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Creative Calling: Establish a Daily Practice, Infuse Your World with Meaning, and Succeed in Work + Life
Life isn’t about “finding” fulfillment and success – it’s about creating it. Why then has creativity been given a back seat in our culture? No longer.
Creativity is a force inside every person that, when unleashed, transforms our lives and delivers vitality to everything we do. Establishing a creative practice is therefore our most valuable and urgent task - as important to our well-being as exercise or nutrition.
The good news? Renowned artist, author, and CreativeLive founder, Chase Jarvis, reminds us that creativity isn't a skill—it's a habit available to everyone: beginners and lifelong creators, entrepreneurs to executives, astronauts to zookeepers, and everyone in between. Through small, daily actions we can supercharge our innate creativity and rediscover our personal power in life.
Whether your ambition is a creative career, completing a creative project, or simply cultivating a creative mindset, Creative Calling will unlock your potential via Jarvis’s memorable “IDEA” system:
· Imagine your big dream, whatever you want to create—or become—in this world.
· Design a daily practice that supports that dream—and a life of expression and transformation.
· Execute on your ambitious plans and make your vision real.
· Amplify your impact through a supportive community you’ll learn to grow and nurture.
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First published September 24, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
October 8, 2019
This is a beautifully written invitation to your personal creativity. If you've been struggling to make sense of where and how your creativity fit in this world, this book might be for you. If you know that creativity is important but struggle to see yourself as a creative person, this book is for you. :)
What I was hoping for that it DIDN'T have was real, tangible juice to help bring my creative calling into actionable, daily practice other than, "Just do something, anything!" Which, I guess in its own way is helpful, but not quite what I was looking for.
What I was hoping for that it DIDN'T have was real, tangible juice to help bring my creative calling into actionable, daily practice other than, "Just do something, anything!" Which, I guess in its own way is helpful, but not quite what I was looking for.
December 4, 2019
Pretty cliché self-help. If you're already well-versed in personal productivity, motivation, and a get shit done mindset, this probably won't be particularly helpful. But for the rest, by all means, indulge yourselves.
September 29, 2019
“A good life is designed. Created. And this book is about living a better life through creativity.”
– Chase Jarvis
Even since I went back to work after being a stay at home mom and I started struggling with making time for my creative interests, I have been searching for a book that both inspires me to pursue my creativity AND has practical and realistic advice for how to do it. THIS is that book.
Creative Calling not only inspires the reader to pursue their life’s calling, it actually provides valuable tactical principles that are applicable to everyone who wants to create a better life, no matter who they are and what challenges are holding them back.
What is creativity? According to Chase Jarvis, it’s not just art in the traditional sense. Creativity is combining things in a new way and putting these ideas out into the world. Creativity is not just photography and pottery; it’s problem solving, starting a business, social activism, and building a family. Everyone is born creative, and everyone has the opportunity to exercise their creativity in their day to day lives.
Our ability to choose to exercise our innate creativity is a theme woven throughout Creative Calling. Our agency – our ability to make decisions to help us along our creative path – is a key concept that we are encouraged to put into practice in small ways every day. It’s through the use of agency in building small daily creative habits that over time, leads us to living our authentic and most creative lives.
This book encourages us to Start Now. Do not wait until the “right time” to start on creating your best life. Chase walks you through how to make small steps along your creative path, no matter what season of life you are in and how messy it is. There truly will be no “right time” to start, so just start now. Even if it’s just starting a habit of 5 minutes a day on the creative pursuit that brings you joy. “The more creative you are day to day, the better you’ll become at building the life you want.”
“Do what you can with what you have today” is a big theme throughout Creative Calling.
Don’t have a lot of free time to spend on a creative hobby? That’s ok. Friends and family not yet supportive of your creative path? That’s ok. Don’t have the best equipment for your podcast? That’s ok. We are encouraged over and over again to just start with what you have. Chase walks you through tactical ideas for setting up systems that will help you as you pursue your creative path; ideas that can serve as inspiration for anyone, no matter how many constraints you think you are operating with.
Creative Calling manages to provide both wholehearted inspiration AND very practical guidance that that anyone can put to use. If you have been struggling on your creative path but want to pursue a better life, this book is absolutely for you.
– Chase Jarvis
Even since I went back to work after being a stay at home mom and I started struggling with making time for my creative interests, I have been searching for a book that both inspires me to pursue my creativity AND has practical and realistic advice for how to do it. THIS is that book.
Creative Calling not only inspires the reader to pursue their life’s calling, it actually provides valuable tactical principles that are applicable to everyone who wants to create a better life, no matter who they are and what challenges are holding them back.
What is creativity? According to Chase Jarvis, it’s not just art in the traditional sense. Creativity is combining things in a new way and putting these ideas out into the world. Creativity is not just photography and pottery; it’s problem solving, starting a business, social activism, and building a family. Everyone is born creative, and everyone has the opportunity to exercise their creativity in their day to day lives.
Our ability to choose to exercise our innate creativity is a theme woven throughout Creative Calling. Our agency – our ability to make decisions to help us along our creative path – is a key concept that we are encouraged to put into practice in small ways every day. It’s through the use of agency in building small daily creative habits that over time, leads us to living our authentic and most creative lives.
This book encourages us to Start Now. Do not wait until the “right time” to start on creating your best life. Chase walks you through how to make small steps along your creative path, no matter what season of life you are in and how messy it is. There truly will be no “right time” to start, so just start now. Even if it’s just starting a habit of 5 minutes a day on the creative pursuit that brings you joy. “The more creative you are day to day, the better you’ll become at building the life you want.”
“Do what you can with what you have today” is a big theme throughout Creative Calling.
Don’t have a lot of free time to spend on a creative hobby? That’s ok. Friends and family not yet supportive of your creative path? That’s ok. Don’t have the best equipment for your podcast? That’s ok. We are encouraged over and over again to just start with what you have. Chase walks you through tactical ideas for setting up systems that will help you as you pursue your creative path; ideas that can serve as inspiration for anyone, no matter how many constraints you think you are operating with.
Creative Calling manages to provide both wholehearted inspiration AND very practical guidance that that anyone can put to use. If you have been struggling on your creative path but want to pursue a better life, this book is absolutely for you.
July 26, 2020
A humblebrag disguised as an invitation to be creative. The hows, whats, steps and challenges are only an introduction to talk about author’s awesomeness, uniqueness and being the first. There is being proud of one’s achievements and there’s bragging. Even friend’s tragic death serves only to inform us that Chase Jarvis contributed to a Pulitzer-winning article. The book is a great example of self promotion: every single celebrity who wrote a praising review appears on the pages of this book as “dear friend”.
Creative blocks suck. And this book doesn’t help. Constant reminders about the author being the best and the first are self-serving; the readers simply can’t compare.
Creative blocks suck. And this book doesn’t help. Constant reminders about the author being the best and the first are self-serving; the readers simply can’t compare.
October 26, 2019
Really did not enjoy this, had to stop reading. Full of a lot of fluff about “follow your dream!”, “you’re so creative omg keep it up” and well, I just found it repetitive and too “motivational” without any substance.
September 29, 2019
Chase is one of those people who just infect you with their positivity; they can do anything… and so can you! But seriously, this is the guy who missed out on the Instagram thing… read it, he’ll tell you and dear god, that was one buy out you did not want to miss out on. [One billion dollars… can you imagine?]
But what he did was make Creative Live and I love that site. There are a lot of video course sites out there, but it is the best. And true to his beliefs, if you have internet but no money, you can watch the best courses every day for no cost other than time.
https://www.creativelive.com/
Check it out.
And this is Chase reading his own book and talking about how being creative is undoubtedly as essential as to our well-being as a physical workout and a mindfulness session. He has got the best info from the best people and he has always shared that with everyone who wants to tune in. Check out his youtube channel for all the interviews.
https://www.youtube.com/user/achaser123
In this book he shares his life, his history, and his ideas about how you, too can change the world.
And you don’t need to be caught in an avalanche to get the message.
5 stars
But what he did was make Creative Live and I love that site. There are a lot of video course sites out there, but it is the best. And true to his beliefs, if you have internet but no money, you can watch the best courses every day for no cost other than time.
https://www.creativelive.com/
Check it out.
And this is Chase reading his own book and talking about how being creative is undoubtedly as essential as to our well-being as a physical workout and a mindfulness session. He has got the best info from the best people and he has always shared that with everyone who wants to tune in. Check out his youtube channel for all the interviews.
https://www.youtube.com/user/achaser123
In this book he shares his life, his history, and his ideas about how you, too can change the world.
And you don’t need to be caught in an avalanche to get the message.
5 stars
February 7, 2020
I absolutely needed to listen to this book at the time that I did. Chase Jarvis hits home! Just when I was feeling down and blue, I listened to this book. It gave me so much inspiration I started planning while listening to the book.
Chase told his story, the good the bad and the ugly. He is so relatable. He also told of how we can do better and keep going and learning our craft and that we don't have any excuses. Either we want to do it or we don't.
I feel like I need to say this, I hope this isn't a spoiler...Chase told the story about his app and how Instagram sold their app for a billion dollars. I believe this didn't work out for Chase, not because the app wasn't good enough, but because there were bigger plans for him. Would he or would he not have gone on to be a co-creator for CreativeLive? I think he was meant for bigger things and even though a billion dollars is HUGE, being there to help people change their lives in a great way and bringing more creativity into this world is even bigger!
Chase told his story, the good the bad and the ugly. He is so relatable. He also told of how we can do better and keep going and learning our craft and that we don't have any excuses. Either we want to do it or we don't.
I feel like I need to say this, I hope this isn't a spoiler...Chase told the story about his app and how Instagram sold their app for a billion dollars. I believe this didn't work out for Chase, not because the app wasn't good enough, but because there were bigger plans for him. Would he or would he not have gone on to be a co-creator for CreativeLive? I think he was meant for bigger things and even though a billion dollars is HUGE, being there to help people change their lives in a great way and bringing more creativity into this world is even bigger!
November 28, 2019
Absolutely fantastic inspiration! I am so thankful for Chase and everything he does for education and creativity.
June 27, 2023
Good for those who have the ambition.
May 31, 2020
I really liked this one. It is a great motivating resource for people who want to tap into their creative lives. The author talks a lot about his own experiences to illustrate his points. There are a lot of helpful tips and real talk about how to identify your creative calling and to really stick with it.
August 16, 2024
I read in English but this review is written in Bahasa Indonesia
Nama Chase Jarvis asing bagiku maka tentu saja buku ini berada di luar radarku. Namun rupanya, pertengahan tahun 2020 salah seorang bookdragon panutanku, Griss, mengunggah bahwa buku ini sedang diskon di Kindle (dan juga Kobo) menjadi sekitar USD2.99. Griss juga menambahkan mengapa buku ini menarik. Dari penjelasan singkat Griss itu aku terdorong untuk add to cart, meskipun baru di tahun 2020 lah aku membaca buku ini.
Buku ini dibagi menjadi 4 bagian (Imagine, Design, Execute, Amplify) yang masing-masing babnya berisi 3 bab. Your Highest Calling atau versi lain berjudul Creative Calling ditulis dengan sangat ringan. Begitu ringannya sampai-sampai aku menikmati dan tidak terasa sudah membaca 2 bab. Kalau boleh membanginkan, tulisan Jarvis lebih mengalir daripada tulisan Mark Manson.
Untuk mereka yang sudah kenyang dengan bacaan bertema kreativitas (seperti membaca tulisannya mas Yoris Sebastian, Austin Kleon, Tom Kelley, dll) Jarvis sesungguhnya tidak menawarkan hal baru. Ia berpegang pada konsep bahwa kreativitas sebenarnya sudah ada di dalam diri tiap manusia. Hanya saja stereotipe yang menyatakan bahwa "orang kreatif" melekat pada pekerja industri kreatif seperti desainer, komikus, dan lain-lain (yang kayaknya, kalau kerja tuh santai, nggak pakai kemeja atau jas). Kenyataannya, semua aktivitas dan pekerjaan memaksa kita untuk berpikir secara kreatif. Sesederhana mencari penyelesaian dari sebuah masalah.
Beberapa bagian dari buku ini mengingatkanku pada buku-buku lain yang pernah aku baca. Seperti misalnya buku The End of Education ketika Jarvis mengatakan bahwa pendidikan kita (termasuk di Indonesia) lebih senang "mencetak" daripada "menciptakan". Asal mengikuti SOP agar nantinya lulusan tersebut bisa bekerja di industri. Bukan untuk menciptakan bumi yang lebih layak huni (sustainable living). Ada juga bagian yang mengingatkanku pada buku You Do You. Sesederhana untuk membuat kebiasaan tertentu sehingga kita menjadi semakin familiar dengan cara berpikir kreatif. Ingat, "kreatif" tidak harus melekat pada hal-hal yang berhubungan dengan seni.
Bagiku sendiri, bagian yang paling menyentuh secara personal adalah bagian keempat: Amplify. Di sini adalah bagian yang paling akhir--jika seseorang (atau kreator) sudah menemukan gayanya sendiri dan menciptakan sesuatu--tentang bagaimana mengamplifikasi karyanya itu ke khalayak luas dan menjangkau orang-orang yang satu frekuensi dengannya. Jujur saja, sejak 2019 aku memiliki Baca Bareng, ada gelombang naik-turun dalam menjalankannya. Berkat tulisan Jarvis, setidaknya aku jadi tahu pada bagian mana yang hendaknya aku fokuskan dan mana yang aku abaikan. Bagian keempat ini bisa menjadi "how-to tips" untukku dalam mengembangkan Baca Bareng nantinya.
Creative Calling ditulis dengan ringan dan runut. Tidak membuat pusing siapapun yang membacanya. Baik itu yang belum banyak membaca buku terkait kreativitas ataupun yang sudah.
Creativity is a natural, life-sustaining, human function that is essential to our health and well-bein.
Nama Chase Jarvis asing bagiku maka tentu saja buku ini berada di luar radarku. Namun rupanya, pertengahan tahun 2020 salah seorang bookdragon panutanku, Griss, mengunggah bahwa buku ini sedang diskon di Kindle (dan juga Kobo) menjadi sekitar USD2.99. Griss juga menambahkan mengapa buku ini menarik. Dari penjelasan singkat Griss itu aku terdorong untuk add to cart, meskipun baru di tahun 2020 lah aku membaca buku ini.
Buku ini dibagi menjadi 4 bagian (Imagine, Design, Execute, Amplify) yang masing-masing babnya berisi 3 bab. Your Highest Calling atau versi lain berjudul Creative Calling ditulis dengan sangat ringan. Begitu ringannya sampai-sampai aku menikmati dan tidak terasa sudah membaca 2 bab. Kalau boleh membanginkan, tulisan Jarvis lebih mengalir daripada tulisan Mark Manson.
Untuk mereka yang sudah kenyang dengan bacaan bertema kreativitas (seperti membaca tulisannya mas Yoris Sebastian, Austin Kleon, Tom Kelley, dll) Jarvis sesungguhnya tidak menawarkan hal baru. Ia berpegang pada konsep bahwa kreativitas sebenarnya sudah ada di dalam diri tiap manusia. Hanya saja stereotipe yang menyatakan bahwa "orang kreatif" melekat pada pekerja industri kreatif seperti desainer, komikus, dan lain-lain (yang kayaknya, kalau kerja tuh santai, nggak pakai kemeja atau jas). Kenyataannya, semua aktivitas dan pekerjaan memaksa kita untuk berpikir secara kreatif. Sesederhana mencari penyelesaian dari sebuah masalah.
Once you can create work with a distinctive and recognizable personal style over and over again, the world will unlock itself for you. Even if your work is not recognized, you will have unlocked something precious in yourself.
Beberapa bagian dari buku ini mengingatkanku pada buku-buku lain yang pernah aku baca. Seperti misalnya buku The End of Education ketika Jarvis mengatakan bahwa pendidikan kita (termasuk di Indonesia) lebih senang "mencetak" daripada "menciptakan". Asal mengikuti SOP agar nantinya lulusan tersebut bisa bekerja di industri. Bukan untuk menciptakan bumi yang lebih layak huni (sustainable living). Ada juga bagian yang mengingatkanku pada buku You Do You. Sesederhana untuk membuat kebiasaan tertentu sehingga kita menjadi semakin familiar dengan cara berpikir kreatif. Ingat, "kreatif" tidak harus melekat pada hal-hal yang berhubungan dengan seni.
Bagiku sendiri, bagian yang paling menyentuh secara personal adalah bagian keempat: Amplify. Di sini adalah bagian yang paling akhir--jika seseorang (atau kreator) sudah menemukan gayanya sendiri dan menciptakan sesuatu--tentang bagaimana mengamplifikasi karyanya itu ke khalayak luas dan menjangkau orang-orang yang satu frekuensi dengannya. Jujur saja, sejak 2019 aku memiliki Baca Bareng, ada gelombang naik-turun dalam menjalankannya. Berkat tulisan Jarvis, setidaknya aku jadi tahu pada bagian mana yang hendaknya aku fokuskan dan mana yang aku abaikan. Bagian keempat ini bisa menjadi "how-to tips" untukku dalam mengembangkan Baca Bareng nantinya.
Creating work for your community also builds your portofolio. If you want to get a certain kind of paying gig, you will most likely need to demonstrate your ability first.
Creative Calling ditulis dengan ringan dan runut. Tidak membuat pusing siapapun yang membacanya. Baik itu yang belum banyak membaca buku terkait kreativitas ataupun yang sudah.
December 13, 2019
Wow. I want to gift this book to every Creative I know... to the writers, designers, illustrators, painters, developers, decorators, makers, bakers, photographers, marketers, product launchers and more.
If you loved Pressfield's "The War of Art," then this is your new manifesto for the new decade. It's part self-help, part how-to and part kick-in-the-ass.
"As your creative practices deepens and expands, you will experience a greater sense of direction over your own life. You will prove to yourself ... that you have the power to turn your ideas into reality. This sense of agency and autonomy will bring you happiness and satisfaction like nothing else."
If you loved Pressfield's "The War of Art," then this is your new manifesto for the new decade. It's part self-help, part how-to and part kick-in-the-ass.
"As your creative practices deepens and expands, you will experience a greater sense of direction over your own life. You will prove to yourself ... that you have the power to turn your ideas into reality. This sense of agency and autonomy will bring you happiness and satisfaction like nothing else."
January 20, 2020
Good book
At the end of the Book, Chase says he wrote this book for himself. That comes across in many ways. It’s not just a how to book. It also tells compelling stories that are directly tied to his work and what he has done for the last several years. I wouldn’t call myself creative before reading this book, but I call myself creative after reading it.
At the end of the Book, Chase says he wrote this book for himself. That comes across in many ways. It’s not just a how to book. It also tells compelling stories that are directly tied to his work and what he has done for the last several years. I wouldn’t call myself creative before reading this book, but I call myself creative after reading it.
August 11, 2020
This book has the same references to Steve Jobs, The Art of War and Michael Jordan that you would expect from any other self improvement book. It is a bit longer than it probably needs to be as well, but behind it is an awesome message and one that can be applied to more than just a creative calling.
The main idea being that creative work requires action. Jarvis provides poignant and funny insights and steps to make it happen. I found this useful as someone who wants to tap back into my creative interests but also took away ideas that I can apply to my corporate 9-5 work.
This should be required reading for anyone looking to make a living in creative industries. Having great ideas is not enough; it’s about putting in the work, executing your plan and being able to navigate your field.
The main idea being that creative work requires action. Jarvis provides poignant and funny insights and steps to make it happen. I found this useful as someone who wants to tap back into my creative interests but also took away ideas that I can apply to my corporate 9-5 work.
This should be required reading for anyone looking to make a living in creative industries. Having great ideas is not enough; it’s about putting in the work, executing your plan and being able to navigate your field.
September 21, 2021
Great advice and steps for anybody to take. Probably a little more targeted for those who have an "end product" in mind, but will work for people like me who just want to get back some of their lost creativity.
Also fascinating to learn a little more about Chase Jarvis through his anecdotes/stories peppered throughout. Worthwhile read for sure.
Also fascinating to learn a little more about Chase Jarvis through his anecdotes/stories peppered throughout. Worthwhile read for sure.
August 29, 2022
I heard about this book through a TikTok my mom sent me, it’s been sitting on my TBR for awhile now. I’m so glad I finally picked it up from my local library because it is just the book I needed lately!! It’s giving me the push to pursue the creative career I want and need.
September 29, 2024
I appreciated this authors matter of fact style. There isn’t a lot of fluff, this book discusses what worked best for the author when trying to get started in creating a business. This style makes the idea feel like a reachable goal. Something I needed right now.
Read
June 28, 2021DNF @ 60%. Not a bad book, though maybe a bit repetitive at times. This just wasn't the time for me to benefit from the last part of it.
May 5, 2024
I saw this author by chance at another author’s book signing. Finally got around to reading this. AMAZING. It feels like a practical second half to the Artist’s Way. It’s a really well structured and written practical guide to doing the work and making sure it is seen. And it is human to boot. The author is very approachable and real and readily admits to both successes and failures. Highly recommend to anyone who is ambivalent re: taking the next step to creativity.
March 8, 2021
One of the best books I have read in a long time.
Chase Jarvis spent "years of his life and thousands of dollars" chasing everyone else's dream for what he was supposed to become rather than chasing his own. In a 2014 Forbes article, Jarvis admits that when he "finally quit that path" and pursued his own calling to become a photographer and an entrepreneur he finally "felt alive."
I have enjoyed following Jarvis' career over the past few years as a frequent guest on the Tim Ferriss show, a Pacific Northwest native (from Seattle) and an accomplished photographer for Nike, Apple, Pepsi, McDonald's and Wilson Sporting Goods (among others). In his 2019 New York Times bestseller, Creative Calling: Establish a Daily Practice, Infuse Your World with Meaning, and Succeed in Work + Life, Chase describes his love of photography, how he was self-taught, and how he discovered one of life's best kept secrets to being a creative, successful and happy person - "just start."
Chase Jarvis spent "years of his life and thousands of dollars" chasing everyone else's dream for what he was supposed to become rather than chasing his own. In a 2014 Forbes article, Jarvis admits that when he "finally quit that path" and pursued his own calling to become a photographer and an entrepreneur he finally "felt alive."
I have enjoyed following Jarvis' career over the past few years as a frequent guest on the Tim Ferriss show, a Pacific Northwest native (from Seattle) and an accomplished photographer for Nike, Apple, Pepsi, McDonald's and Wilson Sporting Goods (among others). In his 2019 New York Times bestseller, Creative Calling: Establish a Daily Practice, Infuse Your World with Meaning, and Succeed in Work + Life, Chase describes his love of photography, how he was self-taught, and how he discovered one of life's best kept secrets to being a creative, successful and happy person - "just start."
June 30, 2020
Yesterday I completed Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis. He’s someone I’ve been following off and on for a couple years now. I originally stumbled across him on YouTube. I also listened to his podcast for a while. As happens with most things in this day and age, after consuming these for several months I tired of them and unsubscribed. Chase reentered my thoughts as he was doing his book tour. I can’t remember what podcast I was listening to but he was a guest. I was intrigued.
The book does a nice job of sharing Chase’s thoughts as to what you need to do in order for creativity to occupy a larger percentage of your life. There’s a good balance between large ideas and tactical takeaways. There’s also an overall framework as to how to go about things. In other words, I’d say the book achieves its goal.
I take away several big things from this book. This is specific to me as I reflect on what I read and what I’d like to do with my life. The first is to be more confident. Easier said than done. Confidence is something which I’ve struggled with my whole life. I’m not a confident person. But it’s a requirement for stretching yourself. I need to continue to remind myself to be confident.
The second is to think about what I’m doing in the form of drafts and gradual improvement. This is something I’ve always known. For any report, PowerPoint, essay, sometimes even e-mail, you create a rough draft and improve it. I think this was really brought home in my last role as a Product Owner. We worked on Minimum Viable Products and we worked in sprints where you didn’t need something to be great every time you released it. You needed to break things into small pieces which work and build on each other over time. This gets you to an impressive eventual product. Seeing this work in a more traditional business setting brought to life how it works and reinforces that I need to think that way when it comes to my creative endeavors.
The third thing is that I need to share more. This is huge part of why I created this website. I’m also engaging on Facebook for the first time ever. I’m also changing the way I interact with Instagram. All of this is with the goal of sharing more of myself and my work.
So if you couldn’t tell, I give this book a thumbs up. My one piece of advice, don’t read a bunch of similar books all at the same time. I’ve read 4 books in the first half of 2020 which I would put in the self-help category. They all start to morph together into a stew which I can’t get as much out of. I should have paced myself and done a new one every 2-3 months to re-energize as needed. I don’t think I’ll touch another one for a while.
The book does a nice job of sharing Chase’s thoughts as to what you need to do in order for creativity to occupy a larger percentage of your life. There’s a good balance between large ideas and tactical takeaways. There’s also an overall framework as to how to go about things. In other words, I’d say the book achieves its goal.
I take away several big things from this book. This is specific to me as I reflect on what I read and what I’d like to do with my life. The first is to be more confident. Easier said than done. Confidence is something which I’ve struggled with my whole life. I’m not a confident person. But it’s a requirement for stretching yourself. I need to continue to remind myself to be confident.
The second is to think about what I’m doing in the form of drafts and gradual improvement. This is something I’ve always known. For any report, PowerPoint, essay, sometimes even e-mail, you create a rough draft and improve it. I think this was really brought home in my last role as a Product Owner. We worked on Minimum Viable Products and we worked in sprints where you didn’t need something to be great every time you released it. You needed to break things into small pieces which work and build on each other over time. This gets you to an impressive eventual product. Seeing this work in a more traditional business setting brought to life how it works and reinforces that I need to think that way when it comes to my creative endeavors.
The third thing is that I need to share more. This is huge part of why I created this website. I’m also engaging on Facebook for the first time ever. I’m also changing the way I interact with Instagram. All of this is with the goal of sharing more of myself and my work.
So if you couldn’t tell, I give this book a thumbs up. My one piece of advice, don’t read a bunch of similar books all at the same time. I’ve read 4 books in the first half of 2020 which I would put in the self-help category. They all start to morph together into a stew which I can’t get as much out of. I should have paced myself and done a new one every 2-3 months to re-energize as needed. I don’t think I’ll touch another one for a while.
January 3, 2020
Chase Jarvis is an exceptional creator and he shares some important and interesting tips on why creativity is important and how to keep it flowing. This book is inspiring and practical.
November 28, 2019
Chase Jarvis’s Creating Calling is a must-read for any creative individual that’s looking for an in-depth look into what it takes to establish a better connection with your creative self and establish realistic practices to get the best results out of your creative efforts. Chase shares a lot of his experiences of how he approached in developing his craft as a professional photographer. He breaks down how he went about creating a photo editing and sharing application for smartphones when the market for photo sharing didn’t exist. He then shares his vision on wanting to provide educational value to all creative walks of life, which inspired him to create the online educational platform CreativeLive. There’s no magic pill when it comes to developing your skillsets and navigating through the world as a creative. The content in this book is honest, authentic, blunt, and extremely useful. When it comes to being a creative individual that wants to harness the most of out his skills, this book has been a great addition to my toolbox and a vital asset in my continual creative growth.
August 15, 2020
I don't say this lightly: this is the best book I ever read in terms of changing my mindset and adding value.
I accept different opinions from other readers, but it fit my situation and needs simply perfectly.
Creativity is present in anything we do, and we all need to exercise it to be able to grow in every aspect of our lives. Chase shows us how to in an honest and brilliant way, without any of the BS we usually see in this kind of books.
I can't recommend this book enough, I would give 10 stars if I could.
Please, read this book!
I accept different opinions from other readers, but it fit my situation and needs simply perfectly.
Creativity is present in anything we do, and we all need to exercise it to be able to grow in every aspect of our lives. Chase shows us how to in an honest and brilliant way, without any of the BS we usually see in this kind of books.
I can't recommend this book enough, I would give 10 stars if I could.
Please, read this book!
November 22, 2019
This was a book I was pleasantly surprised by. I've read a number of books on business and creativity over the years, so it's pretty hard to impress me. I'm not sure if this book just caught me at the right time, but I really enjoyed it.
For me, the most useful part of the book was the section about designing a life around creativity. While it is in many ways similar to most productivity advice, the focus on creativity really drove home a few solid points for me.
Definitely recommended for individuals looking to grow in their creativity.
For me, the most useful part of the book was the section about designing a life around creativity. While it is in many ways similar to most productivity advice, the focus on creativity really drove home a few solid points for me.
Definitely recommended for individuals looking to grow in their creativity.
November 3, 2019
Just go ahead and create your life.
Full of useful ideas and actions to take to nurture and grow your creativity. This book is useful to those who want to be better amateur artists, professional artists, entrepreneurs. Jarvis points the way to finding the creator in each of us and living out of it at whatever level fits your unique circumstances. Fundamentally it is a call to create your life precisely within the circumstances you have been dealt.
Full of useful ideas and actions to take to nurture and grow your creativity. This book is useful to those who want to be better amateur artists, professional artists, entrepreneurs. Jarvis points the way to finding the creator in each of us and living out of it at whatever level fits your unique circumstances. Fundamentally it is a call to create your life precisely within the circumstances you have been dealt.
November 17, 2019
I just finished this book amazing and thought provoking book by none other than Chase Jarvis. I can't share my gratitude enough towards Chase for writing this book. This is simply the best book that I have read in recent times regarding creativity. I can safely say that this book has definitely ignited a new kind of spark inside me and I hope I can also use my creativity to its optimum.
Thanks Chase Jarvis for writing this masterpiece.
Cheers
Vipin Baloni
Thanks Chase Jarvis for writing this masterpiece.
Cheers
Vipin Baloni
October 21, 2020
I’m not really being fair in giving this book three stars because the value of it depends so much on how many books of this ilk you’ve read. I’ve read dozens so there was nothing new here. But if you’re new to the whole “why you should take time for creativity and what mindset you need to do it,” it’s a perfectly good introduction to the concepts and might even be quite helpful.
P.S. Because I’ve read so many of these, this book was actually a 2 star for me, but that really would be unfair.
P.S. Because I’ve read so many of these, this book was actually a 2 star for me, but that really would be unfair.
November 25, 2019
A very low-stress, inspiring look at how to be a more creative person and share that result with the world. Chase Jarvis encourages the reader to make mistakes, try things, and find one's voice, without putting your ego on the line. I would have liked a few more examples and concrete steps, but I found myself wanting to pick up some old projects as soon as I put the book down.
November 3, 2019
A great starting point
This should totally be required reading for everyone! Reading this makes me realize how much creativity can be found in the everyday stuff like cooking a meal and cleaning up a room. Absolutely wonderful,
This should totally be required reading for everyone! Reading this makes me realize how much creativity can be found in the everyday stuff like cooking a meal and cleaning up a room. Absolutely wonderful,
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