17 Comments
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Kaeli J Wishart's avatar

This resonated so much for me. I have always loved to draw, write, and spend my spare time on a million creative pursuits. Like you, I'm fortunate enough to have a good job that pays the bills and don't ever want my passion- my creative world to become or feel like work. I do it because it lights me up and sharing it with others hopefully brings light to them too ✨️ ❤️

Sianna Lipson's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing, I needed this insight more than I knew! I have a job I love and just started getting back into art a year ago and have really struggled with what direction to take my art. I received a lot of encouragement from everyone around me, which albeit wonderful, also translated at some point into some level of pressure to monetize my art. A decade ago I quit art because I hated the pressure of creating for others and I am so afraid to go down that path again because I need art in my life.

All that is to say I really appreciate all of your teachings! I am making my way through The Creative License and absolutely love it! Thank you!

Fred-the-Needle's avatar

Thank you for writing that post seeing art making that way is liberating.

Maggieinsc's avatar

Got to say I have enjoyed every book of yours I have read. Creative License has been lent to friends numerous times. It always gets returned when they have read it. The one abt your Patty goes to friends in a similar situation. My son is getting your latest. Then I realized yes I think I will get one for me too. I dont care if make money making art. It might be nice but too big a commitment to what others think I should do. I did that for years. It was called work. My art is abt pleasure and challenging myself. Thanks for your endless inspiration.

Rossana's avatar

I have 2 of your books and enjoy them very much, I go back to them quite often. I enjoy your essays very much, is something to look forward on the mail. Thanks for sharing yourself it has made me see my art journey in a more freeing way. I make a lot more since...

Debbie Payne's avatar

Thank you for another wonderful essay! It makes so much sense.

Kathleen Flanagan's avatar

I have searched for years to find a true creative artist because I had question's about my own career as a fine art painter. I knew as soon as I watched your video's that you really knew what goes on in the heart of a true artist. After reading your new book "Make It Anyway" I was back at my easle, inspired and eager to get back to work. Thank you for your wisdom, humor and making me know I was NOT the only one that felt as you do. I just purchased four more of your books.

Lucrecer's avatar

Thanks for all of your art and words, Danny!

Linda Marten's avatar

Thanks Danny. Just what I needed to read. I loved the last paragraph! 😊❤️

Just Start Creating!'s avatar

Working my way through "Make it Anyway" right now. Excellent essays; reading with a highlighter in hand to mark things I will want to come back to.

Bookishgirl's avatar

I love your new book. I bought it as soon as I heard about it. Now I can keep your essays instead of just having them on my phone. ❤️

susanna suchak's avatar

Danny I have bought every one of your books, and given many of them away because I knew that they would benefit others too. But I am a Canadian. I am boycotting US purchases and I will never again buy from Amazon. But I want your book. Where in Canada can I find it? Indigo? Please say yes orcwill you ship to Biblioasis in Windsor, Ontario? Thar is just an hour drive from where I live. But I know that Chapters Indigo has 2 stores in Windsor as well. Making art and your books, classes at Sketchbook Skool and encouragement have enriched me abundantly. Faithfully yours. susanna

Nimita Kaul's avatar

Hi Danny! What an apt reference to the Bear, love the show and your interpretation of its characters and plot. Thanks for sharing this, it was reaffirming at lots of levels for my own journey with art :)

Les Brandt's avatar

Had to smile at ‘Art Before Breakfast’ in the cooking section. Just sold a couple paintings, a rare occurrence, and that made me smile as well. Selling is a bonus….Not why I paint or draw almost every day. Thanks again

Sally Olson's avatar

Ah! I have so many thoughts about your post -- all good.

1) Anyone who publishes AT ALL is brave 2) B&N shelved your book in the COOKBOOK section? 🤓🤯 3) The Bear. Brilliant. Oddly similar to Burnt, though. 🤔 4) My watercolor paintings are all neatly stacked in my studio...waiting. 5) Keep going! Makers gonna make 😉

Teddy Carroll's avatar

Thanks, Danny. I’ve taught my business clients for years the distinction between money and value, but repeatedly failed to learn it for myself when it came to my art. Thanks again for another lesson in valuing creation without the imperative of validation.