Affirmations for Artists

I believe that making affirmations really help us to achieve our creative goals. Eric Maisel's book is full of affirmations that really work if we work them! I make this book part of my daily reading, and it makes every day start on a positive note.

Maisel is one of my favorite authors writing for artists. As in his other books, he shows here great sensitivity to artists' challenges. In his typical style, he doesn't pull punches with these affirmations -- it's clear an artist will never be fulfilled unless s/he gets up and WORKS. These affirmations support that process, without gluing up the works with the mystical overtones (mumbo-jumbo?) often associated with affirmations.Arranged alphabetically by subject (Failure, Success, Fear, Anxiety, Inspiration, Day Jobs, Depression, Joy, etc.), each page is devoted to one subject. The page includes quotes from famous artists, a short paragraph to consider, and an affirmation to overcome the challenges and reinforce the positives.One thing I stumble on each time I use this book is the wordiness of the affirmations. These aren't pithy sayings to be glanced at and remembered all day. Most are fairly involved paragraphs in their own right (On Inspiration: "I believe I create for myself when I honor my artist's nature and diligently practice my craft. I will work whether I feel inspired or not: I know that if I labor with an open heart and an open mind, inspiration will come. I am ready to create it, receive it, and be swept away by it."). I tend to shorten them, pulling out just those points that resonate with me ("I honor my artist's nature and embrace inspiration"). This can be an advantage, though, since it means there can be different affirmations for each person or each situation. It also involves the artist in the creation of the affirmation, making each one uniquely that person's.Highly recommended for living more fully with your artistic self, or as a gift for the artist in your life.

This book is crammed with affirmations related to the fears and horrors every artist ends up going through at some point. Whereas I am not too keen in affirmations, I found Mr Maisel's words extremely conforting and intelligent. Although the affirmations are inspiring, this is a book with practical advice as well, unlike so many others that adress similar questions. It also contains a lot of quotations from famous artists who apparently went through similar ordeals. "Affirmations for artists" adresses many different kinds of disciplines and is definitely a great gift for an artistically inclined person. If it ever gets translated into Spanish I'm definitely giving it out to my friends.

Don't be fooled by the deceptively simple title. Affirmations for Artists is a smart, practical and irreverent toolkit for deepening your creativity and enhancing your life. Unlike most of the annoyingly ethereal affirmation books I've read, this one yanks affirmations down to earth, tackles misconceptions and pitfalls, and demonstrates how to use affirmations effectively.The author cuts straight to the heart of the problems artists of all stripes wrestle with and serves up realistic strategies for problem solving. Crafted with wit, grace and no-nonsense compassion, Affirmations for Artists is a generous and elegant book.