The View From The Studio Door: How Artists Find Their Way In An Uncertain World

I had just finished reading Creative Authenticity: 16 Principles... (which aren't really principles, but see my other review) which I actually read through twice as it was a lot to grasp and well worth the effort and then followed up with this book.I think they made for great companion readings. Both authors attempt to get at the heart of what you need inside to move your work forward and focus on doing the actual work. Neither writes of "10 great projects to help you find your voice". There are no "inspiring" reproductions of another artists work. In other words these books are written to prompt introspective thinking about your own place in the world and how to find your path to move forward.The author describes clearly the artists current role or place in our modern society (marginal) and explains how this affects our ability to create and find a reason to do what artists do. He clearly gives reason to carry on and how to achieve that goal.

We go to art school, or we attend a workshop, and we feel energized and inspired, and ready to go out and become the next Great Artist Of Our Generation...Then we realize that it's a big, loud, and scary world out there; and it seems almost impossible to get anyone to notice our art, let alone care about it even a fraction as much as we do.Ted tackles this issue head on here. He's frank and clear about the struggles faced by artists in the modern world. While he doesn't offer an easy "three step plan" to overcoming these challenges; he does give us a better understanding of them, and tools to help us face them.A great read, that surpasses the academic nature of Art & Fear with practicality, and humanity.

I love this book. Bought several to give as gifts to recent art majors that I taught. The book has inspired me and my hope is that these young artists will find words of wisdom in the pages to last them throughout their art life.

This book was fantastic. I loved every page that I flew through as it had so much depth that I was able to capture from all the insight and wisdom shared throughout the entire book. It was so eloquently formulated that I felt like this book was something I absolutely had to read... And I'm glad that I did. I have new thoughts and new ideas about the essence of art making that I knew I followed by heart, but did not know how to structure it into words. This boom did just that. Thank you to the author for revealing such truth in what we all hold as artists... Simply the gift of creativity and the power that comes along with it.

I bought this as a gift for an aspiring artist who absolutely loved it. You can't ask for more than a happy gift recipient!

If you loved Art & Fear and were expecting new insights, you may be disappointed. This book rehashes the same themes, but less concisely. Additionally, the author spills a lot of ink lauding the value of a formal arts education. (If you love art and have high expectations for a formal arts education, you may also be disappointed.)I was hoping to get advice for artists who had graduated from Fear and were ready for the next chapter. Instead, I found a rambling professor riding the coattails of a previous success and quite out of touch with the current climate in which artists exist today.It seems cruel to give this book a one-star rating, because it isn't The Worst Thing I Have Ever Read, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone and am sorry I bought it.

Ted Orland makes you realize you are not alone. He gives you courage to keep trying new things and explore your creativity.

Just the little bit I have read is great. After reading Art & Fear I was expecting a great read and I can see that is what I will get. I'm fairly new to art but this is inspiring and realistic. I think that The View From The Studio Door and Art & Fear should be in the personal library of every artist.

As a practising artist this was hugely helpful to me and I would recommend it to anyone working as an artist even if you have been at it for years. If you just had one book on creative practice this is it. I can't recommend it highly ebough. Brilliant.

Lots of useful insights for artists struggling to justify making art work in a world that really could not care less....

A must-read for those artists who are slogging away in their own studio, questioning their direction, their goals in life.A Very helpful read!

Definitely not as good as Art & fear. I really wish it had... More meat on its bone. I haven't finished it but something about the tone feels... Off for me.

I'm still reading this thing. Not that it's difficult, I find that I'm referring back to it. Keep this book in your studio and pick up on your break.