How to Be an Artist Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *How to Be an Artist* by Jerry Saltz about?

*How to Be an Artist* by Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz is a practical guide offering 63 actionable rules to nurture creativity, overcome self-doubt, and navigate the art world. Organized into six steps—from embracing amateurism to achieving "Galactic Brain"—it blends advice, exercises, and insights from artists like Picasso and Frank Stella, emphasizing authenticity and resilience.

Q: What are the key steps in *How to Be an Artist*?

Saltz outlines six steps: - 1) Embrace being an amateur - 2) Start creating - 3) Think like an artist - 4) Enter the art world - 5) Survive its challenges - 6) Attain “Galactic Brain” (a state of creative fearlessness). Each step includes rules like “Imitate freely” and “Learn to love rejection”.

Q: What is the difference between subject and content in art according to Saltz?

Saltz argues *subject* is the literal element (e.g., a cloud), while *content* is the deeper meaning conveyed through form and context. He critiques artworks relying on external explanations, urging creators to embed meaning directly into their work.

Q: What iconic quotes are featured in *How to Be an Artist*?

- “Artists are Cats. Art is a Dog” (on balancing independence and connection) - “A work of art cannot depend on explanation” (Frank Stella) - “The quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you find new cheese” (adapting to change)

Jerry Saltz, Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic and senior columnist for New York magazine, merges decades of frontline art world experience in How to Be an Artist, a frank guide to creative practice and professional resilience.

Known for his democratizing approach to art criticism, Saltz distills lessons from his unconventional path—including early struggles as a Chicago gallery co-founder, a decade-long hiatus as a truck driver, and eventual reinvention as one of America’s most accessible cultural voices.

The book expands on themes from his 2022 essay collection Art Is Life: Icons and Iconoclasts, Visionaries and Vigilantes, and Flashes of Hope in the Night, blending practical advice with philosophical reflections honed through lectures at MoMA, Yale, and Columbia University.

A regular media commentator featured on Bravo’s Work of Art and in TED-style talks, Saltz bridges institutional expertise with populist appeal, famously engaging directly with readers through 100,000+ online interactions. His work has been translated into 12 languages and adopted by art schools worldwide as essential reading for navigating contemporary creative landscapes.

What is How to Be an Artist by Jerry Saltz about?

How to Be an Artist by Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz is a practical guide offering 63 actionable rules to nurture creativity, overcome self-doubt, and navigate the art world. Organized into six steps—from embracing amateurism to achieving "Galactic Brain"—it blends advice, exercises, and insights from artists like Picasso and Frank Stella, emphasizing authenticity and resilience.

Who should read How to Be an Artist?

Aspiring artists, creatives seeking inspiration, and anyone interested in reinvigorating their creative practice will benefit. Saltz’s candid advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, handling criticism, and finding one’s voice resonates with emerging creators and seasoned professionals alike.

Is How to Be an Artist worth reading?

Yes. The book distills Saltz’s decades of art criticism into digestible, motivational lessons praised by artists like Grayson Perry. Its mix of humor, quotes, and exercises—such as “draw with your non-dominant hand”—makes it a valuable toolkit for unlocking creativity.

What are the key steps in How to Be an Artist?

Saltz outlines six steps:

1. Embrace being an amateur
1. Start creating
1. Think like an artist
1. Enter the art world
1. Survive its challenges
1. Attain “Galactic Brain” (a state of creative fearlessness).

Each step includes rules like “Imitate freely” and “Learn to love rejection”.

What is the difference between subject and content in art according to Saltz?

Saltz argues subject is the literal element (e.g., a cloud), while content is the deeper meaning conveyed through form and context. He critiques artworks relying on external explanations, urging creators to embed meaning directly into their work.

What are Jerry Saltz’s rules for overcoming creative blocks?

Key rules include: “Work for 100 days straight,” “Steal ideas fearlessly,” and “Trust your intuition.” Saltz encourages embracing imperfection and viewing blocks as opportunities for growth.

How does Saltz advise artists to handle criticism?

He advises developing “elephant skin”—accepting feedback without internalizing negativity. Artists should stay open to critique but retain conviction in their vision, balancing humility with self-assurance.

What iconic quotes are featured in How to Be an Artist?

“Artists are Cats. Art is a Dog” (on balancing independence and connection)
“A work of art cannot depend on explanation” (Frank Stella)
“The quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you find new cheese” (adapting to change)

How does How to Be an Artist address the role of failure?

Saltz reframes failure as essential to growth, urging artists to “fail gloriously” and persist. He shares personal anecdotes of rejection, stressing that missteps are inevitable in creative evolution.

What critiques exist about How to Be an Artist?

Some note the book expands a 2018 article without significantly deepening its ideas. Critics argue it prioritizes motivational advice over technical guidance, which may frustrate readers seeking structured methods.

How does Saltz’s approach compare to other art guides?

Unlike technical manuals, Saltz focuses on mindset and resilience, aligning with books like The Artist’s Way but with a sharper, jargon-free tone. It’s more about sustaining creativity than mastering techniques.

Why is How to Be an Artist relevant in 2025?

Amid AI-generated art and digital saturation, Saltz’s emphasis on human intuition, originality, and emotional authenticity offers a counterbalance. His rules help artists navigate evolving platforms while staying true to their voice.

Key takeaways

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Your hands are trembling. The blank canvas stares back. That voice in your head whispers that you're not talented enough, trained enough, connected enough to call yourself an artist. But what if everything you've been told about becoming an artist is wrong? What if the barrier between you and your creative life isn't skill or credentials-it's simply permission? Jerry Saltz's radical manifesto tears down the gatekeeping myths of the art world with a simple truth: you don't need anyone's approval to begin. Not from galleries, not from critics, not even from yourself. The only requirement is courage-the willingness to make your first mark and keep making them, even when everything inside you screams to stop.