The Creative's Curse

By: Todd Brison

Narrated by: Todd Brison

All creatives are cursed.

And it isn't the sexy kind of cursed like where you turn into a werewolf or something - I think we can all agree that'd be pretty awesome. No, it's the subtle kind of curse. It's the kind you might not notice until you're 46 years old at a desk job wondering why you let the best years of your life slip away. It's the kind that keeps you paralyzed at 18 when you know you have something special to offer the world but everyone says you are too young.

This book is not about overcoming that curse.

It's not about outgrowing the curse.

It's about learning to live with it.

What if loneliness is not something to be defeated, but an incredible source of power and inspiration? What if that vision you have that nobody else can see is the very thing which will set you apart from the rest of the world? What if what makes you weird also makes you unique?

The creative's curse is real, it's here to stay, and it shows up in all three phases of the creative journey:

Discovery: When the voices in your head are telling you nothing you create will ever be good enough.

Discipline: When you start to taste success, but freeze with the challenge of replicating that success.

Destiny: When you feel you've reached your artistic potential, and now have to figure out what on earth to do with your life.

Because the creative is afraid of success and failure and obscurity and fame all at the same time. He is beautiful and bold and timid and courageous. He is unique to the core, so will never be understood by anyone.

This is the creative's curse.

©2016 Todd Brison (P)2016 Todd Brison

Nice to hear

I will admit that he doesn't always have the most encouraging things to say, but it is something worth listening to. Every now and then its nice to hear some truthful, but encouraging messages when one needs them the most.

Brilliantly Right Writer!

Two days ago I decided to not enter an art show because I was upset by the writing and editing of the producers. This was after I looked at my work (from shows I'd been in) and found all it's poor choices and sad idiosyncracy. Almost all the pieces needed important alteration. Then I finished chapters 32 through 37 (I finished the book, and started it again.
I AM going to apply for the show. And go to the studio... and work!
This book exactly hits the spot!

Get the Audible book; you won't regret it.

Listening to this book on audible feels like you are on a phone call with a friend. What a treat it is to be able to hang with a local artist and get tidbits of wisdom from someone who has mastered the art of staying on task. He comes across as a caring older brother who is there to guide you through the hard bits of your artistic journey. You start to lean in and take notes, knowing he has been there and experienced much of the same thoughts and situations that you have. Validating your journey while sharing his own. I highly recommend this book to anyone feeling stuck on their creative journey. I am now a fan of Todd Brison. looking forward to listening to his next book on Audible.

Awesome book! Read on a whim and can’t wait to read it again!

Great book of advice for anyone shifting to a more creative lifestyle! There are countless social and emotional adjustments to make when you move creative time up on your priority list, this book is full of great tips to help alleviate the guilt, doubt and social criticism that comes along with this lifestyle change. Highly recommend! Will be buying a copy for all my creative friends 🙌🏻

No stretched out filler!

This book is so dense, that my only complaint is that with the audio book, I don’t have enough time to let an idea float in my brain before he’s onto a new one. So I got the kindle version as well. (I do wish there was a physical copy!)

That said, I’m still glad I got the audio book, because he is so enthusiastic. Sure, the recording isn’t super clean, but he is super entertaining.