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Always Be Creating: A Field Guide to Living a Creative Life
WHAT DOES IT MEANS TO LIVE A CREATIVE LIFE?
Artist and best-selling author Abbey Sy shares her creative journey and the learnings she's picked up along the way through this curated collection of personal anecdotes, insightful tips, and life hacks for aspiring artists and creatives. Whether you're just starting out on your own creative path or already fully immersed in it, this field guide will help you discover your true path to living a purposeful, art-enriched life. Plus, find a free sticker sheet, fun worksheet, and DIY activities that will inspire you to Always Be Creating.
LEARN HOW TO:
● Find your passions and follow your curiosities
● Set realistic goals and figure out how to achieve them
● Use inspiration as a tool for creation
● Hone habits that will you going
● Beat burnout and practice self-care
● Take on commissioned work
● Put your work out in the world with no fear
● Define success on your own terms
Artist and best-selling author Abbey Sy shares her creative journey and the learnings she's picked up along the way through this curated collection of personal anecdotes, insightful tips, and life hacks for aspiring artists and creatives. Whether you're just starting out on your own creative path or already fully immersed in it, this field guide will help you discover your true path to living a purposeful, art-enriched life. Plus, find a free sticker sheet, fun worksheet, and DIY activities that will inspire you to Always Be Creating.
LEARN HOW TO:
● Find your passions and follow your curiosities
● Set realistic goals and figure out how to achieve them
● Use inspiration as a tool for creation
● Hone habits that will you going
● Beat burnout and practice self-care
● Take on commissioned work
● Put your work out in the world with no fear
● Define success on your own terms
- GenresNonfictionSelf HelpArt
103 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2018
18 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Abbey Sy
11 books139 followersAbbey Sy is an artist, best-selling author and creative entrepreneur from Manila, Philippines. Her penchant for analog-style documenting, reading books, & exploring the world ignites her passion for making art and sharing stories.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 6, 2020
Малка сладка книжка за важността никога да не спираме да творим и създаваме, не само артистите, но и всеки един от нас.
В книжката има и някои доста практични обобщения относно по-административната страна на това да си артист с кариера (все пак авторката е артист и автор, няма как друго да даде за пример).
Има и красиво нарисувани упражнения, които да пробваш за себе си, което ми се стори още по-приятно. Наистина приятна книжка от авторка, която следя от много време в социалните мрежи и намирам нещата, които твори и създава за изключително красиви, а и определено е амбициозна и упорита млада бизнес дама, няма спор.
В книжката има и някои доста практични обобщения относно по-административната страна на това да си артист с кариера (все пак авторката е артист и автор, няма как друго да даде за пример).
Има и красиво нарисувани упражнения, които да пробваш за себе си, което ми се стори още по-приятно. Наистина приятна книжка от авторка, която следя от много време в социалните мрежи и намирам нещата, които твори и създава за изключително красиви, а и определено е амбициозна и упорита млада бизнес дама, няма спор.
December 20, 2021
A book for artists starting their creative journey. This is a book I should have read before I started publishing my work online in 2019. It's a great mix of entrepreneurial adventures, travel stories, hand-drawn artwork, and photographs by the author. The book layout is perfect, and it's a delight to read and look at.
January 5, 2024
Genuinely enjoyed reading this. It gave me lots of insights about creating art and a little nudge that motivated me to create something now and to stop waiting for the perfect moment!
A list of Abbey’s words that spoke to me:
“Low-level goals don't seem like much because it consists of our day-to-day activities, but these activities actually create a clearer path to get to the bigger goals. Sure, drawing or writing every day sounds like a simple task. But by committing to this activity on a regular basis, you improve and discover new techniques over time. You become better. More importantly, you become one step closer to publishing a book, and eventually, as the years pass, become the prolific artist and author you want to become.”
“Creative work has its own seasons. We can't assume that for the whole stretch of a year, we get the same things done, the same projects submitted, and the same quality of work produced. It varies.”
“STOP MAKING EXCUSES ...and just do the work. Easier said than done, but you never really get anywhere if you stay where you are. "I have no time, I'll do this later" is the usual excuse we give, assuming that someday, the stars will align and we'll have all the time we want. Hard truth: that time will never come. The only time we have is now, so it's best to make use of it and just start. You don't wait for the perfect moment to make art—you have to create it yourself.”
“Our inner critics bring out the worst versions of who we are. It's that voice in your head that says, "You're not good enough!" and comes up with a list of excuses on why you should quit and give up. It's that trigger warning that arises before you hit "publish" on your blog post, or it's what makes you question everything about your validity as an artist once things are going well. Suddenly, you find yourself wondering what went wrong, and what made you think this way.”
A list of Abbey’s words that spoke to me:
“Low-level goals don't seem like much because it consists of our day-to-day activities, but these activities actually create a clearer path to get to the bigger goals. Sure, drawing or writing every day sounds like a simple task. But by committing to this activity on a regular basis, you improve and discover new techniques over time. You become better. More importantly, you become one step closer to publishing a book, and eventually, as the years pass, become the prolific artist and author you want to become.”
“Creative work has its own seasons. We can't assume that for the whole stretch of a year, we get the same things done, the same projects submitted, and the same quality of work produced. It varies.”
“STOP MAKING EXCUSES ...and just do the work. Easier said than done, but you never really get anywhere if you stay where you are. "I have no time, I'll do this later" is the usual excuse we give, assuming that someday, the stars will align and we'll have all the time we want. Hard truth: that time will never come. The only time we have is now, so it's best to make use of it and just start. You don't wait for the perfect moment to make art—you have to create it yourself.”
“Our inner critics bring out the worst versions of who we are. It's that voice in your head that says, "You're not good enough!" and comes up with a list of excuses on why you should quit and give up. It's that trigger warning that arises before you hit "publish" on your blog post, or it's what makes you question everything about your validity as an artist once things are going well. Suddenly, you find yourself wondering what went wrong, and what made you think this way.”
February 24, 2020
Read (December 2018)
I always love ABC's works and this is one of a kind and I'll definitely re-read this one.
Re-read (January 2020)
January often puts me in a life-crisis of some sort as I was beginning to figure out and question my life choices again, I needed to read a book that will remind me of the practical steps I need to execute before going on full blast with life. While the Bible is my solid guide, I picked up this book too for more practical guide in living a creative life. My life is a whole journey towards passion and creativity side and that's why I need to be more mindful of my decisions and how I live my life basically. I finished it in one sitting again and it left me as refreshed and as pumped up again just as how it made me when I first read it.
I always love ABC's works and this is one of a kind and I'll definitely re-read this one.
Re-read (January 2020)
January often puts me in a life-crisis of some sort as I was beginning to figure out and question my life choices again, I needed to read a book that will remind me of the practical steps I need to execute before going on full blast with life. While the Bible is my solid guide, I picked up this book too for more practical guide in living a creative life. My life is a whole journey towards passion and creativity side and that's why I need to be more mindful of my decisions and how I live my life basically. I finished it in one sitting again and it left me as refreshed and as pumped up again just as how it made me when I first read it.
January 16, 2020
It's a so-so read... or maybe my brain is half asleep everytime I try to read this.
There are points that can save a budding artist...
Full review to follow.
There are points that can save a budding artist...
Full review to follow.
December 16, 2018
More a 3.5 but not exactly a 4.
I don't what it is with Abbey Sy's works but I really like her aesthetics. The fact that she is Fil-Chi, makes her more relatable in a way. I wish she expounds more on this in her future books. Though she makes brief mentions of how what she did with her life was not exactly what her family had in mind, I feel like she doesn't really explain what exact challenges these are. Maybe she just feels the need to respect her family's privacy which is understandable.
In her book, she collates different lessons and guides she's used in her artist life to give? Though her guide is presented simply, it is still quite general and not as simple when executed. I was hoping for more meat in terms of actual lessons she had to go through to eventually overcome or continue to strive and sustain her artist life.
Side note: I see a lot of her in my little sister in how passionate and driven they are with arts and creating.
2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge: A book by a local author - 6/50
I don't what it is with Abbey Sy's works but I really like her aesthetics. The fact that she is Fil-Chi, makes her more relatable in a way. I wish she expounds more on this in her future books. Though she makes brief mentions of how what she did with her life was not exactly what her family had in mind, I feel like she doesn't really explain what exact challenges these are. Maybe she just feels the need to respect her family's privacy which is understandable.
In her book, she collates different lessons and guides she's used in her artist life to give? Though her guide is presented simply, it is still quite general and not as simple when executed. I was hoping for more meat in terms of actual lessons she had to go through to eventually overcome or continue to strive and sustain her artist life.
Side note: I see a lot of her in my little sister in how passionate and driven they are with arts and creating.
2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge: A book by a local author - 6/50
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2021
If I have to sum it up in one word, it has to be "inspiring." Although ABC talks about art, her ideas and tips are applicable to different fields. She makes everything sound easy and doable. Her tone/writing style is simple, conversational, and very optimistic.
I specifically liked that there were activities within the book, it sort of felt like a real interaction between author and reader. I also appreciated how the content was neat and polished into those four units. It helped me to remember the key parts.
This honestly made me want to create and do what I love more.
Favorites:
"Passion won't just fall into your lap. You have to constantly seek it out the best way you can."
"Finding your passion is a lifelong pursuit into self-discovery."
"There is no one-size-fits-all plan to discovering your purpose."
"Tune [your mind] in on the most relevant bits and pieces."
I specifically liked that there were activities within the book, it sort of felt like a real interaction between author and reader. I also appreciated how the content was neat and polished into those four units. It helped me to remember the key parts.
This honestly made me want to create and do what I love more.
Favorites:
"Passion won't just fall into your lap. You have to constantly seek it out the best way you can."
"Finding your passion is a lifelong pursuit into self-discovery."
"There is no one-size-fits-all plan to discovering your purpose."
"Tune [your mind] in on the most relevant bits and pieces."
December 19, 2023
"I'd like to think that life is based on a series of chance encounters that lead from one thing to another-and it is our task to make decisions that ultimately determine where we go."
9 months has passed after i first picked up this book. still confused whether i should pursue becoming a creative individual or just give up. with a question that still lingers in my mind: what does it mean to live a creative life?
reading ABC again after a long time made me super nostalgic. because march 2023 me wouldn't believe where i am now. surprisingly, i've managed to embrace my creative side and accomplish things i once doubted were possible.
this book holds a special place in my heart, serving as a constant source of inspiration. and this is for everyone who wanted to live a creative life, making most out of what you believe that you can do.
April 24, 2020
This book inspires me to always create something. I’m an artist since Kindergarten and as I journey through life, it is true that the universe will knock you off your feet multiple times, it will make you doubt yourself. But that’s okay because as you pull yourself up, you’ll gain wisdom, new experience and knowledge that you can share to others through your creation. I will definitely re-read this book.
January 31, 2020
I like Abbey's approach to the whole creative living and all of her advice are good. I particularly enjoyed the creative entrepreneurship part of the book and I wish she could have expanded it with more of her personal triumphs and failures. It could have made that intriguing area more compelling for me.
May 15, 2019
Selalu terkagum dengan karya-karya Abbey SY. Pada buku "ABC : A Field Guide to Living a Creative Life" ini kita akan mendapat banyak praktik-praktik yang berguna dan cocok dengan kegiatan kreatifitas kita. Layak untuk menjadi guide kita !
February 22, 2019
A book that will boost one's creativity!
May 20, 2019
Aesthetically inspiring.
December 29, 2019
I'm definitely not an artsy but when I read this, it gave me inspiration to be creative even when it comes to attitude towards life challenges.
August 29, 2020
This book is super inspiring. Made me love art more and inspired me to live life to the fullest.
November 9, 2020
Truly inspiring. Hopefully, I can apply all that I've learned from this book!
July 19, 2021
a creative journey experienced!!! Love every details of the book
December 6, 2021
This book motivated me to create and create. It made me crave for what I want to do. I just have to practice and practice and practice some more. Art is what makes me feel amazing.
May 5, 2024
contains repetitive pieces of advice from other youtubers/bloggers, but this one targets specifically to creatives, hence the unique touch
October 6, 2024
This is best along with Big Magic ✨
May 18, 2022
Inspiring and very helpful.
March 28, 2021
Abbey Sy always gets me to come right back after a terrible creative block!
'Always Be Creating' dives more into the core of why you're making art and knowing yourself. There are some backstories on how she started and I liked how we resemble in some ways. Because of this, I feel encouraged to start (or rather restart my creative career).
It's a good thing that she tackled freelancing as it has been a goal I set for myself this year. Maybe not in a big way right away, but just to have something. I enjoyed and enthusiastically participated in the activities and hope to look back to them at the end of year after I finished my goal!
'Always Be Creating' dives more into the core of why you're making art and knowing yourself. There are some backstories on how she started and I liked how we resemble in some ways. Because of this, I feel encouraged to start (or rather restart my creative career).
It's a good thing that she tackled freelancing as it has been a goal I set for myself this year. Maybe not in a big way right away, but just to have something. I enjoyed and enthusiastically participated in the activities and hope to look back to them at the end of year after I finished my goal!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews