those around you. It can serve as creative inspiration for another time.
2. We get accustomed to our surroundings and creative work and don’t see them as someone else might see. If you’re hosting a party, go outside your house with a note book and enter back, but with a set of eyes like an outsider. What do you notice? The dead plant in the corner? A painting that’s hanging crooked? These are things your guests would notice. Alternatively get an actual set of eyes on your work to help curate it. You’ve seen your photos/writing/etc so much you can’t stand back far enough and a second professional opinion would be beneficial.
3. Go on walks. A Stanford study found that going on a walk can help invigorate the mind and spark creativity by an average of 60%. So if you are feeling tired or uninspired, a walk could be just the thing to spark your imagination.
3 of my personal actionable takeaways:
1. Always observe for creative insights. Don’t just react or zone out. In a boring meeting? Instead of zoning out, monitor the behaviors of those around you. It can serve as creative inspiration for another time.
2. We get accustomed to our surroundings and creative work and don’t see them as someone else might see. If you’re hosting a party, go outside your house with a note book and enter back, but with a set of eyes like an outsider. What do you notice? The dead plant in the corner? A painting that’s hanging crooked? These are things your guests would notice. Alternatively get an actual set of eyes on your work to help curate it. You’ve seen your photos/writing/etc so much you can’t stand back far enough and a second professional opinion would be beneficial.
3. Go on walks. A Stanford study found that going on a walk can help invigorate the mind and spark creativity by an average of 60%. So if you are feeling tired or uninspired, a walk could be just the thing to spark your imagination.
January 7, 2024
I feel like unleash is a very strong term to use regarding creativity, unless you're Georgia O'Keeffe or Hemingway. I would advise all authors that write these type of books to be a bit more tame in choosing their words.
The book is forgettable at best.
The book is forgettable at best.
October 31, 2023
Just by reading this book I've entered a self analysis journey of "what the f*** am I doing with my *creative* life?". The book touches several subjects that I'm still trying to overcome myself, but, for example, I've been having trouble, or "stage fright", to grab a pencil and doing something. I like creating and want to creating more, but there are still some shadows more difficult to just overcome just by reading a book.
But the book did help some issues just by reading.
The four star review is affected by two facts:
- I hardly give full review through the judgement of myself not being an "expert" to fully evaluate something.
-The book was written pre covid (the plague ain't the issue) and the digital era suffered tremendously with the main social medias to one show their own art has become extremely difficult, therefore I feel that the passages that refer to the aspects of promoting and selling are unfortunately a bit outdated.
Several notes to self:
- In a year try to remember to re-read this book.
- When re-reading this book, try to answer the questions throughout the book to analyse if I learned and put anything into action just for reading.
But the book did help some issues just by reading.
The four star review is affected by two facts:
- I hardly give full review through the judgement of myself not being an "expert" to fully evaluate something.
-The book was written pre covid (the plague ain't the issue) and the digital era suffered tremendously with the main social medias to one show their own art has become extremely difficult, therefore I feel that the passages that refer to the aspects of promoting and selling are unfortunately a bit outdated.
Several notes to self:
- In a year try to remember to re-read this book.
- When re-reading this book, try to answer the questions throughout the book to analyse if I learned and put anything into action just for reading.
September 19, 2019
This book is an investment in the single most important issue: Creativity. Not gear.
n his simple, But very informative way, Marc handles the most important thing you want to invest in. No, It's not gear. It's creativity: Creativity is what makes everything "Tick". Especially photography. Sadly, This is the weakest link - And this is, As with any muscle, Something that ongoing usage and training, Gets easier with time.
In the book "Create", you will get many ideas on how to release your "stuck" creativity, And take great photos/paintings/Whatever you want to create. On a personal note: after reading the book, My entire thinking has changed and it is much easier for me (As a 'square thinker' sometimes), To understand artistic explanations and advice - Whether they are photographic ideas or even ideas in cooking on when watching master chef!
n his simple, But very informative way, Marc handles the most important thing you want to invest in. No, It's not gear. It's creativity: Creativity is what makes everything "Tick". Especially photography. Sadly, This is the weakest link - And this is, As with any muscle, Something that ongoing usage and training, Gets easier with time.
In the book "Create", you will get many ideas on how to release your "stuck" creativity, And take great photos/paintings/Whatever you want to create. On a personal note: after reading the book, My entire thinking has changed and it is much easier for me (As a 'square thinker' sometimes), To understand artistic explanations and advice - Whether they are photographic ideas or even ideas in cooking on when watching master chef!
July 29, 2019
I've read this book twice. The next time I will go through it slowly and do all the exercises at the end of each section. This is not a coffee table book; it's a journey into your inner creative self. After reading about Mark's journey into creativity, and that of the highly creative persons he interviews, I began to understand that roadblocks to creativity are self-imposed.
I strongly encourage you to read and use this well researched study guide into the mystery of creativity. After you've read this book you'll understand that creativity is not as mysterious as you though it was--in fact it's in you trying to get out!
I strongly encourage you to read and use this well researched study guide into the mystery of creativity. After you've read this book you'll understand that creativity is not as mysterious as you though it was--in fact it's in you trying to get out!
Read
January 4, 2023Picked up the book from recommendations in Scribd. The main insight for me was the way author suggest to apply creative process to every activity.
The creative process: imagine, do, edit, share.
Application to organizing a party:
1. Imagine how you would decorate the house, how people will interact.
2. Do decorate the house.
3. Edit: walk through the house as you would be a guest. Fix everything that doesn't fit/work.
4. Share: well, throw the party.
Do this with every activity in your life.
I can tell that having a good editor who is not you could be the game changer. So if you already have a body of work, try hiring an editor to help you picking the right items/fixing them.
The creative process: imagine, do, edit, share.
Application to organizing a party:
1. Imagine how you would decorate the house, how people will interact.
2. Do decorate the house.
3. Edit: walk through the house as you would be a guest. Fix everything that doesn't fit/work.
4. Share: well, throw the party.
Do this with every activity in your life.
I can tell that having a good editor who is not you could be the game changer. So if you already have a body of work, try hiring an editor to help you picking the right items/fixing them.
July 23, 2019
This unique book provides something you won’t get anywhere else: a handbook for adding creativity into your life no matter who you are. And if you are already creative, the steps for getting paid for your art.
If you want to live a richer, fuller life full of the joy of creating without having to be a “starving artist,” this book is for you.
The interviews with creative people, some of them quite famous, made this book entertaining and pleasurable in addition to informative.
If you want to live a richer, fuller life full of the joy of creating without having to be a “starving artist,” this book is for you.
The interviews with creative people, some of them quite famous, made this book entertaining and pleasurable in addition to informative.
July 28, 2019
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The many examples of really creative individuals are truly inspiring. Marc's insight into each interviewee's particular talents provides standards of excellence that can be obtained irrespective of one's specific artistic discipline (e.g., photography, music, etc.). If you want to be a better creator in your creative endeavors, I urge you to purchase a copy of this book!
April 19, 2022
I needed some time to decide what score should I give this book.
Most of the content is fine. Good, but nothing exceptional. It is not something you will probably not read or hear in other places. I was leaning towards two (or max three) stars. However, there are moments in the book, where it somehow uses just the right words I needed to hear. It truly helped me to come to quite a few realizations and I wouldn't be surprised if I'll read this book again in the future.
Most of the content is fine. Good, but nothing exceptional. It is not something you will probably not read or hear in other places. I was leaning towards two (or max three) stars. However, there are moments in the book, where it somehow uses just the right words I needed to hear. It truly helped me to come to quite a few realizations and I wouldn't be surprised if I'll read this book again in the future.
November 18, 2024
This is a pretty basic book that recommends the usual things for building creative time and thinking into your life: set goals, make habits to meet those goals, work at the same time every day, etc. It's all very good advice, imo.
Silber interviews a number of creative people who basically echo this advice with solid real-world examples.
The strength of this book is its capacious definition of creativity.
Silber interviews a number of creative people who basically echo this advice with solid real-world examples.
The strength of this book is its capacious definition of creativity.
August 12, 2022
This was a great book to get me to think about creativity and what I am doing to foster it and not stifle it in my everyday life. I am so glad I came across it and hope to implement many of the things I learned or remembered.
June 27, 2025
A really great workbook for people ho want to keep being or start being creative. A bit too Hollywood privileged at times and it should have had 2 sections: one for artists and one for people who want to be more creative.
August 4, 2019
Practical, helpful roadmap complete with inspiring stories. Create a personalized plan to integrate creativity in any and all aspects of your life. The sky is the limit!
May 30, 2020
Good book, great life advice
For me it was a heavy reading, it’s interesting, helpful and full of mindfulness-like introspection. Great piece, to read again in a near future.
For me it was a heavy reading, it’s interesting, helpful and full of mindfulness-like introspection. Great piece, to read again in a near future.
January 29, 2021
"Make your surroundings a metaphor of who you are."
June 10, 2021
Honestly this book didn’t tell me anything new and was fairly boring as well.
March 12, 2023
A bit disjointed with rambling stories.
March 26, 2024
A book that's worth listening to/reading by everyone. Great piece of advice overall.
September 19, 2020
Great
Marc has written a really well thought out and useful book. This is a tool for any new creative or a seasoned professional that is wrestling with where to go next.
Marc has written a really well thought out and useful book. This is a tool for any new creative or a seasoned professional that is wrestling with where to go next.
May 8, 2024
Unfortunately I had a really hard time paying attention to this book, it just seemed to fall flat for me
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews