Product Details
Success in the Arts: What It Takes to Make It in Creative Fields

Success in the Arts: What It Takes to Make It in Creative Fields
By A Michael Shumate

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Product Description

Talent is not enough, sometimes it's not even the most important quality to promote success in the arts, says author A. Michael Shumate. His new book, Success in the Arts encourages straight thinking and professional attitudes in aspiring artists. He means artists in the broadest sense: musicians, visual artists, actors, dancers, filmmakers and writers. Each page contains an essential tip, entertaining illustration or pointed quote to guide any would-be artist. Shumate shoots from the hip with real-world advice plus realistic counsel and encouragement.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #760447 in Books
  • Published on: 2007-02-01
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 128 pages

Editorial Reviews

About the Author
For 19 years Michael Shumate has been Professor of Graphic Design and Illustration at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario where he has taught Color Theory, all levels of Illustration, Branding Design, Art History and Beginning Web Applications. Shumate has been a graphic designer and commercial illustrator for over 35 years. Before becoming a teacher, he was Senior Designer/Illustrator for a mid-sized design studio and advertising agency. Michael's illustration work has been used for such clients as British Airways Magazine, Kelley Services and Macmillan McGraw-Hill publishers.

Customer Reviews

A Shortcut to Success 5
This is a witty, easy-to-read book, with practical advice for those trying to break into the arts. It's well worth the investment.

nice guy - but not helpful at all !!!2
I ordered this book, through an art email that offered bonuses if i bought the book - turns out, i got to listen to the authour on the radio talk on some website and repeating everything i had already heard in the book! I also got to download an ebook with a few helpful bits of advice on GRAPHIC DESIGN, which of course is what the author teaches. tough luck if you are a budding actress or a singer - how is that going to help you in your auditions!!

although i get the impression that the author is probably a really nice guy, i have to say i dont buy books just to LIKE SOMEBODY, i buy them to feed me KNOWLEDGE and to further myself in my profession! which this book does NOT deliver.

The book was basically written using other famous people's QUOTES that the author obviously has found over the years. as facinating as it is to re-read lots of OTHER PEOPLES quotes on how to be motivated and stay positive, i found that the author uses quotes from others, in nearly every paragraph! Im sure you will agree that a quote from Thomas Edison is always nice and learning 'HOW TO CATCH A MONKEY' is a very enlightening story BUT!!! - THAT IS NOT GOING TO GET YOUR ART SOLD , OR GET YOUR NAME IN SHINEY LIGHTS ON BROADWAY, is it?? this books title is SUCCESS IN THE ARTS - Written by someone i have never heard of ! (however i guess if you are a GRAPHIC DESIGNER and have spent years in the advertising industry, you COULD fool alot of people to buy your book, by giving it a GREAT TITLE and a nice ATTRACTIVE cover, SO theoritically you could eventually be SUCCESSFUL IN THE ARTS - dont you think??? )

if you are the type of person who has drive, ambition, heart and soul (oh and dont forget that little thing called TALENT btw) in your craft you will be successful, without even reading this book - and if you are the type of person who DID NOT KNOW THAT, - then maybe you might not make it anyway, regardless of buying this book!

This book would have been far better value for money if it actually listed a network of people to contact in the arts - (as he indeed tells you to have one, yet does not offer any kind of direction or contact list to help you begin your 'success in the arts'!!!)

Although im sure the author of this book is a 'very nice man and teacher' and now 'author' - i would like to offer some practical advice back - less of the philisophical and more of the PRACTICAL, maybe the way to go with the NEXT book!

i have never felt more MOTIVATED to write a review on my book until today! sorry its not a good one ! (oh and the 2 stars are because i think the author sounds like a very nice guy! otherwise i would give it 1 star)

If you don't have a mentor, get this book5
What a great mentor Michael Shumate would be for anyone planning a career in the arts! It is quite clear that he has good advice developed over a long and successful career. I especially liked the part about "the Grand Poo-Bah": a bit whimsical, but it gets the point across with humor. If he can't be your mentor in person, then his book is next best. He is always clear, down-to-earth, and honest. You can read the book in an afternoon. It's a great investment for anyone in the target audience.