How to Be an Artist by Jerry Saltz Summary

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

• “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)

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.

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.

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.

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.