Nobody Knows What They're Doing: The 10 Secrets All Artists Should Know

by Lee Crutchley

Everything no one will tell you about being an artist


Nobody Knows What They’re Doing is an honest guide to the creative life for artists of all kinds. Lee Crutchley, author of How to Be Happy (Or At Least Less Sad), skips the platitudes, positive affirmations, and guarantees of success; he'll never ever tell you to just Do What You Love. Instead, Crutchley discusses the things nobody else is talking about―that, frankly, your work sucks (but that’s ok because everyone else's does too), that making bad art is worth it, and so much more.

In a world desperate for a glimpse of authenticity, Nobody Knows What They’re Doing is a breath of fresh air that reveals the truths hiding between the lines of Instagram-friendly aphorisms and behind the words of the most inspirational TED talks. An honest look at the reality of creativity and the joy and difficulty of crafting good (and bad) art, this book belongs in the hands of every exhausted creative, every starry-eyed dreamer, and every artist who is trying to make their way in the world―and keep a roof over their head while they do it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Art, Creative, Mental Health

256 pages, Paperback

Published February 16, 2021

About the author

Lee Crutchley is an artist and author from a small town in England that nobody has heard of. He is currently based in Berlin, where he struggles to take his own advice.

Find out more at LeeCrutchley.com.

Reviews

[A.L. Goulden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot more fun than I expected and honestly, I wish I'd read it sooner. This has been such a difficult time to be creative. Between the distractions to the digital expectations, the pandemic has diminished my own capacity as an artist, but the rules that Lee Crutchley lays out are useful reminders and techniques to get to the bigger meaning behind our successes and our failures. I like the way he turned attention to our failures in order to learn about ourselves and what we gain from an experience that might otherwise be seen as a negative. This technique removes fear because every experience is a worthy endeavor. In some ways, it reminded me of the teachings of Bruce Lee and Zen, but in others, it was a humorous look at the absurdity in our humanity. We are not perfect yet we strive for perfection.

This is a great guide, practical in every way, for anyone in need of a shift of thinking and process for their creative selves. You do not need to be an artist to get a lot out of this book, but I hope every reader realizes how creative thinking can improve their lives.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting ideas. Inspiring. Quick read. Several typos! Rating more like 3.5 but higher because of the reread factor, so 4.

[Shiva Shakthi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy and real!

[Cormac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll probably keep coming back to this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read packed with practical advice for fighting self-doubt, getting real about your ambitions, and freeing the artist in you. Steering away from catch phrases and shunning “quick fix” advice, Crutchley encourages his readers to search inside for answers and trust that even bad work is worth making as you find your way; the main thing is to keep working.

More recommendations from me at www.jenniferfrostwrites.com

[Rachel Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book was not what I was hoping for. Instead of this being advice for artists, I got a general self-help book that is meant to appeal to artists. Just another example of an author attempting to jump on the path of success paved by ‘The subtle art of not giving a f*ck’.

The visuals were super cool and probably my favorite part of the book.

[Fortune Rantuana · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a quick and fun book this is the one to read. It was straight forward with some great ideas! I definitely would recommend it to anyone who feels like they don’t what they are doing!

[h · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book for artists that tells you how it is. I appreciate the bluntness of it, honestly I really do feel relieved and inspired by some of the advice. Fast read too :)

[Gabriela Jácome · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must for people struggling in the creative industry and with themselves. Eternally grateful for these vulnerable and real advices.

[matias alejandro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear and easy to read.
Good piece of advice here to anyone related to the creative field or anyone whos needing a push in their creative pursues.

[Jay Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5
Re-Read Factor: Yes

Advice only tells us what we want to hear, rather than what we need to.

This was a wonderful book from start to finish. Although Crutchley's chief demographic are artists, this book is applicable to everyone regardless of profession. He summarizes themes we might have heard of or internalized but never put to words. The physical affirmations he culminated in this book were uplifting, powerful, and a good reminder for those discouraged about the future. As the year of 2020 comes to pass and 2021 brings new hopes on the horizon, this book is a wonderful "reset" for a "new year new me" mentality.

Crutchley also highlights an important point not necessarily defined in other motivational books-- that advice is "flawed by its very nature" and that to change ourselves, we must first acknowledge that we all don't know what we're doing. We could all be doing better than we are today, and we could all be doing worse. But that is what makes us human and allows us to utilize our lows to appreciate our greater moments.

10/10 recommend to anyone looking for a pick-me-up, a book to brighten up their day, and possibly high school seniors before they transition to college or life at large.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book, which was wonderfully read by the way, on my way to work this past week. I honestly think it’s the best self-help book for artists that I’ve read so far. Maybe it’s because I related to more of the advice that he was giving and his sarcastic and down-to-earth way of giving it. Regardless, I enjoyed his writing style and I’m definitely going to check out his other books.

[Nga · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

To me this book is around 3.5 to 4 stars. Some of its chapters are real good with brutal but sharp and pragmatic advice. Some are too predictable and offer insights that are more mainstream than the author had thought. Yes, I guess that's the biggest drawback of this book for me: some of the points the author suggested are not that "no one has ever told you before" or "barely any artists would say this to you". Actually I have heard a lot people tell me that before.

Still the book deserves a 3.5 as the good chapters are real good and they help you keep your feet on the ground. Like the chapter when the author shows you how to achieve what you want not by setting success based goals, or doing what you love cannot guarantee success and nor does hard work.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nicely designed book on creativity for all human beings, but especially graphic designers - so, thanks, Lee! Although he warns about building your life plans around simple aphorisms, the book is structured around ten basic ‘rules’ to follow. But they’re valuable. My favorite was trying to hear what your weaknesses are telling you, instead of beating yourself up about them. Good stuff. Loved that pencil-y font he used, so I need to find out what it was.

[Kham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read especially for aspiring artists

[Arushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 rounded up) honestly really refreshing and really loved the author’s take on dealing with failure and the encouragement to keep creating despite personal perception on the quality of the work! overall really liked it

[Nancy Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading when/if you feel like you're stuck in a rut (particularly a creative rut).

[Brock Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like taking a triple shot of inspiration. I love how self-aware Lee Crutchley is. There’s some great thought starters in here for any creative.

[Logan Reeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sweet book that almost sounds like a best friend giving you tough love and creative empowerment at the same time.

A good read to get you out of a creative slump.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of good, straightforward points made about pursuing any type of art. I think it can help a lot of people who pursue art and sometimes get discouraged, but don’t expect this to be full of motivation. Which isn’t a bad thing, because there’s plenty of that in the world and a bit of slap-in-the-face reality is necessary. The author shares his own story as well, with helps connect with his readers. Great reminders when one is feeling sensitive or fearful of the work they share with the world.

[Bonnie Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an artist I loved it. Creatively written advice and a good reminder of how we all learn as we go.

[Lydia Newman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5! I enjoyed this. Good advice for artists and basically anyone who is uncertain about their path. Favorite quote: “if you know with 100% certainty what you want to do in life, you are limiting yourself to only that life”

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a pretty straightforward book about creativity.

It's light and fun and organized into different secrets. It's the kind of book that can be read in a sitting. It's a peak behind the curtain of being successful as a creative. Most of the advice is things you expect like not comparing yourself to others and you have to start somewhere to be good.

Overall it's a short and sweet read.

[Charlie Nourrcier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice quick read. It helped me as I struggled with frustration and self doubt while learning graphic design at a 3 month design bootcamp. Sometimes you just need to be reminded.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After listening to the audiobook, I bought 2 copies of this book. One to keep and one to gift. A MUST HAVE for every artist.

Song: You Can Do Magic by America

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really solid advice to be found here for any artist who is struggling in today's digital world. I will likely come back to this book time and time again, or borrow it to a friend who could benefit from it.

[Reem Alshehri · Rating 4 out of 5]

“EVENTUALLY, YOU WILL FIGURE OUT ALL THE IMPORTANT AND INSPIRING THINGS THAT NOBODY ELSE WOULD TELL YOU.”

Excerpt From
Nobody Knows What They’re Doing
Lee Crutchley

[Megan Moir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was lovely. Crutchley wrote this book specifically for the 21 century artist. He discussed at length social media and the impact it can have on an artist’s sense of self value and the toll ‘inspiration’ can take on us as well. I would recommend this book to all my artist friends looking for a boost of self confidence.

[Ashley Xu · Rating 3 out of 5]

felt like this was written for me and my current dilemmas n hesitations...

[Tylin Heathman · Rating 4 out of 5]

so good! honestly might read it again sometime! easy read and loved the advice in the book! made me want to check out the rest of the author’s books!