July Book of the Month Review: I Just Want to Make Things by Lilla Rogers

I love to dive in to books:  there is a constant stack of books by my bed, on the night stand and in the car.

And I love to talk about these books that I'm reading.  You too?

I thought I would start reviewing a book a month and start a conversation (outside of my head- lol) about what I'm reading.  We are all inundated with a bazillion things to read or check out. My goal with these monthly reviews is to help you figure out if a book is worth an investment of time, money and energy to read and apply it for your journey as a creative.  Matchmaker, matchmaker, match me up with a good book!

I'm starting with a book I've been drooling over for a while: I Just Want to Make Things  by Lilla Rogers.

First off, let's talk about the title.

Does it not reflect the heart of every single creative? Because that's what we really want to do- we just want to make stuff, paint stuff, write stuff, create stuff every day, every weekend, all the time.

There is nothing to boost a slump mood like pulling out the paints, the paper, the scissors and the hodge podge. Or whatever your art "thing" is.  It feels great to create.

I first heard about Lilla Rogers book, I Just Want to Make Things: Learn the Secrets to Making Money While Staying Passionate About Your Art and Craft on her interview with Monica Lee on Smart Creative Women.  I had seen Lila speak on a panel at The Creative Connection Conference in 2011; she has a very lovely presence and you can sense she cares deeply about artists and helping them succeed.

I was salivating when I heard about this book!

To make matters worse, the book wasn't out yet. Lilla shared the writing process and what the book was about- and I was already head over heels in love.

I Just Want to Make Things is an interactive book and spiral bound so it's  a tad more expensive than your regular book.  (And do NOT buy it in the e-book form; this is a book you want to hold).   I finally did buy the book and read it all the way through in two long sessions this past month. Then, I went back and started going through some of the exercises and exploring it a bit more.

Consider Lilla's book as a road map for your journey as a creative, whether you are starting on your entrepreneurial artisan path or well on your way.

If you are an artist with a body of work, this book gives many great ideas on different markets that may be a good fit for your work, the best way to find buyers for your work and how not to get battle weary while making a living from your art.

Also, Lilla is very cognizant of trends and has a reputation for sniffing out what is going to be the next "hot" trend.  I'm afraid I've never been too trendy- and I'm not sure if anything can help me with that. If you are interested in licensing or children's apparel, being aware of what is popular is important.  I suggest following Lilla on her blog for the latest and newest trends.

If you are new to being an artist and you are growing your skills and your body of work, Lilla's book may give you a direction to point in.  She interviews several artists, many whom she's represented and some she has not.

Big Takeaway: This book is for the individual who is serious about taking her art and developing a career out of it.

Wherever you find yourself, Lilla reminds us that making a career out of our art is a long term commitment and process- there are no shortcuts, but there is lots of fun and adventure!

Some chapter topics include:

• "How to Make Great Art: a 12 Step Process"- this topic was incredibly helpful.  It's not a huge "aha," but it's all about connecting the dots and seeing how different practices and habits work together to kill your potential- or make it explode!
• How to approach different markets with your work: the do's and don'ts
• People Buy Your Joy (Chapter 1- my favorite topic) the importance of being really into what you are creating- it is important!  Ms. Roger includes activities to jump start finding your voice and beginning to separate yourself from other artists.

Much of the first part may be intuitive, as in, you get a, "I suspected that" feeling. However, Ms. Rogers connects the dots to see how what you are doing fits into why you are doing it.

Lila reinforces the importance of "make great art" and making "lots of it."  It's a path of 10,000 hours, lots of trial and error and a good amount of frustration.

Paying attention to burnout, jealousy and other maladies of the artists life compromises chapter 3.

My favorite parts of the book is chapter 1, "People Buy Your Joy" and Part 2, showcasing the best markets for your art (and how to know if you are a good fit), who and how to contact, and interviews with people who have reached success in these artistic arenas.  I was especially intrigued by the variety of markets looking for art work: The Children's Picture Book Market, Baby & Children's Apparel Market, the Fabric Market, Home Decor, Gift Market, Paper Goods, Editorial Market, Wall Decor and the Craft Mass Market.

Tired?

Me too.

As an art agent, the book wouldn't be complete if we didn't get a peek into what it is like to have an art agent, a guide to seeking an art agent and why you may not need one after all.  I can't imagine every having an art agent- that seems like something for the crème de la crème of artists, but it was fun to read this section.

My biggest takeaway:  It's important to find your own artistic voice.  People buy your joy and they can tell when your faking it.  Like fiction writing, the truth tends to show up in our art- whether we like it or not.

What books are you reading this month?  I'm all ears  Match me up with a good book!