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The Trickster's Hat: A Mischievous Apprenticeship in Creativity
The act of creating art, in all its forms, offers us a path to our souls. But the path can be confusing, and getting lost along the way is inevitable. However, maybe that’s the point.
In The Trickster’s Hat, bestselling author of the Griffin & Sabine cycle Nick Bantock invites you to lose yourself in order to become a better creator. Inspired by Nick's popular and mischievous workshops, the book's forty-nine perceptive exercises will encourage you to forget your destination while you meander through the wondrous world that awaits you in the periphery of your mind's eye.
If you’re willing to be lead hither and thither down unlikely paths by a fellow of dubious reputation, if you’re prepared to keep a sense of humor and not be phased when he plucks the unexpected out of a mischief-stuffed hat, if you’re ready to zigzag, detour, and wander in search of a better understanding of your artistic core, then, let the Trickster be your guide.
In The Trickster’s Hat, bestselling author of the Griffin & Sabine cycle Nick Bantock invites you to lose yourself in order to become a better creator. Inspired by Nick's popular and mischievous workshops, the book's forty-nine perceptive exercises will encourage you to forget your destination while you meander through the wondrous world that awaits you in the periphery of your mind's eye.
If you’re willing to be lead hither and thither down unlikely paths by a fellow of dubious reputation, if you’re prepared to keep a sense of humor and not be phased when he plucks the unexpected out of a mischief-stuffed hat, if you’re ready to zigzag, detour, and wander in search of a better understanding of your artistic core, then, let the Trickster be your guide.
194 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2014
58 people are currently reading
1321 people want to read
About the author
Nick Bantock
68 books764 followersNick was schooled in England and has a BA in Fine Art (painting). He has authored 25 books, 11 of which have appeared on the best seller lists, including 3 books on The New York Times top ten at one time. Griffin & Sabine stayed on that list for over two years. His works have been translated into 13 languages and over 5 million have been sold worldwide. Once named by the classic SF magazine Weird Tales as one of the best 85 storytellers of the century. He has written articles and stories for numerous international newspapers and magazines. His Wasnick blogs are much followed on Facebook and Twitter. His paintings, drawings, sculptures, collages and prints have been exhibited in shows in UK, France and North America. In 2010 Nick's major retrospective exhibition opened at the MOA in Denver. His works are in private collections throughout the world. Nick has a lifetime BAFTA (British Oscar) for the CD-ROM game Ceremony of Innocence, created with Peter Gabriel's Real World, featuring Isabella Rossolini and Ben Kingsley. He has two iPad apps, Sage and The Venetian and is working on a third. Three of his books have been optioned for film and his stage play based on the Griffin & Sabine double trilogy premiered in Vancouver in 2006.
Produced artwork for more than 300 book covers (including works by Roth and Updike), illustrated Viking Penguin's new translation of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. He's designed theater posters for the London plays of Tom Stoppard and Alec Guinness.
For 20 years Bantock has spoken and read to audiences throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Given keynote and motivational speeches to corporations and teachers state conferences. He's given dramatic readings on the radio and the stage and has been interviewed (way too many times) for TV, radio and print.
Bantock has worked in a betting shop in the East End of London, trained as a psychotherapist, designed and built a house that combined an Indonesian temple and a Russian orthodox church with an English cricket pavilion and a New Orleans bordello. Between 2007 and 2010 was one of the twelve committee members responsible for selecting Canada's postage stamps.
Among the things Bantock can't do: Can't swim, never ridden a horse, his spelling is dreadful and his singing voice is flat as a pancake.
Source: Nick Bantock - profile
Produced artwork for more than 300 book covers (including works by Roth and Updike), illustrated Viking Penguin's new translation of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. He's designed theater posters for the London plays of Tom Stoppard and Alec Guinness.
For 20 years Bantock has spoken and read to audiences throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Given keynote and motivational speeches to corporations and teachers state conferences. He's given dramatic readings on the radio and the stage and has been interviewed (way too many times) for TV, radio and print.
Bantock has worked in a betting shop in the East End of London, trained as a psychotherapist, designed and built a house that combined an Indonesian temple and a Russian orthodox church with an English cricket pavilion and a New Orleans bordello. Between 2007 and 2010 was one of the twelve committee members responsible for selecting Canada's postage stamps.
Among the things Bantock can't do: Can't swim, never ridden a horse, his spelling is dreadful and his singing voice is flat as a pancake.
Source: Nick Bantock - profile
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 3, 2014
A few years ago I took a workshop with Nick Bantock, who's long been an art hero of mine. Hero in the sense that it was his work that told me I could make art myself - and gave me the courage to figure out I could tell my own stories with art. His workshop was brilliant. Much more structured than I expected and also with a lot more writing and thinking than I expected, but I treasure the insights I gained there. My only regret was that I didn't take more notes, but it's kind of difficult to take notes when you're truly being in the moment and creating, and not wanting to miss a minute of what's going on. So my heart did a little flutter when I saw this book. Please please please be about those exercises we did in his workshop - and yay - it is! Yes, I know there's something magical about doing them in his workshop (if you get a chance I highly recommend it) and I know a book can't replicate the workshop experience, but this has surely got to be the next best thing, and I'm pretty happy with that. And it absolutely doesn't stop you from doing them with a group of artistic friends if you're lucky enough to have those as well.
September 30, 2015
I got this from the giveaways. I signed up for it because it looked like an interesting book. I didn't expect it to be one I can work with. The Trickster's Hat consists of a series of activities designed to help people to overcome the fear of letting go and be creative.
Since I have always been carefree about the way I do art (and being incredibly vain and think myself superior in creativity), I abhor getting instructions from anyone especially those who call themselves "experts". Many self-help books in art and creativity out there that just gets me on edge. Either the authors are too proud, or they just don't seem good enough for my expectations. The Trickster's Hat is not one of them. in fact, I think calling it a self-help book doesn't do it justice. (I should scold myself for saying that!) Consider it as fun times and games bounded in pages is much more accurate.
I fully enjoyed doing the activities in the book. It permits you to get messy. All that matters is to have as much fun as possible. I expect it would be fun whether you are six or sixty. For those who wish to find creativity, this is the book for you. For the lucky people unafraid to express yourself. This is still full of fun games. Conclusion?
Highly recommend it to everyone!
Since I have always been carefree about the way I do art (and being incredibly vain and think myself superior in creativity), I abhor getting instructions from anyone especially those who call themselves "experts". Many self-help books in art and creativity out there that just gets me on edge. Either the authors are too proud, or they just don't seem good enough for my expectations. The Trickster's Hat is not one of them. in fact, I think calling it a self-help book doesn't do it justice. (I should scold myself for saying that!) Consider it as fun times and games bounded in pages is much more accurate.
I fully enjoyed doing the activities in the book. It permits you to get messy. All that matters is to have as much fun as possible. I expect it would be fun whether you are six or sixty. For those who wish to find creativity, this is the book for you. For the lucky people unafraid to express yourself. This is still full of fun games. Conclusion?
Highly recommend it to everyone!
January 14, 2014
As a collector of numerous creativity-inspiring books, I can honestly say this is now among my favorites. I was so excited to receive this book in the mail this morning, after winning a Goodreads giveaway, and I couldn't put it down. The author has very unexpected and wonderfully original exercises that will help to eliminate creative block and spark creativity. I can't wait to try all the exercises after reading through the book. I can honestly say that the trip the 'trickster' takes you on, is one that you will want to revisit again and again.
February 15, 2014
Tap into your inner Trickster and get cracking on your own journey to self-discovery towards greater creativity under Nick Bantock's tutelage! A beautiful book with easy-to-follow exercises that will inspire, energize, and encourage you to create beautiful things. Full review on my blog Guiltless Reading
February 8, 2019
The book is a set of exercises that are the kind of oddball things that you might have come across in art classes or writing classes. They’re very good exercises. I have to say I was inspired. And I think it’s interesting to get an insight into Nick Bantock’s process.
These are art and writing exercises as opposed to “thinking outside the box” exercises you might do verbally. These involve glue and paint and mess. They are wonderful.
These are art and writing exercises as opposed to “thinking outside the box” exercises you might do verbally. These involve glue and paint and mess. They are wonderful.
April 28, 2014
Für dieses Buch benötigt man Zeit - und zwar mehr als für andere. Normalerweise habe ich ein Buch mit 200 Seiten in nicht mehr als vier Tagen (wenn überhaupt) gelesen, aber nun bin ich schon fast drei Wochen dabei - und brauche vermutlich nochmal so lange. Denn hier wird nicht nur Lesestoff konsumiert, nein, man muss auch selbst aktiv werden. Und das dauert einfach.
Nicht weniger als in jeder Leserin und jedem Leser die Kreativität zu wecken ist das Ziel von Nick Bantock, der selbst mehr Künstler ist als Autor. Hierzu hat er 49 Übungen entwickelt mit sehr unterschiedlichem Zeitaufwand: Manche sind in 10 Minuten erledigt, an anderen kann man das ganze Wochenende sitzen. Es wird gebastelt, geschrieben, gesprochen, gemalt undundund - unglaublich, wieviele Möglichkeiten in diesem Buch aufgeboten werden. Und das Alles, ohne dass man allzu viele Sachen dafür benötigt. Häufig reicht ein Stift und Papier.
Wie es sich für ein kreativitätsförderndes Buch gehört ;-) ist die Aufmachung ausgesprochen anregend sowie kunst- und phantasievoll. Auf festem weissem Papier finden sich überall zwischen den Anleitungen kleine und große Bilder, Zeichnungen, Collagen, Fotografien von Skulpturen, Alltäglichem undundund. So macht es einfach auch Freude, 'nur' darin herumzublättern.
Wer gerne mal etwas Anderes machen möchte (und vor allem auch die Zeit hat bzw. sie sich nimmt), wird viele schöne Anregungen in diesem Buch entdecken - und vielleicht für sich selbst ein neues Hobby. Ansonsten ist es auch eine wunderschöne Geschenkidee ;-)
Nicht weniger als in jeder Leserin und jedem Leser die Kreativität zu wecken ist das Ziel von Nick Bantock, der selbst mehr Künstler ist als Autor. Hierzu hat er 49 Übungen entwickelt mit sehr unterschiedlichem Zeitaufwand: Manche sind in 10 Minuten erledigt, an anderen kann man das ganze Wochenende sitzen. Es wird gebastelt, geschrieben, gesprochen, gemalt undundund - unglaublich, wieviele Möglichkeiten in diesem Buch aufgeboten werden. Und das Alles, ohne dass man allzu viele Sachen dafür benötigt. Häufig reicht ein Stift und Papier.
Wie es sich für ein kreativitätsförderndes Buch gehört ;-) ist die Aufmachung ausgesprochen anregend sowie kunst- und phantasievoll. Auf festem weissem Papier finden sich überall zwischen den Anleitungen kleine und große Bilder, Zeichnungen, Collagen, Fotografien von Skulpturen, Alltäglichem undundund. So macht es einfach auch Freude, 'nur' darin herumzublättern.
Wer gerne mal etwas Anderes machen möchte (und vor allem auch die Zeit hat bzw. sie sich nimmt), wird viele schöne Anregungen in diesem Buch entdecken - und vielleicht für sich selbst ein neues Hobby. Ansonsten ist es auch eine wunderschöne Geschenkidee ;-)
May 21, 2014
Ein Farbtupfer der Fantasie
Zitat:
Haben Sie sich schon einmal ganz bewusst einer schier unlösbaren Aufgabe gewidmet? Indem sie beispielsweise versuchten, die Unendlichkeit oder Ewigkeit zu begreifen, sich außerhalb des Spektrums liegende Farben vorzustellen oder die Wörter Purpurn, Silbern und Orange miteinander zu reimen?
(Seite 19)
Ein kleines Buch voller Ideen, eine Anleitung um die Kunst in den alltäglichen Dingen zu finden.
Ein Buch welches den geneigten Leser fordert, werfe deine Ansichten über Bord, mach dich locker, schnappe dir ein Stift und fange an zu malen. Frei nach dem Motto, alles oder nichts.
49 Übungen, die einen kleinen Leitfaden zu eigenen Kreativität ermöglichen.
An sich ist es bestimmt interessant diese Übungen auszuprobieren, doch sie erfordern Zeit und manche auch viel Arbeitsmaterial, wie Briefmarken, schwarzweiß Fotoabzüge, Zeitungsausschnitte, Zeichenkohle, Knetgummi, Fundstücke, Holzbretter, Pastellkreide und noch einiges mehr. Nicht gerade das, was man mal so eben herumliegen hat.
Ein durchaus schön gestaltetes Buch, mit einem hübschen Buchcover und hauptsächlich der so genannten Collagentechnik gewogen.
Ein Buch für diejenigen die gerne ihre eigene Kreativität entdecken und ausleben wollen. Wie der Titel schon sagt: Du bist ein Künstler! Und Kunst ist immer eine Art der eigenen Ansicht, vielleicht sollte man sie auch mal aus einem anderen Blickwinkel betrachten und siehe da, es gibt noch vielmehr Möglichkeiten!
Zitat:
Haben Sie sich schon einmal ganz bewusst einer schier unlösbaren Aufgabe gewidmet? Indem sie beispielsweise versuchten, die Unendlichkeit oder Ewigkeit zu begreifen, sich außerhalb des Spektrums liegende Farben vorzustellen oder die Wörter Purpurn, Silbern und Orange miteinander zu reimen?
(Seite 19)
Ein kleines Buch voller Ideen, eine Anleitung um die Kunst in den alltäglichen Dingen zu finden.
Ein Buch welches den geneigten Leser fordert, werfe deine Ansichten über Bord, mach dich locker, schnappe dir ein Stift und fange an zu malen. Frei nach dem Motto, alles oder nichts.
49 Übungen, die einen kleinen Leitfaden zu eigenen Kreativität ermöglichen.
An sich ist es bestimmt interessant diese Übungen auszuprobieren, doch sie erfordern Zeit und manche auch viel Arbeitsmaterial, wie Briefmarken, schwarzweiß Fotoabzüge, Zeitungsausschnitte, Zeichenkohle, Knetgummi, Fundstücke, Holzbretter, Pastellkreide und noch einiges mehr. Nicht gerade das, was man mal so eben herumliegen hat.
Ein durchaus schön gestaltetes Buch, mit einem hübschen Buchcover und hauptsächlich der so genannten Collagentechnik gewogen.
Ein Buch für diejenigen die gerne ihre eigene Kreativität entdecken und ausleben wollen. Wie der Titel schon sagt: Du bist ein Künstler! Und Kunst ist immer eine Art der eigenen Ansicht, vielleicht sollte man sie auch mal aus einem anderen Blickwinkel betrachten und siehe da, es gibt noch vielmehr Möglichkeiten!
May 19, 2014
Nick Bantock's The Trickster's Hat: A Mischievous Apprenticeship in Creativity is an original, inspiring book filled with 49 exercises designed to unleash your creative potential. Bantock has included many of his own artistic creations along with these exercises which are both visually stunning and inspirational to the reader.
The exercises included range from writing prompts, collages, and artwork. They are extremely unique, thought-provoking, and accessible for both experienced artists and beginners. The materials needed are minimal and Bantock's instructions are both easy to follow and open to interpretation. I especially appreciated the introduction that Bantock has written for each of the exercises that explain his inspiration for the exercise and how he has used it in his own pursuit of creativity.
I received this book through a goodreads giveaway and appreciated it as an enjoyable diversion from my usual choices of fiction novels. Reading this book has inspired me to set aside time each week to work through the exercises, and also to share these activities with the high school students I teach English language arts.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to discover and develop their creative talents.
The exercises included range from writing prompts, collages, and artwork. They are extremely unique, thought-provoking, and accessible for both experienced artists and beginners. The materials needed are minimal and Bantock's instructions are both easy to follow and open to interpretation. I especially appreciated the introduction that Bantock has written for each of the exercises that explain his inspiration for the exercise and how he has used it in his own pursuit of creativity.
I received this book through a goodreads giveaway and appreciated it as an enjoyable diversion from my usual choices of fiction novels. Reading this book has inspired me to set aside time each week to work through the exercises, and also to share these activities with the high school students I teach English language arts.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to discover and develop their creative talents.
February 10, 2014
I received this book from a goodreads giveaway.
I didn't think I'd like this as much as I did. I expected generic suggestions. What was delivered was far from that. All of the suggestions were things I hadn't heard of/thought to try before. My favorite was number 42.
The tone of this book is not in any way stiff/uptight. It's very relaxed and there are even a few funnies in there.
I like that everything in each exercise is so fluent and informative. The purpose behind every suggested task is clear. I especially like how it tells about how long how something will take. For people pressed on time, they'll be able to select one that is appropriate for their time constraint and it will still be something effective.
This book is not exclusive to a specific art form, which I also thought it might be. These things can help with anything that requires you to be creative.
Additionally, I like that it has exercises that go deeper than physically doing something artistic. It helps with blocks.
I would definitely recommend this book to others; none of the exercises were subpar or a let down.
I didn't think I'd like this as much as I did. I expected generic suggestions. What was delivered was far from that. All of the suggestions were things I hadn't heard of/thought to try before. My favorite was number 42.
The tone of this book is not in any way stiff/uptight. It's very relaxed and there are even a few funnies in there.
I like that everything in each exercise is so fluent and informative. The purpose behind every suggested task is clear. I especially like how it tells about how long how something will take. For people pressed on time, they'll be able to select one that is appropriate for their time constraint and it will still be something effective.
This book is not exclusive to a specific art form, which I also thought it might be. These things can help with anything that requires you to be creative.
Additionally, I like that it has exercises that go deeper than physically doing something artistic. It helps with blocks.
I would definitely recommend this book to others; none of the exercises were subpar or a let down.
February 13, 2018
The premise of this book is amazing. It looked beautiful when I flipped through it. I thought it would give some ideas to overcome artist's block, not only for me, but for my students.
When I actually sat down and read the book, I wasn't so impressed. Many of the ideas are repetitive (oh look...another collage...with stamps? Ugh). I think there were only four or five ideas that seem worthwhile. I also don't like the author's style, which was two parts New Age weirdo, one part motivational speaker, and one part dry humour. It was ok in small doses but the whole book is so goddamn smug. There's an odd mix of writing prompts and visual art prompts, so unless you're generally an artsy type, parts of this book will be useless to you.
It's an ok book for beginner artists. I like how he sometimes writes about famous artists and their creative processes. I also like how he encourages people to experiment with art and to try not to be too self-critical. I just wish there were a greater variety of ideas.
When I actually sat down and read the book, I wasn't so impressed. Many of the ideas are repetitive (oh look...another collage...with stamps? Ugh). I think there were only four or five ideas that seem worthwhile. I also don't like the author's style, which was two parts New Age weirdo, one part motivational speaker, and one part dry humour. It was ok in small doses but the whole book is so goddamn smug. There's an odd mix of writing prompts and visual art prompts, so unless you're generally an artsy type, parts of this book will be useless to you.
It's an ok book for beginner artists. I like how he sometimes writes about famous artists and their creative processes. I also like how he encourages people to experiment with art and to try not to be too self-critical. I just wish there were a greater variety of ideas.
March 27, 2014
I liked this. There are a lot of exercises (49) ranging from small drawings to collages to writing prompts. Some of the suggestions are strange, but if you're looking for creativity, strange is the way to go. Just take the little voice inside you that says 'this is stupid' or 'this is a waste of time' and lock it away.
The exercises are fun, challenging, and unusual. I found the book to be particularly useful on those low-energy days when I find it hard to get started with any of the creative projects I have in progress. I tried an exercise or two to get things moving, and my projects became easier.
The only reason it gets four stars instead of five is that some of the exercises, in particular the collages, are difficult to do on the spur of the moment; they require certain materials that you may not have on hand, like old postage stamps and the like. But if you like your creativity mixed with forward planning, or if you work with a group, these could be a lot of fun.
The exercises are fun, challenging, and unusual. I found the book to be particularly useful on those low-energy days when I find it hard to get started with any of the creative projects I have in progress. I tried an exercise or two to get things moving, and my projects became easier.
The only reason it gets four stars instead of five is that some of the exercises, in particular the collages, are difficult to do on the spur of the moment; they require certain materials that you may not have on hand, like old postage stamps and the like. But if you like your creativity mixed with forward planning, or if you work with a group, these could be a lot of fun.
July 27, 2014
I picked this up at the library, knowing nothing about it except for the fact that I liked the “Griffin & Sabine” (trilogy). Two minutes into the book and I knew it was a book I wanted to own.
“The Trickster's Hat” is a guide to help you unlock your creativity. It's full of activities to help you loosen your brain and to help you quiet that inner voice we all have that judges the things we create. At the beginning of each activity is a list of supplies needed (several activities just require pencil and paper), and instructions, many have a time limit ranging anywhere from minutes to days.
I have done a few of the activities and I am looking forward to doing more. Since the activities in “The Trickster's Hat can be done by just about anyone. I highly recommend this book to everyone (creative or not).
“The Trickster's Hat” is a guide to help you unlock your creativity. It's full of activities to help you loosen your brain and to help you quiet that inner voice we all have that judges the things we create. At the beginning of each activity is a list of supplies needed (several activities just require pencil and paper), and instructions, many have a time limit ranging anywhere from minutes to days.
I have done a few of the activities and I am looking forward to doing more. Since the activities in “The Trickster's Hat can be done by just about anyone. I highly recommend this book to everyone (creative or not).
January 21, 2014
An interesting journey through 49 exercises that are directed at exploring and perhaps uncovering the creativity within us. For those who have read Bantock's Griffin & Sabine series, you'll recognize some of the wonderful artwork interspersed throughout this book.
Some of the exercises in the beginning are great for relaxing my mind before I resumed focus on the work at hand.
Some of the other exercises explored my creativity in writing limericks, getting started with casual writing, creating collages and drawing. No special art equipment is called for, but regular materials we generally have around us, such as pens, paper, magazines, gluesticks and paint are used.
And the best thing about this book .... the exercises are fun! I've definitely discovered some creativity outlets I look forward to exploring in greater detail.
Some of the exercises in the beginning are great for relaxing my mind before I resumed focus on the work at hand.
Some of the other exercises explored my creativity in writing limericks, getting started with casual writing, creating collages and drawing. No special art equipment is called for, but regular materials we generally have around us, such as pens, paper, magazines, gluesticks and paint are used.
And the best thing about this book .... the exercises are fun! I've definitely discovered some creativity outlets I look forward to exploring in greater detail.
July 15, 2016
A delightful little treatise on creativity from the collage art master! I have loved Nick Bantock since I was a teenager and first discovered Griffin and Sabine, which blew open my mind with possibilities for the book/art genre. This little volume gives us even more window into his creative process (The Artful DOdger was a great look at Bantock's oeuvre) and is intended as a sort of "instruction manual" to prime the pump of creativity for others. Its a bit tongue in cheek of course, and by no means a straight "How to Draw..." primer, but a series of ideas for the reader to rearrange their thoughts on how and what to make when we sit down at the worktable.
Highly recommended!
I received this book as part of the GoodReads First Reads giveaway program - thank you!
Highly recommended!
I received this book as part of the GoodReads First Reads giveaway program - thank you!
March 29, 2014
*won a copy in Goodreads giveaway*
This isn't your average book of simple prompts. Bantock gives 49 guided exercises which include materials lists, instructions, and the rationale behind each idea. Most also offer hints on how to approach the exercise, which allows the reader to delve a little bit deeper into their unconscious, creative mind. The character of the trickster is kind of like your own personal Jiminy Cricket, adding a little to each task and encouraging the artist to ignore his inner critic.
I especially liked the fact that the exercises included are not exclusively for visual artists or writers, but offer a little bit of inspiration for artists of all media. An imaginative, colourful approach to opening up creativity in anyone.
This isn't your average book of simple prompts. Bantock gives 49 guided exercises which include materials lists, instructions, and the rationale behind each idea. Most also offer hints on how to approach the exercise, which allows the reader to delve a little bit deeper into their unconscious, creative mind. The character of the trickster is kind of like your own personal Jiminy Cricket, adding a little to each task and encouraging the artist to ignore his inner critic.
I especially liked the fact that the exercises included are not exclusively for visual artists or writers, but offer a little bit of inspiration for artists of all media. An imaginative, colourful approach to opening up creativity in anyone.
January 27, 2015
Loved this book. I had never heard of Nick Bantock (my loss entirely) but am so glad I found this book. Excellent for those of us who are hopelessly analytical and academic - I tried a number of the exercises outlined and it opened up the other (largely unused) side of my brain. I love his visuals -stunning stuff.
And as an aside -I won this as a Goodreads giveaway and want to give a shout out to that system. I threw my name into the hat, hoping to win and got lucky. Having never read Nick Bantock before, it was all a wonderful surprise. As soon as I was done, I went on line and ordered three other Bantock books and will look for others, so the freebee was money well invested by the publisher.
And as an aside -I won this as a Goodreads giveaway and want to give a shout out to that system. I threw my name into the hat, hoping to win and got lucky. Having never read Nick Bantock before, it was all a wonderful surprise. As soon as I was done, I went on line and ordered three other Bantock books and will look for others, so the freebee was money well invested by the publisher.
February 12, 2014
I won a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. This book as 49 activities to help you find your creative spark. I was thoroughly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and how insightful and inspiring it is. I especially liked and appreciated how clear and precise each activity is. It allows the reader a clear understanding of what to expect from the activity and how much time they will need to invest. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get in touch with their creative side.
September 15, 2014
Very fun read and full of creativity exercises. One of the best gifts I've ever received and would love to do some of the exercises with the giver. Keeps you on your toes, practicing multiple forms of art on one project from paint to drawing to collage. Highly recommend for the artist getting back on touch with their creative side or for people wanting to change their creative habits. Change is good, sometimes it's nice having a guide book to how they should be changed.
December 18, 2014
I liked the "spiritual" angle from which creativity was approached in this book. Many of the activities suggested resonated deeply with me and I could relate to them. Also, as a piano teacher, I found many of the suggested activities useful to get my students to try - they are certainly unconventional (i.e. not what your "regular" teacher would get you to do) and therefore hopefully more fun and interesting to students used to and tired of the more traditional methods.
March 31, 2014
The Tickerster's Hat is a gem. The variety of activities were enjoyable. I can envision using many of them in the classroom to bring a bit of fun for my students ! Since I have read and own Nick Bantock's books on Griffin and Sabine, I had high expectations of the book. They were definitely met. Thank you Goodreads for sending me the book in your giveaway contest.
August 13, 2014
After reading this book I am willing to let out my "Inner Trickster" and be creative with my art
rather than trying too hard to draw a specific thing. After I did a couple of these exercise I not only found myself drawing a whole bunch...I also kept thinking of story ideas that just started
flowing out of me. I'm so glad that I picked this up!
rather than trying too hard to draw a specific thing. After I did a couple of these exercise I not only found myself drawing a whole bunch...I also kept thinking of story ideas that just started
flowing out of me. I'm so glad that I picked this up!
March 21, 2014
I found this book very interesting. The exercises help us go beyond the limits that we impose ourselves as artists. It lets us discover different facets of ourselves as artists. Very inspirational.
January 12, 2015
A delightful read with some off-the-wall exercises designed to get the creative juices flowing. Although designed primarily for visual artists - and I'm going to use some myself - I've noted a couple of exercises to try as workshop warmup exercises with acting students.
March 23, 2021
I just received this wonderful book from an artist friend and I am head over heels about it! The art! The inspiration! The Whimsy! I should read a page a day! Everything I read in it gives me that tingle of Alice's Wonderland.
September 30, 2023
So, I'm giving this book four stars even though I I did not finish it. Here's why: it was a lovely book for the kind of book it is, but I expected it to be something else.
What it is: Bantock guides readers through a series of exercises to loosen up people's critical mind, increase their connection to their creativity, and generally prep us to think more expansively. I read through the intro bits and the first six exercises, and they're all wonderful: he's clear, descriptive, and also anticipatory about what artists' minds might be thinking during a step of the exercises. If I were someone who wanted to be more artistic, or bring that kind of energy into my life, I would have been ecstatic to find this book.
What I thought it would be: Something more like an artist's version of Sophie's World, where we would be learning about theory and history and people while also delving into an absorbing narrative - kind of like a chapter version of Griffin & Sabine, or something. I'm fine that this book is not that, but it's why I abandoned it, even though it's a perfectly fine version of itself.
What it is: Bantock guides readers through a series of exercises to loosen up people's critical mind, increase their connection to their creativity, and generally prep us to think more expansively. I read through the intro bits and the first six exercises, and they're all wonderful: he's clear, descriptive, and also anticipatory about what artists' minds might be thinking during a step of the exercises. If I were someone who wanted to be more artistic, or bring that kind of energy into my life, I would have been ecstatic to find this book.
What I thought it would be: Something more like an artist's version of Sophie's World, where we would be learning about theory and history and people while also delving into an absorbing narrative - kind of like a chapter version of Griffin & Sabine, or something. I'm fine that this book is not that, but it's why I abandoned it, even though it's a perfectly fine version of itself.
March 19, 2021
Nick Bantock, creator of the Griffin & Sabine series, and many other very visual storybooks, has put together an idea book of exercises creators can practice to improve their creative processes. The exercises are not designed to improve manual drawing or painting skills, but rather to provide practice in extending one's vision of what might be possible in any given art form or style. I confess to doing only a couple of the 49 exercises, so far. Just reading them inspires ideas, though doing them would be more productive, I have no doubt.
I use the G&S series in my film classes to demonstrate how "texts" can be as visual as film (after a long demo of how "text" is different than film, and how it is similar... which is not quite as obvious as it seems.) The art in some of his puzzle books is much more intriguing than the puzzles.
I use the G&S series in my film classes to demonstrate how "texts" can be as visual as film (after a long demo of how "text" is different than film, and how it is similar... which is not quite as obvious as it seems.) The art in some of his puzzle books is much more intriguing than the puzzles.
November 5, 2017
Snagged this as a way to think about making a dream book collage. The techniques are interesting, but mostly this is a series of creativity exercises, using writing, drawing, painting, collage, and other things. I found it interesting, though I think if I were working my way through the book I would make a lot of adjustments. Which seems OK, because the purpose in the exercises seems to be pushing you to think of things in different ways. One of the better books of prompts I've read.
December 18, 2018
i've read a bunch of "help you be more creative" books, this one is by far the best. well written, interesting, do-able. i've done a few of the exercises and i intend on doing more of them, but just reading them and mentally doing them gave me a bit of a "creative rush." the exercises are well explained and, to me, useful, and fun, so much fun.
i really really enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) this book. this is a great little book.
i really really enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) this book. this is a great little book.
August 5, 2019
Challenge: Grinchathon July Edition 2019 - Double up (8). I doubled up on reading and experiencing a second book by this author for this challenge. Included are forty-nine writing and art challenges using the trickster approach to unleash creativity and express one's soul in ways authentic to the reader. Borrowed from the library, I hope to add this book to my personal library someday.
March 18, 2020
This is definitely a book to read slowly, taking one exercise a day. It uses collage techniques, drawing, and other explorations of creativity to awaken your artistic spirit. It's good to have a lot of art supplies handy for this exercise in entering a new creative realm. Nick Bantock has a magical way of bringing the dream world to the sketch book.
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