Things to read this summer, from a photo illustrator’s perspective:
Summer is just about here and everyone seems to be pulling up summer reading lists.
Which, I feel, is sort of odd. Does this mean that you don’t read during the other three seasons?
Poppy cock! (I have always wanted to say that.)
One of my oldest and dearest clients once asked me if I had read a current business book and was astounded when I said that I hadn’t been reading much business stuff. He said, “What? You think homework ended when you left school? Did you stop learning? Never stop learning, never stop growing. Otherwise, you will fail.”
Harsh, Dude… But, ultimately, correct!
That sentiment is backed up by the first book on my seasonal reading list. Seth Godin, in his free ebook, Stop Stealing Dreams, talks about our education system, our entrepreneur system and our current economic situation.
“The economy has changed, probably forever. School hasn’t.”
So far, it is a fascinating read. I grew up in an educational household, with both of my parents working as teachers. And, then, I married a teacher. Now, we have two kids going through the system. So, I have some definite views. Godin also has views and I am interested to see where he is going with this piece.
And, of course, a nice feature of this book is that it’s free! (book cover illustration by Asasku)
I discovered the second book on my night table by accident, when I came across Jason Brubaker’s blog about his graphic novel, reMind. His art is fresh and the story is a fun and lively adventure.
You can read most of the story for free online. But, his book includes a few things that are not available on his site. Plus, it’s not outrageously priced and it helps keep the artist in donuts so he can continue writing it.
Also in the arts world, and sitting on my table in the studio, is The Art of Norman Saunders. As Mark Frauenfelder over at Boing Boing put it, this man could probably beat out Norman Rockwell in the roll of the Great American Illustrator. His work covered and defined so many genres over his career, and has been an influence on so much of pop culture.
The hardcover coffee table book includes 368 technicolor pages and a biography written by his son. Sadly, I have had the book for about a month and haven’t even cracked it open yet.
Soon, my Precious, soon. (drool… just a little bit…)
One business book and two art books, It seems only fitting that I end this with one last business book. It is, by no means, a new book. However, it was one of the first ones I remember reading and going, “oh, crap. That’s me.”
It’s the E-Myth, Revisited, by Michael Gerber and it will be my third time reading it. For small business entrepreneurs just starting out, this one could be the one that saves your sanity.
For the business person going into their 5th, 15th or 50th year, it can be the one that saves your sanity.
Wait. Did I say that already?
Ah, just go do your homework and read the darned thing.
Who knows? You might just learn something new.
