The book that changed my life.
I read the The War of Art 17 years ago and it had a profound effect on my life. It resulted in my leaving my job in San Francisco, starting my own business as a freelance graphic designer, and devoting myself more intentionally to making graphic novels, and ultimately getting published.
Most importantly, I've lived a happier and more fulfilled life thanks to this book, and have encouraged those around me to do the same.
The War of Art is written by Steven Pressfield, of The Legend of Badger Vance fame, and it's about the internal barriers to creativity, and how to defeat those obstacles.
Pressfield calls these obstacles Resistance, which he describes as a malevolent force. Resistance includes things like procrastination, self-destructive behavior, drama in in your life, and self-doubt.
And then Pressfield shows you how to fight against Resistance—by turning "pro," by creating sacred spaces and times to write/create, by putting your life in order, and by working territorially, not hierarchically.
Pressfield writes, "Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It's a gift to the world and every being in it. Don't cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you've got."
If you're in need of some tough love and inspiration, definitely pick up this book.
Gatsby
I did a virtual event about my graphic novel adaptation of The Great Gatsby as part of a Gatsby-themed Community Reads series with Wilmington Memorial Library in Massachusetts. For those of you who love Gatsby and the 1920s, Wilmington Library has many Gatsby-themed virtual events going on this summer including a virtual speakeasy, Gold Coast History tour, and keynote speech by Maureen Corrigan. Check out their schedule here.
I also spoke recently with comics students at SAW (Sequential Artist Workshop) about my comics trajectory, process, and current projects. It was a blast to speak with so many engaged and perceptive cartoonists.
If you read my Gatsby graphic novel, please consider leaving a review (Amazon, GoodReads, Barnes & Noble, etc). It makes a BIG difference. And thank you for reading my book :)
Graphic Design
Beach Towels
One of my design clients is Laguna Beach Textile Company, and one of my roles is designing textiles for them. Here's a glimpse at the newest towel that I designed: The Solana Cabana Beach Towel. Our goal was to create a new line of towels that captured the optimistic place that the country is in right now and I'm proud of the colorful results.
Book recommendation
Temeraire Series by Naomi Novik
This fantastic series is an alternative history set during the Napoleonic Wars where dragons make up an aerial branch of the military. It follows the adventures of a naval captain who is accidentally bonded to a powerful dragon. Fans of fantasy books, history, and the Master and Commander series will love these books.
Has a book changed your life? I'd love to hear about it if it has.
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