You Will Leave a Trail of Stars: Words of Inspiration for Blazing Your Own Path

by Lisa Congdon

All the advice you need for taking the world by storm, from the inimitable Lisa Congdon.

In this illustrated guide to life—perfect for graduates and other seekers—acclaimed artist and educator Lisa Congdon offers up wisdom and insights for living. Each inspirational quote, lesson, and piece of advice is brought to life by Congdon's signature illustration style, making the book a beautiful gift or keepsake. Whether you're starting a new chapter of your own story, or simply searching for ways to live with more intention, curiosity, and joy, this book will inspire you to connect with yourself and prepare for any adventure life might have in store.

GREAT FOR Everyone needs some extra guidance post-graduation, and this book—packed with colorfully illustrated, down-to-earth advice—makes a thoughtful gift for someone embarking on a new phase in life.

BELOVED Lisa Congdon's bestselling books, online classes, and Instagram feed (beloved by half a million fans) have inspired so many people to follow their creative passions. In this book Condon does what she does best—bring bold and colorful flair to smart, creative, down-to-earth advice and inspiration.

Perfect

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Self Help

136 pages, Hardcover

Published March 16, 2021

About the author

Fine artist and illustrator Lisa Congdon is best known for her colorful abstract paintings, intricate line drawings, pattern design & hand lettering. She works for clients around the world including the MoMA, Harvard University, Martha Stewart Living, Chronicle Books, The Land of Nod, Simon & Schuster, and Cloud9 Fabrics, among many others. She exhibits her work around the country, including in shows at the Contemporary Jewish Museum and Bedford Gallery. A selection of her abstract works are currently available through New York’s Uprise Gallery. Lisa writes a popular daily blog about her work, life and inspiration called Today is Going to be Awesome. She is the author of five books, including the starving-artist-myth-smashing Art Inc: The Essential Guide to Building Your Career as an Artist, and illustrated books Fortune Favors the Brave, Whatever You Are, Be a Good One, Twenty Ways to Draw a Tulip and A Collection a Day. She was named one of 40 Women Over 40 to Watch in 2015. She lives and works in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Empty bastion of positivity. Sweet and bright. Lots of good reminders and worthy statements. But nothing that broke ground. Even from my perspective. I’ve lived a brief and comfortable time, and I’ve learned a lot of this naturally before reading this. The art is fairly corporate but I like the colors and shapes.

[Tess Malone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice little inspirational coffee book. While I wished Congdon had included more personal stories like on her Instagram, the illustrations are lovely and the messages resonant.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a rough month for me and this book has reminded me that I am in control of my thoughts and feelings. I love the inspirational messages- I feel like I relate to every single one. The artwork is bright and vibrant and makes the book fun and easy to read. My coworkers and I used this book as an end-of-school year “yearbook” where we wrote nice comments for each other. Very heartwarming.

[Allen Cooley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I randomly picked this up at Target because I was drawn in by the illustrations and some of the selected quotations. You could read this book in about 20 minutes. It’s not profound in any way but it may give you a better sense of self, a little inspiration, or might cause you to be kinder to your self. And that’s not a bad thing. It’s all beautifully represented by the art work and graphic design too.

[Joana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lisa Congdon é aquela artista que não só tem trabalhos incríveis mas que faz excelentes reflexões sobre viver da criatividade e manter-nos motivados e curiosos no processo. Este livro é uma coleção de pequenos apontamentos/lições de vida para que não nos afastemos do nosso fito. E se parece algo simplista, a verdade é que a cada página, tudo ressoava em mim e me deixou com um sentimento de paz e motivação que muito poucos conquistam. Adorei. É daqueles livros para ler e reler, as páginas voam, pontuadas de ilustrações lindas e muita força e carinho.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great personal growth book for reinforcing concepts that have already been learned from other more involved books, or podcasts. Each page is a quick blip on a personal growth concept. For example, self-love is included. Useful to keep as part of a personal library for when a positive reminder regarding one’s own journey is needed, but there isn’t time in the moment to read an entire chapter about a subject. Really nice, colorful artwork, too.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Lisa Congdon's Instagram feed and art work. This small book is a lovely collection of her artwork paired with inspirational messages that encourage exploration, self confidence, and, most importantly, self awareness. It would be a nice graduation gift, but it's not just for young people. Anyone of any age could use the advice presented in this book. Really colorful and lovely.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read if one sits down and just reads it, but it's really not that kind of book. It contains inspirational quotes, one liners, and short paragraphs. If you are having a bad day, randomly open to a page and hopefully you will feel better. I look forward to adding this to my classroom library.

[Sophie Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some strong quotes about learning from mistakes, taking chances, don’t wallow in shame and fear and pushing yourself to be bettet. Some worse liberal and post-modern stuff about living your truth, and centering yourself above all

I ripped out some of the better pages to hang up and share with friends

[Lindsey Shirey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a lovely collection of powerful messages/life lessons and uplifting, colorful artwork. Lisa communicates her words and art in a way that is so genuine and warm. A great book to give as a gift. Wish I could give it to younger me.

[Candace Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you need to hear to remind yourself that you are human and doing the best you can do, is in this beautiful gift of a book. Give as a gift or a gift to yourself. Beautiful words and illustrations burst in an array of color --truly magical.

[Maggie9625 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Concepts are too nuanced for children, and too basic for anyone above the age of twelve. It’s a book written by someone imbedded in white feminism for others imbedded in white feminism. You’ve heard all this before.

[Tutta Aurum Nisauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa has collected many short articles about realistic motivation in this book. It is very worthy to read to accompany the days when you feel the need to be heard, hugged, or lifted. There are also many unique illustrations on each page, which makes this book look aesthetic too.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my niece and my daughter but I want to frame every page! What a beautiful and thoughtful collection of wisdom and beauty.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful inspiring words and beautiful art to go along with it! I'll be coming back to this book again and again!

[Emi Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Lisa delivers great wisdom and beautiful artwork in one, easily digestible book. Stunning pictures and great advice.

[Gillian Mathurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet. I know I’ll come back to this book often for the thoughtful short essays and the beautiful artwork.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the blend of Lisa's illustrations and her personal philosophy on life

[Shavawn M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have many of Lisa Congdon's books. I love her art and her positive message on creativity.

[Grace Ann Ekstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork to inspire and contemplate. Lisa’s words and encouragement are like hearing advice from the big sister I never had.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listed this as finished, but I’m keeping it handy to open up at random. Beautiful art and important reminders.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little boost of inspiration. This would make a great gift.

[Natalia FG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing inspiring book! Great for artists or people that want to keep alive or wake up that creative part we all have, I loved it! It really elevated my artistic spirit and self estime.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it, has beautiful illustrations and wisdom message for each day

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really cute and so real

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Een prachtig en confronterend boek. Dit boek heeft me echt aan het denken gezet

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing profound but some good thoughts presented in a colorful fashion. I will be passing this one along rather than keeping it to take room on my shelves.

[Kristen Gregoire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet & bright! Full of positive messages & great quotes. A great reminder & quick read of self love & self worth. ❤️

[C JT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple yet impactful practices of self-care/improvement for everyday life. A book worth revisiting making you feel better every time.

[Anna Nusbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful art, great quotes, sound advice.