The Creative's Curse

By: Todd Brison

Narrated by: Todd Brison

Length: 2 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

A great book that is ruined by a poor recording

The passion from the author is on full display in this book, and I truly enjoy Mr. Brinson's energy and vibe, but the message is completely undermined by poor recording and presentation. Microphone plosives/popping, echoy room sound, background noise (e.g. cars driving by), and narration slip-ups that really should be cleaned up, caused me to abandon the book within the first 5 chapters.

I have no issues with authors narrating their own works, especially for non-fiction, but I would strongly encourage Mr. Brinson to seek out professional recording services in future releases.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Felt like he was speaking to my soul

I had never heard about Todd before but I found his book I think after searching "creativity" in audible and wow... This was exactly what I needed.

I'm 23 years old at my first job after college (not corporate but at a startup) and one thing led to another and next thing I knew I became our videographer and social media guy and I not only discovered but fell in love with a new found creativity within me and love for videography and editing.

But also saw my future involving me being an independent filmmaker full time, in the midst of thinking I was crazy or irrational and in search of answer I discovered this book and it was like todd has already been on the road I'm at, a few hundred steps ahead, and was showing the way step by step and giving me the fire to walk it.

This book is phenomenal for anyone who finds themselves wondering if this creative outlet that they've found that they can't stop thinking about is really worth anything or not, and offers a very awesome perspective for those who want to pursue their creative job on the side of a full-time job.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Eye-opening

Absolutely wonderful for artists new and old. I recommend listing to this book, especially if you are in a rut.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Loved this

I am not usually one to do “self help” books. It’s a part of my own creatives curse I guess, I get bored and restless. But so many things of what Todd said in this book hit home, was almost like he was talking directly to me. As a single mom, full time student, and full time work, I have been feeling very caged and like a part of me has been dying. Listening to this book on my “me” time in the car has been a way for me to help figure out how to take the steps to live with my creatives curse but also be a successful adult as well.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Energetic

From the adlibs to the advice and suggestions available in this audio book, everything was able to resonate with me from the very beginning. Irony is that Todd caught one of his contradictions and provided a semi correction which was humerous. This book is a great listen for anyone needing that push back on track and to dig deep for YOUU!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Down to earth message. Supurb delivery!

I've listened to a few different self help books for creatives, but this one is my favorite! The advice is nothing I haven't heard before, but somehow, I never took it to heart until listening to this audio book. Todd Brison has a very conversational reading style that makes it feel like you're receiving advice from a friend or peer. He's sincere, funny, and just a tad self depricating. :) would recommend to any creative, whether you're just starting out or a jaded veteran.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Encouraged me to the Next Level

As a good mentor would, Todd led me thru challenges to understand,as a creative I am not alone and he encouraged me to the next level of my writing.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Decent Insight

This book had some decent advice for creatives but I dont think 100% of the structure is applicable to all creatives in the order he states. Also, there were about a dozen mic pops that scared the hell out of me on my car ride. Please get a pop screen.

Short, sweet, and motivating

If you have ever read anything by Todd Brison, on Medium or elsewhere, then you know what to expect: something concise and fun and good food for thought.