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lifeamongpages's review
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending me this egalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was a great read, it was very fascinating to learn the background about some of the greatest minds the world has ever seen. Especially Mary Shelley's story, about how she dreamt the Frankenstein book. I learned a lot from this and it was really nice to know that even these greats had some trepidation about their skills, since I have massive imposter syndrome all the time.
Will definitely be reading more from Zen Pencils in the future.
This was a great read, it was very fascinating to learn the background about some of the greatest minds the world has ever seen. Especially Mary Shelley's story, about how she dreamt the Frankenstein book. I learned a lot from this and it was really nice to know that even these greats had some trepidation about their skills, since I have massive imposter syndrome all the time.
Will definitely be reading more from Zen Pencils in the future.
apoorvac4741's review
5.0
‘Creative Struggles’ is a perfect book to read when you’re in a slump or you’re too demotivated to do anything. In this inspirational comic strip, each chapter is dedicated to one of the distinguished personalities in the field of Science, Art, Literature, and Music. This comic illustrates not only the creative struggles faced by them in their respective fields but also the rules and methods they followed that led to the creation of their Magnus Opus.
The drawings were humorous and well- illustrated. At the end of each chapter, there’s a brief summary of their life story along with a quote. It’s a good way to get introduced to the stories of these legendary people who made a huge contribution in their fields. In the last chapter, the author describes his life as a cartoonist and the struggle he faces every day.
If we look at the lives of these famous people, one thing all of them had in common and which stands out distinctly is that they did not create these masterpieces effortlessly as you know, ‘Rome was not built in a day’. All of them had their fair share of troubles when it came to their work or personal life such as lack of motivation, lack of opportunities, physical impairment, internal struggles, and unsupportive environment just like ordinary people do. But they persevered in spite of the problems and through their hard work dedication, they were able to induce a breakthrough.
On the whole, this was a fun and inspiring comic. The takeaway is that you should keep on working on what you’re passionate about, even if you face innumerable difficulties. Who knows, you might just end up creating your own masterpiece!
Read On Blog :)
The drawings were humorous and well- illustrated. At the end of each chapter, there’s a brief summary of their life story along with a quote. It’s a good way to get introduced to the stories of these legendary people who made a huge contribution in their fields. In the last chapter, the author describes his life as a cartoonist and the struggle he faces every day.
If we look at the lives of these famous people, one thing all of them had in common and which stands out distinctly is that they did not create these masterpieces effortlessly as you know, ‘Rome was not built in a day’. All of them had their fair share of troubles when it came to their work or personal life such as lack of motivation, lack of opportunities, physical impairment, internal struggles, and unsupportive environment just like ordinary people do. But they persevered in spite of the problems and through their hard work dedication, they were able to induce a breakthrough.
On the whole, this was a fun and inspiring comic. The takeaway is that you should keep on working on what you’re passionate about, even if you face innumerable difficulties. Who knows, you might just end up creating your own masterpiece!
Read On Blog :)
rivermoose_sam's review
4.0
A super fun, pretty quick read. Perfect for those who need a little motivation. It features comic depictions and short, couple page explanations of the creative lessons you can draw from the achievements of scientists, artists, and writers alike; meaning there's something for anyone to be found. Some parts felt a little dumbed down to me, which is why its 4 stars not 5, but I thought it was fun and well put together. The illustrations were really well done.
uncoveredwhimsy's review
4.0
Creative Struggle is wonderful. It is such an uplifting, inspirational book. I was familiar with Zen Pencils before picking up this book, so I was thrilled to see this collection.
My favorite piece was the section on Stephen King and his giant desk. Its inspiring to see the priorities of someone you consider to be the best of the best.
I really enjoyed seeing the struggles and successes of some of the most well known people that have ever lived. It was inspiring to read about how they all persevered in spite of what life threw at them. I found myself learning quite a lot about the human behind familliar names ( like Frida Khalo and the bus!! OMG THAT WOMAN WAS INCREDIBLE).
Overall I thought this book was great. Probably not something I would reread as a whole, but I would absolutely go back to some of the more memorable sections.
Recommended for: People who are struggling with inspiration, anyone who is feeling discouraged, or just in need of a pick me up. Anyone who appreciates stories told through art.
My favorite piece was the section on Stephen King and his giant desk. Its inspiring to see the priorities of someone you consider to be the best of the best.
I really enjoyed seeing the struggles and successes of some of the most well known people that have ever lived. It was inspiring to read about how they all persevered in spite of what life threw at them. I found myself learning quite a lot about the human behind familliar names ( like Frida Khalo and the bus!! OMG THAT WOMAN WAS INCREDIBLE).
Overall I thought this book was great. Probably not something I would reread as a whole, but I would absolutely go back to some of the more memorable sections.
Recommended for: People who are struggling with inspiration, anyone who is feeling discouraged, or just in need of a pick me up. Anyone who appreciates stories told through art.
lthe7th's review
5.0
Big fan of Gavin Aung Than's comics so when I saw this at BookXcess in 2019, I had to get it. I initially didn't know if I was going to gift it to my colleague who was a designer. Then I ended up keeping it and only got around to reading it today.
Well, let's just say this book is very inspiring because after reading it halfway, I decided that I shall draw in my sketchbook. Today! The first comic really made a strong impression on me (Van Gogh on tackling The Blank Canvas) and I went YEAH and just doodled a self-portrait with new pens that I got. That's how inspiring this book is.
I also really like that each comic comes with a write up on the person's background like how's their thought and creative process like as well as their life. It's really nice to read as it's not just quotes. Granted Gavin's work is always an expansion of the quote through his comics to bring greater nuance to the meaning. Honestly, he has really good storytelling skills to be able to pull off what he does with the amount of research he put in towards each person.
Additionally, I feel inspired to try out maybe drawing a comic ala Gavin's style as one of his tips (at the back of the book) mentioned setting deadlines with small projects. Mainly because I'm curious to see if I can add more women into the selection. Not to say Gavin doesn't as he has Mary Shelly, Marie Curie, and Frida Kahlo in his repertoire and wow they're fantastic. So fantastic that I want more women.
Other notable creative people covered that I REALLY took inspiration and reminders from are Stephen King and Akira Kurosawa as they're writers and I relate better to them. Akira's quote is the BEST (but not going to spoil it as it's quite a nice punchline)
Well, let's just say this book is very inspiring because after reading it halfway, I decided that I shall draw in my sketchbook. Today! The first comic really made a strong impression on me (Van Gogh on tackling The Blank Canvas) and I went YEAH and just doodled a self-portrait with new pens that I got. That's how inspiring this book is.
I also really like that each comic comes with a write up on the person's background like how's their thought and creative process like as well as their life. It's really nice to read as it's not just quotes. Granted Gavin's work is always an expansion of the quote through his comics to bring greater nuance to the meaning. Honestly, he has really good storytelling skills to be able to pull off what he does with the amount of research he put in towards each person.
Additionally, I feel inspired to try out maybe drawing a comic ala Gavin's style as one of his tips (at the back of the book) mentioned setting deadlines with small projects. Mainly because I'm curious to see if I can add more women into the selection. Not to say Gavin doesn't as he has Mary Shelly, Marie Curie, and Frida Kahlo in his repertoire and wow they're fantastic. So fantastic that I want more women.
Other notable creative people covered that I REALLY took inspiration and reminders from are Stephen King and Akira Kurosawa as they're writers and I relate better to them. Akira's quote is the BEST (but not going to spoil it as it's quite a nice punchline)
thebooksatchel's review
5.0
I've been such a big fan of Gavin's work for years. I LOVED this book. If you are a creative and you are struggling with a slump or lack of inspiration, definitely pick this up. It will rejuvenate and inspire you so much. This is smaller (more like a pocket book) than the other comic books published by Gavin. It has snippets of life of famous and important artists (writers, painters, etc ) out in the world and a small write up about the artist.
Trust me, it was such an inspiring read. I read it when I was in a slump myself and it really helped me through it. I think my favourite was the last comic where the present day artist is struggling. I loved it! It was so relatable. The need to create, the comparison, bothering about Instagram likes, giving up, being unable to forget your passion and dream; it is exactly what goes through the mind of anyone who creates either for a living or as a hobby. I loved it! And most of all it gives the important message that we should keep at what we are doing.
Highly recommended.
Disclaimer : Much thanks to Gavin Aung Than for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Trust me, it was such an inspiring read. I read it when I was in a slump myself and it really helped me through it. I think my favourite was the last comic where the present day artist is struggling. I loved it! It was so relatable. The need to create, the comparison, bothering about Instagram likes, giving up, being unable to forget your passion and dream; it is exactly what goes through the mind of anyone who creates either for a living or as a hobby. I loved it! And most of all it gives the important message that we should keep at what we are doing.
Highly recommended.
Disclaimer : Much thanks to Gavin Aung Than for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
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