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Creative Thursday: Everyday inspiration to grow your creative practice
Learn to make creativity a daily habit!Whether you're just beginning to trust your artistic voice or you've been refining it for years, Marisa Anne is the loving guide and caring mentor you need to help you commit to moving through resistance, stepping outside of your comfort zone and making creativity a regular part of your life.
- GenresArtNonfictionSelf Help
128 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2012
31 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 18, 2017
After showing up extremely early for an appointment, I found this in the waiting room, apparently left by another patron. I read it in less than 45 minutes, so that will give you an idea how fast a read it is.
I sort of feel badly for giving this two stars, especially since the author is trying so hard to be positive and encouraging, but "it was OK" pretty much sums up how I felt about it. I will give it this, the author's illustrations and photos are adorable. A little of them go a long way for me, but I only kept reading because of the illustrations (and because I had 45 minutes to kill and my other options were sports magazines and AARP.)
There just wasn't anything particularly inspiring or new in the content. After the first chapter of "OMG! I'M ACTUALLY WRITING A WHOLE BOOK!" with liberal sprinkles of "check out my blog!" and "I own a company!" what's left is pretty much a short checklist including things like "breathe" and some aimless, chatty rambling about how she loves doing art even when she doesn't feel inspired. It really comes off more like listening to a very talkative hyper friend give herself a pep talk than a book.
It's not bad, it's just not much of anything.
I sort of feel badly for giving this two stars, especially since the author is trying so hard to be positive and encouraging, but "it was OK" pretty much sums up how I felt about it. I will give it this, the author's illustrations and photos are adorable. A little of them go a long way for me, but I only kept reading because of the illustrations (and because I had 45 minutes to kill and my other options were sports magazines and AARP.)
There just wasn't anything particularly inspiring or new in the content. After the first chapter of "OMG! I'M ACTUALLY WRITING A WHOLE BOOK!" with liberal sprinkles of "check out my blog!" and "I own a company!" what's left is pretty much a short checklist including things like "breathe" and some aimless, chatty rambling about how she loves doing art even when she doesn't feel inspired. It really comes off more like listening to a very talkative hyper friend give herself a pep talk than a book.
It's not bad, it's just not much of anything.
September 6, 2013
In a nutshell: how to get out of a creative rut/how to start being creative daily
Notes: Very lacking. The poor book design made it hard to read even more so when coupled with the poor writing. Much of the topics were re-written in later pages as if stating a new idea when really it was just reworded and the underlying theme was just repurposed. Seemed like the book was just a way for author to showcase her (cute) paintings and name drop her blog on every page. Returning this boon ASAP.
Notes: Very lacking. The poor book design made it hard to read even more so when coupled with the poor writing. Much of the topics were re-written in later pages as if stating a new idea when really it was just reworded and the underlying theme was just repurposed. Seemed like the book was just a way for author to showcase her (cute) paintings and name drop her blog on every page. Returning this boon ASAP.
July 25, 2017
Creative Thursday is such an inspiring book! Marisa Anne Cummings is a gentle cheerleader, encouraging us to explore and expand our creative sides.
In her opinion, we are all creative, and I tend to agree with her. Maybe your creativity is in the form of painting, or writing, or performing, or sewing, or any number of other things. It doesn’t matter what form your creativity takes; it just matters that you allow that side of you to live, too, regardless of what other people think about it. You are doing this for YOU!
Marisa discusses forms of procrastination or resistance - otherwise known as fear - that keep us from giving life to our creative side. She offers ways for us to find our creative voice and get beyond the resistance.
We can find inspiration everywhere, if we don’t fight against it and we can find the encouragement that we need to move forward in Creative Thursday by Marisa Anne.
In her opinion, we are all creative, and I tend to agree with her. Maybe your creativity is in the form of painting, or writing, or performing, or sewing, or any number of other things. It doesn’t matter what form your creativity takes; it just matters that you allow that side of you to live, too, regardless of what other people think about it. You are doing this for YOU!
Marisa discusses forms of procrastination or resistance - otherwise known as fear - that keep us from giving life to our creative side. She offers ways for us to find our creative voice and get beyond the resistance.
We can find inspiration everywhere, if we don’t fight against it and we can find the encouragement that we need to move forward in Creative Thursday by Marisa Anne.
August 5, 2016
This is a lovely book and not at all what I expected. I've read many inspirational art books but this was the first one that kept it simple. What I mean is the book is full of life lessons and as life lessons they are things that you know you should know but consistently need to be reminded of. The book isn't bloated or academic, its written like a conversation between friends about a topic your both interested in.
I read the book cover to cover but see myself flipping through to parts when I need a little inspiration.
I read the book cover to cover but see myself flipping through to parts when I need a little inspiration.
July 25, 2013
Just another book for a boost of inspiration.
This book is very poorly edited. At only around 120 pages (and full or images) I was surprised at how many errors I found, including identical pages (82 & 92).
The writing was okay. Anne probably has a decent blog that makes people smile(I haven't viewed it), but perhaps this book would have been best just compiled for friends or placed next to greeting cards at the Hallmark store.
This book is very poorly edited. At only around 120 pages (and full or images) I was surprised at how many errors I found, including identical pages (82 & 92).
The writing was okay. Anne probably has a decent blog that makes people smile(I haven't viewed it), but perhaps this book would have been best just compiled for friends or placed next to greeting cards at the Hallmark store.
February 28, 2014
I'd really say more like 2 1/2 stars. The images are adorable and there are definitely some good ideas for developing a creative practice. However, the writing does not always flow very smoothly, with some repetition. Interestingly, This is a flaw I find in so many books written by bloggers leveraging the popularity of their blog. The book also could have used a good edit. Duplicate pages really shouldn't happen!
March 8, 2015
Creative Thursday is an ode to positive psychology filled with whimsical imagery and elements of New Age ideals neatly wrapped for current or aspiring creative personalities. It's a pep talk devoid of hard hitting verbiage that could prove upsetting or distracting for those dipping a toe or reigniting their passion for creative pursuits. If you're dying to hear "yes you can" this is your book.
April 10, 2014
Such a fun and inspiring book. I could hardly wait to finish the book so I could start creating, but I was so sad to finish it, too!
December 18, 2021
This is a sweet, simple book about creativity.
I was drawn to it because I love Thursday. I guess I've always felt that Thursday tends to be the best day of the week for me. So, if I was going to choose one day to be creative, Thursday would be the one.
The artist's advice is to set aside some regular time to be creative. Ideally, at least once a week. This is not necessarily a new idea, but what I did find new about Marisa's approach is the idea that you can finish something in one sitting.
We often have this idea that painting is a long and complicated process, but it doesn't have to be. She says that her limited time and desire to finish in one sitting lent itself to her developing her very unique and simple style. And she was able to turn that style into a successful business.
I feel like this is a very important point for beginners and procrastinators. I've started my share of art projects and then was unhappy with how it was going, got frustrated, and just never went back to it.
However, if you think simple and finish it in an hour or two, you at least have a sense of accomplishment that encourages to you move on to the next thing. The key is to keep going! Do it, finish it, and move on. That way, you build momentum and begin to have a body of work. Plus, you will get better as you go.
This approach has worked for me and possibly it will work for you too. This book is a quick and easy read and I recommend it to people who want to be more creative in their life.
I was drawn to it because I love Thursday. I guess I've always felt that Thursday tends to be the best day of the week for me. So, if I was going to choose one day to be creative, Thursday would be the one.
The artist's advice is to set aside some regular time to be creative. Ideally, at least once a week. This is not necessarily a new idea, but what I did find new about Marisa's approach is the idea that you can finish something in one sitting.
We often have this idea that painting is a long and complicated process, but it doesn't have to be. She says that her limited time and desire to finish in one sitting lent itself to her developing her very unique and simple style. And she was able to turn that style into a successful business.
I feel like this is a very important point for beginners and procrastinators. I've started my share of art projects and then was unhappy with how it was going, got frustrated, and just never went back to it.
However, if you think simple and finish it in an hour or two, you at least have a sense of accomplishment that encourages to you move on to the next thing. The key is to keep going! Do it, finish it, and move on. That way, you build momentum and begin to have a body of work. Plus, you will get better as you go.
This approach has worked for me and possibly it will work for you too. This book is a quick and easy read and I recommend it to people who want to be more creative in their life.
February 8, 2024
There are a lot of creativity books out there, Julia Cameron’s “The Artists’ Way” to name one, but Marisa’s book focuses on the visual artist which was extremely helpful. Lots of thought provoking information. For instance, how to deal with more than the blank page syndrome. (Ie Procrastination) This is one of the few books that I purchased digitally that I may have to buy the hard copy. Illustrations are darling. Bubbly and upbeat just like Marisa. Very easy to read.
March 14, 2020
Just what I needed to feel inspired to make more art. :)
Quotes I liked:
"Does any of this dialogue sound familiar to you? Have you had similar conversations, only to find yourself waiting until a better time comes along to get started? But then when that 'better time' does come along, you're too tired to do one more thing that day? Because resistance is guaranteed to resurface again and again. It's almost as if we have to learn to make resistance our friend. . . . Sometimes all it takes to get past initial resistance is to create a special and inviting ritual to get you started. Just don't use having to figure out said ritual as one more reason not to get started."
"Are you denying any part of your creative expression that is calling you? Denial is a powerful form of resistance. You can always come up with some pretty convincing arguments for why now is not the best time to be creative. The best way to tackle this is to be honest with yourself about the reasons for putting off your creativity. With honesty and awareness comes the beginning of change."
"It seems like creativity is often viewed [by society] as something that is fun; and something that is fun should not be valued in the same way as something that isn't fun. . . . Each one of us has the power to change this perception. But it starts with us choosing to value our own creative time."
"We must be the ones to decide that using our creativity, in whatever capacity, becomes one of our highest priorities. You never need to justify time for you - least of all, creative time."
"The way I've heard it explained by scientists is that our brains are made up of neurons that fire over and over again on the same pathways - also known as our habits of thought. In order for our brains to learn and adopt a new way of being, the neuron has to essentially regrow itself in a new direction. It takes a little time for a new neuron to be formed in our brains. (I'm guessing approximately thirty days)."
"Although many artists - myself included - use deadlines frequently as the fire-started to their creativity, they can also be a major cause of burnout. Experiencing this kind of adrenaline rush, plus the accompanying stress, gets old after a while. So I want to offer you the encouragement that will build a strong foundation and sustain a long and inspired creative life, but if you need a push to get you started, then by all means, choose a deadline and get going! It's important to note that a deadline alone does not bring about that kind of crazy stress; it's how we choose to work within that deadline that creates the stress."
"How does our work get done every day? Usually we have consistent work hours . . . This kind of commitment that we give to our boss, our teachers, our friends, and our families is the kind of consistent commitment that we need to give ourselves. You need to show up, even if you just sit there waiting for inspiration . . . If all you do . . . is think about what you want to make, you've followed through on your commitment and remained consistent."
"Commitment to creativity doesn't have to be a grand gesture; it can be small. Any choice to try something different, to step outside of what is familiar, makes a difference."
"This feeling of not having enough time has to go. It's just another form of resistance, and excuse."
"When you accept (and love) who you are, it gives you confidence in all you do and also encourages more kindness and compassion towards others. This idea of loving yourself is at the core of the creative person, especially the one who is willing to confidently share her work with others."
"Part of developing a love of one's self is to work on releasing self-judgment. As adults, self-judgment (not to be confused with self-critique, which results constructively from a desire to become better at one's craft) is one of the first hurdles we must get over to begin creating at all. We aren't born with self-judgment; it is a learned behavior, and it gains intensity over time . . . "
"I've never had more moments of consistent, pure happiness than since I fully stepped into my life as a creative."
"Of course we have off days were it's hard to get out of bed, let alone feel anywhere remotely close to excellent. On those days, excellence still exists - it just takes the form of being kind and gentle to yourself."
"Pursuit of perfection becomes an issue when it is wrapped up with self-judgment. Instead of encouraging us to create with excellence, perfection paralyzes us. We then either refused to share the work we have created with others, or we stop creating entirely. We feel that if it is not perfect (by our standards or someone else's), it is not good enough. The pressure alone in this kind of scenario is enough to shut down our inspiration entirely."
"If you want to express who you truly are, you must know who you truly are."
"Remember to keep a willingness to change course when your original ideas no longer fit the person you are now."
"Comparison can be the silent killer of the creative spirit. . . . It shuts us down. It makes us question everything. It makes us lose our footing . . . "
"Creativity inspires more creativity."
"You know the familiar label 'Jack-of-all-trades, master at none?' I think it needs to change to 'Jack-of-all-trades, master at accessing creativity and good at all."
Quotes I liked:
"Does any of this dialogue sound familiar to you? Have you had similar conversations, only to find yourself waiting until a better time comes along to get started? But then when that 'better time' does come along, you're too tired to do one more thing that day? Because resistance is guaranteed to resurface again and again. It's almost as if we have to learn to make resistance our friend. . . . Sometimes all it takes to get past initial resistance is to create a special and inviting ritual to get you started. Just don't use having to figure out said ritual as one more reason not to get started."
"Are you denying any part of your creative expression that is calling you? Denial is a powerful form of resistance. You can always come up with some pretty convincing arguments for why now is not the best time to be creative. The best way to tackle this is to be honest with yourself about the reasons for putting off your creativity. With honesty and awareness comes the beginning of change."
"It seems like creativity is often viewed [by society] as something that is fun; and something that is fun should not be valued in the same way as something that isn't fun. . . . Each one of us has the power to change this perception. But it starts with us choosing to value our own creative time."
"We must be the ones to decide that using our creativity, in whatever capacity, becomes one of our highest priorities. You never need to justify time for you - least of all, creative time."
"The way I've heard it explained by scientists is that our brains are made up of neurons that fire over and over again on the same pathways - also known as our habits of thought. In order for our brains to learn and adopt a new way of being, the neuron has to essentially regrow itself in a new direction. It takes a little time for a new neuron to be formed in our brains. (I'm guessing approximately thirty days)."
"Although many artists - myself included - use deadlines frequently as the fire-started to their creativity, they can also be a major cause of burnout. Experiencing this kind of adrenaline rush, plus the accompanying stress, gets old after a while. So I want to offer you the encouragement that will build a strong foundation and sustain a long and inspired creative life, but if you need a push to get you started, then by all means, choose a deadline and get going! It's important to note that a deadline alone does not bring about that kind of crazy stress; it's how we choose to work within that deadline that creates the stress."
"How does our work get done every day? Usually we have consistent work hours . . . This kind of commitment that we give to our boss, our teachers, our friends, and our families is the kind of consistent commitment that we need to give ourselves. You need to show up, even if you just sit there waiting for inspiration . . . If all you do . . . is think about what you want to make, you've followed through on your commitment and remained consistent."
"Commitment to creativity doesn't have to be a grand gesture; it can be small. Any choice to try something different, to step outside of what is familiar, makes a difference."
"This feeling of not having enough time has to go. It's just another form of resistance, and excuse."
"When you accept (and love) who you are, it gives you confidence in all you do and also encourages more kindness and compassion towards others. This idea of loving yourself is at the core of the creative person, especially the one who is willing to confidently share her work with others."
"Part of developing a love of one's self is to work on releasing self-judgment. As adults, self-judgment (not to be confused with self-critique, which results constructively from a desire to become better at one's craft) is one of the first hurdles we must get over to begin creating at all. We aren't born with self-judgment; it is a learned behavior, and it gains intensity over time . . . "
"I've never had more moments of consistent, pure happiness than since I fully stepped into my life as a creative."
"Of course we have off days were it's hard to get out of bed, let alone feel anywhere remotely close to excellent. On those days, excellence still exists - it just takes the form of being kind and gentle to yourself."
"Pursuit of perfection becomes an issue when it is wrapped up with self-judgment. Instead of encouraging us to create with excellence, perfection paralyzes us. We then either refused to share the work we have created with others, or we stop creating entirely. We feel that if it is not perfect (by our standards or someone else's), it is not good enough. The pressure alone in this kind of scenario is enough to shut down our inspiration entirely."
"If you want to express who you truly are, you must know who you truly are."
"Remember to keep a willingness to change course when your original ideas no longer fit the person you are now."
"Comparison can be the silent killer of the creative spirit. . . . It shuts us down. It makes us question everything. It makes us lose our footing . . . "
"Creativity inspires more creativity."
"You know the familiar label 'Jack-of-all-trades, master at none?' I think it needs to change to 'Jack-of-all-trades, master at accessing creativity and good at all."
February 18, 2019
Cute
Nothing revolutionary, but a quick inspiring read. Sometimes you need to hear what you already know. Positive affirmations and hints to guide you to just do it. Read in about two hours. Would recommend for a quick little boost.
Nothing revolutionary, but a quick inspiring read. Sometimes you need to hear what you already know. Positive affirmations and hints to guide you to just do it. Read in about two hours. Would recommend for a quick little boost.
November 1, 2020
It is a quick and easy read and helps to motivate you to start creating. The book is filled with drawings and artwork by the author which are really cute and happy and uplifting. It is not bad and you will will feel likely feel slightly inspired to create something after reading.
August 20, 2017
An inspirational read for anyone who indulges in any sort of creative pursuit. It's also filled with photographs of the author's delightful artwork.
January 2, 2018
Inspirational Book
I found this book a quick and easy read. The authors thoughts resonated with me as I struggle to find time to nurture my creative side. I hope to set aside dedicated time to my art.
I found this book a quick and easy read. The authors thoughts resonated with me as I struggle to find time to nurture my creative side. I hope to set aside dedicated time to my art.
June 29, 2018
A simple read with lots of paintings by the author. It will remind you how and why to be creative, building the space into your routine and being who you are.
February 10, 2020
Disappointing. Might be interesting if you haven't pursued creative endeavors, but seemed a rehash of many other "get creative" books.
November 24, 2020
a simpler short read/journey than " the artist way" - a lot of good reminders of how to grow creativity in your life.
February 4, 2016
Inspiring and practical book on developing creativity
I'm currently reading Big Love by Liz Gilbert and saw this was recommended as a similar title so downloaded it via Kindle Unlimited on a whim.... And then proceeded to read it cover to cover in a single sitting.
Well structured and with practical pointers this is much more a 'guide' than Big Love, and covers a lot of the same ground, perhaps more succinctly, and with plenty of illustrations. Although is book is written by an artist, the content could apply to any creative endeavour at all.
Overall both useful and inspiring. I would recommend this book, and having made loads of notes, know I will come back to it again!
I'm currently reading Big Love by Liz Gilbert and saw this was recommended as a similar title so downloaded it via Kindle Unlimited on a whim.... And then proceeded to read it cover to cover in a single sitting.
Well structured and with practical pointers this is much more a 'guide' than Big Love, and covers a lot of the same ground, perhaps more succinctly, and with plenty of illustrations. Although is book is written by an artist, the content could apply to any creative endeavour at all.
Overall both useful and inspiring. I would recommend this book, and having made loads of notes, know I will come back to it again!
September 17, 2015
This seemed about as well-edited, organized, and well-written as any how-to e-book. Except it's published. Somehow. I gave it two stars for her positivity and for the fact that at least she appears to have done what she's suggesting her readers do. Her paintings and other work weren't my cup of tea but I admire that she's actually doing what she loves.
May 19, 2013
Marisa Anne does a great job of showing us "everday inspiration to grow your creative practive." Her ideas and words are great, and the work she has included in the book is wonderful. I love how she reminds us just to start because you never know how it will end. Loved this book.
November 28, 2015
Cute and sweet, with some great advice for starting a daily art practice. I especially liked the section about finding inspiration, as it had lots of good suggestions. I'll definitely return to this book as I get farther in my own journey.
December 11, 2013
A nice validation to those who wish to create on a daily basis!
March 8, 2014
I love how the author says to "Set an Intention" and "Inspired Action".
July 8, 2014
This book was fine. The images are cute.
September 16, 2013
A lovely book on living big and living well and creating for the fun and enrichment it brings.
July 23, 2014
Well, I liked the pictures.
March 27, 2017
Cute illustrations but the writing wasn't very deep or inspiring.
didn-t-finish
August 7, 2017This is a sweet, supportive book about creativity. I didn't finish because I realized I'm spending time researching creativity instead of /practicing/ creativity. It's a good book, but just what I need right now.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews