Book Review - How to be an artist by Jerry Saltz

"Discover key lessons from Jerry Saltz's How to Be an Artist and download my free Confidence Booster Guide to unlock your creative potential!"

A Review of How to Be an Artist by Jerry Saltz

In my recent live chat, I delved into the thought-provoking and inspiring book How to Be an Artist by Jerry Saltz. Whether you're an emerging artist or someone who has been creating for years, this little book offers insights that are both relatable and empowering.

Who is Jerry Saltz? Jerry Saltz is an art critic for New York Magazine and a Pulitzer Prize winner. How to Be an Artist is an expanded version of his viral essay, originally published in Vulture, which outlined 33 rules to help artists, whether amateur or professional, find their creative path. He expanded it into 63 short chapters that are packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice. The book acts as a guide and an artist's "bible," offering advice for navigating creative blocks, finding joy in the process, and dealing with career challenges.

Why This Book Resonates This book isn't just for painters or sculptors—it’s for anyone who taps into creativity, whether you're working in a traditional medium or just trying to live life with more imagination. The lessons in How to Be an Artist are invaluable because they center on core concepts like self-belief, persistence, and the importance of originality.

Saltz encourages us to break through creative blocks by seeing art as an ongoing process rather than a destination. He reminds us that you don’t need to be perfect; you just need to start. He talks about the joy of the process, which is often forgotten when we're overwhelmed by the pressure to create something "perfect" or profitable.

Key Takeaways:

Imitate, Then Innovate
Saltz encourages beginners to learn from others by imitating their styles but emphasizes the importance of eventually evolving and finding your own voice. I find this resonates with many artists in my community, especially those just starting out. It’s okay to learn by copying, but over time, you'll develop your own style and techniques, making your work uniquely yours.
Work, Work, Work
This section particularly spoke to me, as Saltz emphasizes the importance of putting in the hours. As the saying goes, “It takes 10,000 hours to master something,” and art is no exception. The more you work, the more you grow. And as Saltz wisely points out, working consistently can help quiet the fear of failure that often leads to procrastination.
Art is for Life, Not for Profit
One of Saltz's most powerful messages is that art should be made for joy and personal fulfillment, not just for commercial success. For many of us, this is a reminder that our passion for creativity should come first. The value of art goes beyond financial gain—it’s about the personal growth and satisfaction that come from the process of creating.
Start Now
Saltz urges readers to begin creating, no matter their age or experience level. This lesson resonated deeply with my community, especially those who are retired or returning to art after years of putting it aside. It’s never too late to start creating, and it doesn’t matter if you’re doing it for the joy of the process rather than to become famous or successful. Just start.
Develop Forms of Practice
Regular practice is essential for growth. Whether you’re sketching, painting, or simply working on creative exercises, make time for practice in your daily life. In my membership community, we offer creativity boosters that help artists overcome creative blocks and stay motivated, similar to the exercises Saltz includes in his book.

Exercises to Spark Creativity Throughout How to Be an Artist, Saltz includes practical exercises that help spark creativity when you're feeling stuck. One of my favorites is "Make a drawing using only erasure." Cover a surface with charcoal or pencil, and then create a new image by removing parts of that layer with an eraser. Exercises like these are great for getting your creative juices flowing, especially if you're in a slump.

Final Thoughts If you’re an artist looking for some inspiration or a gentle push to get back into your creative flow, How to Be an Artist is a must-read. It’s a small book packed with powerful lessons that can help you break through creative barriers and find joy in the process of making art.

And if you’re looking to grow your confidence as an artist, I’ve created a free resource just for you! Download my Confidence Booster Guide for Artists, where I share practical tips and exercises to help you overcome self-doubt and unlock your full creative potential. Click here to download and start building your artistic confidence today!

If you’d like more personalized guidance, don’t forget that I’m offering a 7-day FREE trial to The Creative Barn Essentials Tier, where you can access over 100 tutorials to boost your skills.

Happy painting!

Kerri xx

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Categories: : artist, beginner, Mindset, motivation