The Artist in the Office: How to Creatively Survive and Thrive Seven Days a Week

by Summer Pierre

A guide to living a creative life from 9 to 5 and beyond.

Based on the hit handmade 'zine, The Artist in the Office is an inspirational, interactive book for any artist living in the real world. It encourages small acts of creativity and a simple shift of perspective to help readers bring their artistic selves into the workplace and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Readers are prompted to undertake a wide range of liberating activities, from the mundane to the sublime, that won't put their 9-to- 5 job at risk, including:

•Take lunchtime adventures to rouse your spirit: a bookstore, a flower shop, or a park

•Pick one ordinary object each day and take pictures every time you see it: coffee mugs, shoes, office plants

•Get up an hour early or stay up an hour later and devote the time to your creative work. Schedule it in like any other mandatory appointment or meeting

•Collect doodles from Post-Its or notebooks and reassemble them in a sketchbook

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Self Help, Writing, Business, Design, Comics

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Summer Pierre is an American cartoonist and educator living in the Hudson Valley of New York. She is most notably known for her autobiographical comics, such as the series Paper Pencil Life and the graphic memoir All the Sad Songs (2018). Her work has appeared in The New York Times, NewYorker.com, PEN American, The Comics Journal, among other places.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this! It's a great book about claiming your identity as an artist in the world and a wonderful complement to The Career Guide for Creative and Unconventional People. A very quick read but valuable and inspiring!

[Scott Waldyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

For starters, this book is geared toward younger artists or those entering the workforce for the first time. And it's a great, fun, thoughtful, and super energetic book. It's exactly what I would have wanted to hear when I graduated college, and I can't stress how empowering this author's energy and voice is.

There are many activities in here, and the art and design are fun to take in. If I had one criticism, I would say this book could use some numbers. What I mean is, when the author is making points about creativity or juggling work and life, a few stats here and there would add a little more oomph to the argument.

Other than that, this is one of the better inspirational guides for young artists.

[Reem Saud · Rating 4 out of 5]

مساء الخيرات ..
قرائتي قليلة ومتقطعة الفترة السابقة .. لكن قدرت أقرأ هالكتاب الجميل ..
الفنان في المكتب أو The Artist in the office .. فكرة الكتاب تتلخص ب كيف تقضي يومك كفنان في العمل ..
كيف تضيف لعملك المتعة والمغامرة .. حتى لايتسلل اليأس والملل لحياتك في ظل الروتين اليومي
في مقدمة الكتاب تقول الكاتبة سمَر :
يوم بعد آخر .. نستيقظ من النوم ونتجهز للعمل .. لانسأل أنفسنا لماذا نعمل .. فقط نفعل ذلك برتابة .. نقضي جل يومنا في العمل ،، ثم بعد ذلك نتفاجأ اننا نعمل ٨ ساعات خمسة أيام في الاسبوع .. كل هذا الوقت مُهدر من حياتنا .. كل هذه الأوقات لاتسجل كإنجاز في حياتنا. نحن في مجتمعنا نفني وقتنا في العمل واعتدنا تقبل ذلك ، وفي المقابل نعطي الوقت القليل لأنفسنا.. آخر اليوم مثلاً أو عطلة نهاية الأسبوع نقضيها في عمل نحبه .
( ترجمتي بتصرف =$ )
سمَر تحاول يومياً في عملها في المكتب أن تعيش كفنانة وتمارس هواياتها.. وحينما نجحت في دمج عملها وفنها أصدرت هذا الكتاب.
فصول الكتاب (Content)
Part 1 : Why we work
أغلب الموظفين يتذمرون من وظائفهم، والإستقالة ليست المفتاح السحري لحل مشاكلك.. في هذا الفصل تتحدث عن أهمية الوظيفة في حياة الشخص وتجربتها في الإستقالة والتفرغ للفن، وبعض الخطوات لتحقيق حلم حياتك الوظيفي.
Part 2 : your artist at work
في أوقات الفراغ في العمل .. تقترح سمَر بعض النشاطات التفاعلية مع بعض الموظفين لإضفاء روح المرح لبيئة العمل، واقتراحات لرسومات ومشاريع بسيطة this was my least favorite part :|
Part 3: Doing your work
تتحدث في هذا الفصل عن الحُجج الوهمية التي يرددها الفنان دائماً ( لاوَقت لديّ ).. والتسويف الذي يقود للإحباط، كيف أننا نجعل هوايتنا آخر إهتماماتنا ونريد أن نصبح فنانين بين يوم وليلة
هذا الفصل كان الأكثر تأثيراً بالنسبة لي.. كنتُ أرى نفسي في كل الأمثلة
Part 4: Ideas for change
في الفصل الأخير، تعطي الكاتبة أفكار لتغيير حياتك، والبحث عن وظيفة أفضل، وخاتمة تشجيعية للقارىء

إقتباسات أعجبتني :
When we see novels, we don’t see the single page. When we see a painting in a museum, we don’t see the millions of” “brushstrokes that created the whole of the picture.
” A shift in priorities can open a whole window of time “
” If we don’t make our careers a priority, that yearning can turn into things like anger and jealousy”
الكتاب فاق توقعاتي، جداً استمتعت بالمحتوى والأفكار والرسومات.. من الأشياء الجميلة وجود سؤالين بعد كل فصل ..جعلتني أفكر في حياتي وتحقيق أهدافي
لغة الكتاب متوسطة ، وهو مناسب لكل رسام، مصمم ، مصور، يجد الصعوبة في التوفيق بين عمله وهوايته .
الكتاب موجود في Amazon ..بسعر 5.58$

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I know my job is already "creative," but you can always add some more creativity to your life!

Finished this book in pretty much one sitting. It was pretty cute. I liked a lot of the author's ideas. It really made me feel optimistic and empowered, but as soon as I brought it home, Mike scoffed at it for being too "hipster-ish." Anyway, I think it had some creative ideas on how to foster your own creativity in and out of work. But more importantly, I think this book had a good attitude about the workplace in general. It made me think about much we all complain about our jobs, coworkers, bosses, etc., but really the problem is ourselves and our own attitudes. Your job, no matter how much you complain about it, provides you with a lot of great stuff you probably take for granted. I know my job has paid my bills, allowed me to meet some amazing people who have become my best friends, and at the very least allows me to work in A/C when it's hot and heat when it's cold outside. We can all take a page from this book and re-evaluate how we approach our work day.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

easy read, simple strategies, good thoughts on how you spend your time

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author was recommended by Lucy Knisley and this is the only title my library has. I checked it out for Brian but ended up consuming it in one day. I appreciate the positive spin on working and the ideas for bringing creativity to the office, and finding more time for creativity at home, even though I don’t consider myself an artist, much less one looking for a big break.

[Melissa Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read The Artist in the Office, I immediately felt ready to write my next book. This book is like bubblegum for artists, filled with positive quotes and writing suggestions, humorous drawings and motivational stories.

In the introduction, the writer says, “This little book isn’t about not working, it’s about acknowledging the work we do. It’s about waking up in the life we inhabit now instead of putting off life for later.” Many people, including myself, find it hard to separate work from play…especially when work and play are the same thing. For example, I love to read and write. I always have and always will. However, I’m an editor for a living…so I’m reading and writing all the time. So how do I find time to do what I love when doing what I love is really the last thing I want to do because it reminds me of work? Make sense?

That’s what this book is about. How to make time for you. How to make time to embrace your passions without sacrificing your job or your sanity. It is possible.

The Artist in the Office doesn’t read like a book, it reads more like a journal. Included along the way are various activities to help you determine how to set goals, what to look for when you’re job searching, and how to make your current job work for you. What is your ideal life? What’s preventing you from being happy? If you could have the perfect job, what would it be? Figuring out how you feel about these questions and other ones can help you lead the life you’ve always wanted. There’s always time to start fresh.

This book also gives some good advice on how to turn your current job from blah to hurrah! One suggestion was to change your commute. Walk part of the way to work and learn to embrace and listen to the world around you. Be a secret messenger once a month by leaving uplifting messages in random places around the office (inside the bathroom, in cabinets, in the middle of a notebook, etc.). Finally, we all know what it’s like to live in Cube-ville. Florescent lights, staplers, keyboards clacking away…brighten up your cube by hanging up a fake window with the scene of your choice. Take 5 minutes a day to just meditate and stare out of your window. Chances are you’ll be more productive, more relaxed, and in a much better mood.

Perhaps the best part of this book is the section about finding time to do what you love to do. Included in the book is a quote by Andy Warhol: “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they’re deciding, make even more art.” This is our motto at our Artist Collective. We must always be creating. If you need help making time for yourself, or discovering what your passion is, or separating work from play, or even if you need help enjoying your current job, this book is for you.

I would like to close with one of my favorite quotes from the book. When I read it, I wrote it down and hung it up in my cube: “A special note to all administrative, executive, and personal assistants: Your job is to help someone else live their dream. How about lending some of that energy and skill to your dream. YOU ARE QUALIFIED.”

Read more at http://thehobbeehive.wordpress.com.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm usually against the self-help book. They tend to say the same thing, the "duh" goes off in your mind, you close the book, and continue your abandoned life. But I was happy to try out this book after hearing an NPR interview and an article over on Etsy. Summer Pierre has a way of opening your eyes to the "duh" and helping you along the way with many excercises and thought provoking questions.



It quickly became more than how to make art outside (inside) your regular day job. It became about having a good work life even if you hate the place. And it had a good section on money and what it can mean to you. These were all good tips as I start at a new job.



I give it 4 instead of 5 stars because some things were redundant. I'm sure it was done to drive the point home but I was ready to move on to the next. I also felt like it was the perfect book for someone who sees themselves as never quitting the day job. Inspiring for all artists but most helpful for those punching the clock and still creating at the end of the day. It's a fairly easy read (took me two days), quite insightful, and filled with enough cute drawings and famous quotes to keep you awake.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book not only has adorable art but is a great inspiration to any creative person who is bored at their desk job. It is a funny and truthful look at how creative souls can flourish at "wage slave" jobs. It reminds us to be grateful for the jobs that we would rather not be doing because they provide us with the means to do what we love. It also inspires creativity at work or on your lunch break without hindering productivity or putting your job in danger. Some of the ideas are kind of silly but they would definitely make the drudgery of a long office day go faster.

[Mira Domsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic self help book for artistic personalities who work in non-artistic professions. It helps you to incorporate art into your daily lifestyle at work and at home, and to recognize how you can live your ideal artistic life, or something close to it, while working a day job. It has really energized me, and reminded me about the good things in life.

[Matthew Ciarvella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, peppy read to restore your flagging creative spirit. If you've read all the "how to write or art or music" books already and you're still feeling down, this book will be an infusion of good will and encouragement to get you moving again. I quite enjoyed myself and feel reengaged to pick up work on my own novel, which has sadly slacked off over the past several weeks.

[Julie Ehlers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining, quick read. Some of it was silly, but still fun. The most valuable parts are the reminders that it's never too late to start creating, and that a few minutes of creativity are better than nothing. This is worth rereading--I hope the person I lent it to gives it back!

[CTEP]

For the month of April I read The Artist in the Office: How to Creatively Survive and Thrive Seven Days a Week by Summer Pierre. This book is geared towards creative individuals and how they can maintain their creativity when faced with the daily grind. However, I believe that The Artist in the Office would prove useful to anyone who feels like they are stuck in a rut and or lacking structure. Pierre breaks the book into four parts: Why We Work, Your Artist at Work, Doing Your Work, and Ideas for Change. Sprinkled throughout each section are quotes and anecdotes that make the book both relatable and inspirational. Throughout the book, Pierre speaks about the anxieties of her own life, which, surprise, are not so different from anyone else’s. But instead of simply providing the reader with a space to commiserate, Pierre packs her book full of activities, which give the reader a tangible and often instant way to follow her advice. I followed along dutifully, and found a little something useful in each chapter.

The first half of The Artist in the Office wasn’t as useful to me as the second, but I still got something out of it. Part 1: Why We Work, exists mainly to help readers with awful jobs learn to appreciate them. I, of course, really enjoy being a CTEP member and serving at Emerge, so there wasn’t too much to take away from the section. I did, however, agree strongly with Pierre on her “no bitching” rule. Throughout the year I have had fellow AmeriCorps members (not CTEP members) complain openly about their year of service, especially about things like pay. To me, this type of talk brings everyone down and leads no where. In her next chapter, Your Artist at Work, Pierre offers a laundry list of ways to bring creativity into the workday. All of the ideas are fun and easy, and seemed to me like a good way to prevent or do battle with the AmeriCorps storming period. After a somewhat lighthearted beginning, Pierre gets more serious in the second half of The Artist in the Office.

In Part 3: Doing Your Work, Pierre focuses on productivity and bulldozes anything in its path. She advocates rearranging priorities, setting goals, and breaking tasks into 15 minutes increments as remedies to procrastination and depression. While this entire section was incredibly relevant to me from a creativity standpoint; it was the fourth part of the book, Ideas for Change, that was the most useful to me as a CTEP member. Where before AmeriCorps I was scrambling towards the career ladder, I feel that now I have two hands firmly on the rungs. Now I’m trying to think more about what I want to do once my service ends, but that’s been a difficult question to answer. Thankfully, The Artist in the Office supplied me with plenty of activities towards this goal. Additionally, this final part of the book discusses frugality at length, helping the reader to redefine abundance through even more great activities. I can easily say that I finished this final section, and the book, in a better place than I started it.

If nothing else, The Artist in the Office is a great reality check. It asks readers to examine their lives and recognize all of the good in them. It also helps readers to put their dreams in sharper focus and gives them the steps to realize them. All of us in CTEP have begun to look ahead to next year, whether that means different responsibilities within the program or life after the program. I would recommend The Artist in the Office to anyone who is depressed or unsure about anything, but for CTEP members especially I think it’s a valuable read.

[Garrett Zecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the zine of the same name, this beautifully conceptualized and illustrated workbook for creatives trying to survive and thrive with all of life’s fast-paced obligations and distractions that keep us from achieving our goals. Summer Pierre reminds us that we don’t need to have a full time, perfect scenario for our work because even in times like those we would likely continue the poor habits and distractions of the life we are living now with our self-imposed distractions. The workbook is a step by step guide to the tenets of the fulfilling creative life and shares the wisdom and direction of many of our most respected idols who also had to face the challenges of work, family, obligations, and the limits of time and money. It is a gorgeous, fun book that presents a rewarding series of life strategies to keep any creative person in the driver's seat of their artistic destiny – one small achievement at a time. This book can be read in a couple of sittings as I did, or fully embraced to dedicate time to working each of the strategies into your daily and weekly routines.

[ayanami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little book with fun illustrations about how to be creative and live as an artist while holding down a day job. I don't think it offers much that is different from other books in this vein, like Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, but I do like that this one has activities for you to do (eg. List things you can do for 10-15 min that go toward your creative life, all the ways you are already living your ideal life, things your job provides you, etc). The first part of the book also focuses on how to change your perspective/mindset about your day job, which is important for maintaining a positive attitude about and accepting your current life as it is. That helps you feel a lot better about yourself and your self, which in tuen will help you make changes toward your ideal life.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a solid combination of fun and seriousness, lightness and deep thoughts, art and words, writing and exercises. I found the advice given easy to follow, especially as Pierre is someone who has 'been there' and even 'is there', so she knows what she is talking about. I have tried a few of the exercises and found them enjoyable and able to help get me out of a slump that I have been in lately.

I really appreciated this book and the thought and care and compassion that Pierre put into it.

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for those of us who want to express ourselves creatively but work a 9 to 5 job that has nothing to do with our artistic abilities. It really makes you think in a different perspective. It also gives you exercises to bring you to a new mindset. I encourage everyone that is struggling with their day jobs that want to live the artistic life.

[Hesper · Rating 2 out of 5]

An optimistic and digestible guide for creatives to make peace with that totally not creative day job, yet I find myself wishing the advice givers would also analyze the structures that have created a niche for their advice in the first place.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not the target audience for this book, and only picked it up because I like Summer Pierre's work. But it is so pragmatically cheerful and helpful that I couldn't help but enjoy it and do some of the suggestions. Give it a try!

[Stef · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the concept of this book, but it seemed short, and I think most artists with office jobs realize how to or already do most of the provided suggestions.

[Jen Bracken-Hull · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming and motivating.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply lovely! I got such a burst of inspiration from this book and I loved that it was short and I could read in one sitting!

[jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delightful surprise!

[Angela Obeso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good perspective and ideas to keep up your creativity while working a day job. It was a good reminder to me to find ways to fit in my art in all aspects of my life.

[a love letter to books · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of money.

[Ana Belén · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy entretenido, motivador y esclarecedor para quiénes no queremos perder esa chispa☺️

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got so much from this book

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, yet uplifting.

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part of a review I wrote for Read @ MPL about books for creative New Year's Resolutions. The other books reviewed are Steal Like an Artist and What It Is.

Artists often have to work day jobs to make ends meet, and even people with no aspiration to be a professional artist might need an artistic outlet. This book provides artistic ideas about how to use your surroundings and the materials at hand to create small projects and incorporate creative thinking into your daily/weekly routine. A lot of the exercises in this book focus on helping you examine your priorities. What are the obstacles to you making art? What are the obstacles to you enjoying your job? How are you spending your time? How do you want to spend your time? This book is a supportive guide to figuring out the answers to those questions.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so helpful and needed. It was a talking-to, tough love from someone who totally knows me and what I struggle with. Pierre told me about how I'm free, and why I choose to work the jobs I do. Yes choose. A job is full of validation and freedom. A job pays me in ways I don't think of, like social interaction, magic lessons, and exercise. The big lesson I learned is that if I'm not creative with a 9-5 job, I'm not creative. I can't blame my job - I can be creative all day, throughout the day, with or without a job, if I just think in new directions, try new things, and not shy away from failure. This book empowered me and womanned me up to doodle and journal-comic in a way I haven't for years.

I super duper oh so highly recommend it to artists, people with jobs, people who are bored, or people who like fun to read books. She drew a lot of the pages out, its full of drawings and highlighter notes and artist-examples of the craft ideas she's suggesting.