Why EVERY artist should read, “A Whole New Mind”
I read a lot of books. If you follow my blog, you may recall me saying this before. What can I say?
The books I read fall into a few general categories – books for pleasure (you are SURE to catch me with the new Stephanie Plum novels in my hand each June!), books for inspiration / personal development and books for business development.
The most recent book I read has me really… really… REALLY excited! I mean, over the top, WOW, this is great news, I need to tell everyone about this book, excited!
“A Whole New Mind. Why Right-Brainers will Rule the Future” by Daniel Pink.
I first learned about it in the December issue of Oprah Magazine. On page 238 it begins… “Last spring I read a book I just couldn’t put down:…” I concur! I read the article and decided I needed this book, NOW! No waiting for Amazon to mail it, I had to get to a local bookstore that day. (to read my post about finding books in stock locally, click here)
So why am I so jazzed? Because according to Daniel Pink, the future belongs to me! (Ok, not just me… but I’m in a good place and so are you!)
Daniel contends that 3 things are changing the face of jobs in the US, UK and Canada and they are:
- Abundance (we have a lot of stuff so the way we choose our stuff is changing)
- Asia (I think we all know about jobs and power shifting to Asia)
- Automation (this whole computer thing – it’s here to stay and changing how everyone works)
My summary of his concept of course — read the book for the full explanation.
In a very reader friendly, easy and entertaining writing style, Daniel (can I call him that? “Mr. Pink” seems a bit formal) explains why the left-brained (or as he calls them “Left-Directed Thinkers”) have ruled supreme in the last few decades. The computer programmers, engineers, accountants and attorneys that many parents hoped we’d become. But with the “Big 3″ above, many of those jobs are moving to India, China and the like.
So if those jobs are on the decline, what does he think is on the rise? (And in this economy, wouldn’t we all love to know?!?) Here’s the good news for you, fellow creative, artsy type… US! We are the right-directed thinkers that will shape the future like never before. Here’s a quote from the book:
“Left-brain-style thinking used to be the driver and right-brain-style thinking the passenger. Now, R-Directed Thinking is suddenly grabbing the wheel, stepping o n the gas, and determining where we’re going and how we’ll get there.” (p.27 — one of MANY dog-eared and underlined pages)
What he says MAKES SENSE.
But the key to success, I believe, is being able to use your WHOLE-MIND — hence the main title of the book. And as I turned the pages, folded corners, underlined passages and became giddy with ideas I had an epiphany… this is what I’m teaching. Artists are traditionally heavy R-Directed thinkers. I’m teaching you to use the left side of your brain too, to get you ready for your very bright future.
So again… if you are looking for a fun read that will give you HOPE for the future, the next book on your nightstand should be, “A Whole New Mind. Why Right-Brainers will Rule the Future” by Daniel Pink. I’m just saying…
~ Tara
P.S. Just so you know… If you want to help support my reading habits a few cents at a time, click on the links in my blog to check out the books on Amazon.com. If you decide to buy, I get about 4%. Every little bit keeps books in my hand and the blog posts rolling! It’s all about “transparency”, right?
The Artist's Conundrum: using the right brain for art and left brain for business
Ever wonder why many artists struggle with sales? Do you?
It isn’t your fault. It’s complicated brain stuff. But some understanding will help you navigate both the creative and business sides of your business.
The Left Side of your brain is the more structured, analytical, methodical side. (Consider it your 7th grade math teacher – it’s all about rules and order) Things that are processed here include: words, sequence, numbers, math, logic. People that are heavy ‘left-brainers’ are probably working as journalists, accountants, insurance adjustors and of course, 7th grade math teachers.
The Right Side of your brain is the creative, free-flowing side of things. (The hippie stringing flowers in their hair and telling the left brain to ‘chill, man, chill’) Things processed on the right side include: pictures, music, imagination, rhythm, rhyme. So if you are an artist, the right side of your brain is in charge most of the time.
Do you see where I’m going yet? 
Artist: Right Side of the brain is in charge
Sales / Marketing: Left Side is in charge
It stands to reason that artists who are just starting to do their own marketing and build their business, could end up with some serious headaches!
I’m one of those odd-ball artists who has a business background. My accounting professor in college was after me to go into accounting until my junior year – he finally gave up when he realized I’d have to add a year or more to graduate at that point. I am good with numbers but I’m not passionate about them. I prefer creative thinking, interacting with people, playing on the right side of my brain. I went into sales and enjoyed it. But in the end, what I really wanted to do was create first, sell second.
And I have to tell you, the longer I work my business, the harder it is to “switch sides”. Weird. But I find that I need to stay in my left or right brain for periods of time, if I try and do it all jumbled together (5 minutes right, 10 minutes left) I don’t do as well. There is truly a difference in focus and energy.
You need to decide if you want to stretch and learn to do the marketing, accounting, and interacting with manufacturers or if you want to find someone else to do it. Either answer is fine, what feels the best to you will give you your best creative results.
The information above is included in my eBook, “How to Find, Interact and Work with Manufacturers who License Art”. It gives practical, do-able steps to marketing art for licensing. If you think you want to stretch your left brain, get more details and see if it is for you. CLICK HERE
No matter what you decide, I wish you much success in your art, your business and your life!
~ Tara
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