Create Now!: A Systematic Guide to Artistic Audacity

by Marlo Johnson

The road to unfettered creativity begins here! Written in an engaging choose-your-own-path format, this unique guide transforms the creative process into a simple series of multiple-choice questions and answers. The journey begins with a simple question designed to spark inspiration: Do you have a clear vision of what you would like to create and why? Whatever the answer, creative coach Marlo Johnson offers the encouragement and guidance needed to move on to the next step. With tips for overcoming blocks, staying motivated, and even sharing finished work with the world, Create Now! is an invaluable tool for artists, writers, and creatives, whether established or aspiring.

Genres: Nonfiction, Creative, Writing, Art

120 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2016

About the author

A full-time artist and author on a small island in the PNW, Marlo spends her days creating meditative art (available through mastersgalleryltd.com) and transformative writing meant not just to read, but to use. Her philosophy is one of creative genius through intentional love. This powerful approach allows readers to release blocks and limitations in creative, compassionate, and enjoyable ways, so they may remember their inherent connection to inspiration and flow states, and achieve profound inner and outer change as a result. Marlo's unique and practical writing is based on systems she developed over a decade as a working artist and mentor for creatives. Her second book, Creative Alchemy: Meditations, Rituals, and Experiments to Free Your Inner Magic is now available everywhere books are sold!

Reviews

[James Wyper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a professional artist, a painter, and I've been using Create Now! for longer than most, as I live with Marlo Johnson, and helped her test the book.

The genius of Create Now! is that it provides a logical way for artists to navigate through their creative challenges. The step-by-step instructions appear to be simple on the surface, but if you follow her guidance, you're in for some deep transformation and the chance to make your art practice blossom. Just use the book each day, (it doesn't usually take more than a few minutes once you've worked through it a few times), and your life and creative practice will transform!

Before Marlo's book, I had a reasonably successful art practice, but I was definitely making it up as I went along, and life was chaotic. However, in the last three months, (since I started daily work with the book), I've landed the largest commission contract of my career and booked two international painting shows. I have work lined up for months to come, a the predictable income that comes with that.

There was an interesting positive side-effect of the book too. Phase 1, Step 1 asks "Do you need food, hydration, sleep, coffee, exercise, or something else? Fix what you can and then move on…", I started making breakfast each day, and taught myself to cook, which I do everyday now.

The wisdom in this book changed my life, and I recommend it highly.

James Wyper
http://www.jameswyper.com/

[Am Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book works this way: there are a series of questions which you mostly answer with "yes", "no", or "maybe", then you get different advice based on the answer you pick. E.g. Do you have any basic physical needs to take care of at this moment? ==> if no, move on to step 2; if maybe, you're asked to "fix what you can"; if yes, take care of your needs first then come back.

It may seem basic, but this system did actually simplify my workflow and goals somewhat, and provided me with greater clarity.

Some other examples of the Q&A system this book employs:

- You now have a project underway. Do you think it's finished?
- How do you feel about what you created?
- Do you feel too attached to your work to let it go?

The fact that all the questions have multiple choice answers, and there are always only 3 answers to choose from, makes things very easy.

Would be a good guide for those feeling overwhelmed, unsure about their work, and/or who are looking for a framework to guide their creative process.

[Arinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredible creative guide. It's inspiring in the same vein as 'the Artist's Way' but so much simpler, but at the same time manages to dive to the root of negative beliefs. Using 'Create Now' sets a precedence for one's art practice - it provides a framework that is simple enough to be used every day, but effective enough to burst through any creative blocks. Using this book has given me positive and long term change in my art practice.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because this book is of daily use to me, I will never be finished reading and re-reading it. It has helped me to address some of the most pressing issues with my work & life, which are being diligent with self-care and quieting my inner critic. It has allowed art to be my safe space again, instead of the tumultuous battleground that it has often been since I started working as a full-time artist. I can tell that the more I use it, the more things I will unlock within myself.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into helping yourself become more productive and less critical of yourself and your lack of self worth.

[Yen Lian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A choose your journey kinda book which I love, offered simple yet practical advice, how I wish they have a more comprehensive version for those who want to delve deeper, so that they could have a good reference. It is useful only if you go through the exercises properly. Made me think about my artistic purpose. This is a book meant for frequent revision.

[Mary Nee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good creative guide! Easy enough to use everyday. Helps you through the blocks.

[Alexis]

A flow chart to help you through the creative process.