These are three books that I think every photographer should read. I believe it is best to read them in order left to right, but do it any way you want to do it.
They are full of practical examples, actionable processes and scripts to get you thinking about your work, your relationship to it, and your relationship to money derived from your art. These are not ‘pie in the sky’ guru books written by people who have never done it, they are REAL players spelling out some truths for you to grasp.
And it is OK to take a little of this one and a little of that one to make it more customized for you, but I guarantee you will not be in the same place after reading all three of these incredible books.
I am not in the habit of steering you wrong. I just want you to be as successful as possible.
These three books will help.
One of my favorite books. James forces you to think outside the way things have always been done and stop waiting for someone else to choose you for your destiny. Choose yourself, and get moving toward the goals you have set for yourself. Amazon Link
From Amazon:
“The world is changing. Markets have crashed. Jobs have disappeared. Industries have been disrupted and are being remade before our eyes. Everything we aspired to for “security,” everything we thought was “safe,” no longer is: College. Employment. Retirement. Government. It’s all crumbling down. In every part of society, the middlemen are being pushed out of the picture. No longer is someone coming to hire you, to invest in your company, to sign you, to pick you. It’s on you to make the most important decision in your life: Choose Yourself.
New tools and economic forces have emerged to make it possible for individuals to create art, make millions of dollars and change the world without “help.” More and more opportunities are rising out of the ashes of the broken system to generate real inward success (personal happiness and health) and outward success (fulfilling work and wealth).”
This book will make you think about your connection between money and art. Perhaps in this new world order of things, there are some timeless points for artists to consider. What if we can take those timeless points and bring them forward to our 21st century? We can… here’s how: Amazon Link
From Amazon:
“For centuries, the myth of the starving artist has dominated our culture, seeping into the minds of creative people and stifling their pursuits. But the truth is that the world’s most successful artists did notstarve. In fact, they capitalized on the power of their creative strength. In Real Artists Don’t Starve, Jeff Goins debunks the myth of the starving artist by unveiling the ideas that created it and replacing them with timeless strategies for thriving, including:
- steal from your influences (don’t wait for inspiration),
- collaborate with others (working alone is a surefire way to starve),
- take strategic risks (instead of reckless ones),
- make money in order to make more art (it’s not selling out), and
- apprentice under a master (a “lone genius” can never reach full potential).
Through inspiring anecdotes of successful creatives both past and present, Goins shows that living by these rules is not only doable but it’s also a fulfilling way to thrive.”
This book has become one of my go-to’s for marketing and positioning ideas. Witty, fact-based, no-bullshit ideas for building a better, more memorable brand for your business. The reality is that old branding methods simply don’t work. We have to move ourselves into a brighter spotlight in order to fight through the clutter of so many others in our field. Amazon Link
From Amazon:
“Forget everything you think you know about branding and “starting a business,” and throw out your “how to write a business plan” workbook. It’s never been easier to capitalize on the knowledge and expertise you already have, and with a few simple steps you can start making more doing what you love like the Badass that you are.
Whether you are still employed and dream of being your own boss, or you’re self-employed but have always struggled to find clients, Badass Your Brand is the quickest way to start attracting high paying clients and building a reputation that will afford you the freedom of lifestyle that you want— without the startup costs.
This isn’t some get rich quick scheme, these are tried and true principles presented in a uniquely tangible and easy to follow format. The formulas, worksheets and mind-bending questions in this book will make you completely rethink your business and get you on a clear path to success.”
