Creative Inc.

I'm happy to be part of the Creative Inc. blog tour organized by Chronicle Books. Co-written by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Cho, Creative Inc. is a guidebook for setting up your own creative enterprise. With a friendly and encouraging voice, the book is a great resource for those just starting out as a freelancer (designer, illustrator, stylist, photographer and other creative fields).

Even if you've been around for a while (like me) you'll find inspiration and motivation to keep forging your own path. One of the toughest things as a freelancer and entrepreneur is to keep positive, keep working, keep striving. It is nice to have mentors such as Meg and Joy in whom you can find such encouragement.

Chronicle Books sent me a review copy and I read it cover to cover this past weekend. It is an excellent companion to Meg's Craft Inc. (Leave a comment and we'll do a draw for a giveaway for the book. UPDATE: congrats Emily, we'll send you the book! Thanks for all your comments, everyone.)

I follow Joy's blog daily and so it is nice that we get to include her in the upcoming issue of UPPERCASE magazine. In the inaugural article for a new column entitled "Beginnings", Joy graciously found time in her busy schedule to speak with Erin Loechner (Design for Mankind) about how she got her start. It is an informative and entertaining read with even more great tips for creative business.

Please follow along on this virtual book tour:

8/23 Poppy Talk
8/24 Oh Happy Day
8/25 SFGirl By Bay
8/26 Mint Design
8/27 Wit + Delight
8/28 Cathy of California
8/29 Book By Its Cover
8/30 Not Martha
8/31 Frolic
9/01 UPPERCASE
9/02 Craft
9/03 Decor8
9/04 Kris Atomic
9/05 Grain Edit

Comments

[Shelly M]

I can't wait to read this book. I have Craft Inc and found it really helpful.

[Isabel R]

I agree with Shelly that Craft Inc. was very helpful. Can’t wait to see what other good ideas and inspirational stories they have in this new book.

[Amanda]

This sounds like the perfect book for every freelancer out there, I can't wait to read it too!

[Janice]

Sounds perfect for someone who wants to start dipping their toe in this direction...

[Karin]

My online shop is set to debut in the next week or so and there are some days I feel like I am trying to navigate an unfamiliar house with a blindfold on. I can't wait to read this book and have at least a few of the blindfolds removed!

[SaRaH]

This book seems great. Can't wait to read it.

[Jen]

I can't wait to read it!

[Einat]

I have been a big fan of Joy for a long time and I admire the way she works...
I'm sure I'll learn a lot from this book.
Oh girls, I'm sending a big hello from Israel.
I love your blog!

[Elaine]

The book looks wonderful. Yes, I agree, freelancing requires courage, creativity, self-discipline - not to mention talent.

(PS. You list Meg and Joy as your mentors. Janine, I also think many artists and readers would list you as an inspiration and mentor. Even those of us who don't work as designers.
Stay positive, stay working, stay striving. UPPERCASE is a beautiful success.)

[donna]

I just bought this book yesterday and can't wait to read it even though I plan to keep my day job and pursue my passion on the side.

P.S. Can't wait to receive issue 7!!!!

[Nicole]

I was just reading about this book the other day! I have Craft Inc for my hobby side of things but I want to get more into the freelance area so this book sounds pretty useful too. It's quite hard to find relevant information for this area.

[megbrothers]

I've been interested to hear more about this book. I have Craft Inc and can't wait to see it's companion!

[Whimsy Being]

I'm such a fan of Joy's work. I would love to read this book to get a better sense of a freelancer career and design. Thanks for the chance to win!

[Alison Rowan]

This sounds like a great resource, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the cover is lovely, either. Definitely something I'd love to add to my bookshelf.

[Ashley]

I'm trying to get my freelance business off the ground and I have a feeling this book would be super helpful.

[Sarah]

How cool that this industry has come to this. I love that there is almost a leveled playing field for creative people. No longer do you have to spend tons of money on art school to be successful in a creative field.

[Amy]

I've been wanting to get my hands on this book! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

[John Perry]

Sort of funny.... the word freelance and not getting paid for creative work in a timely manner..
Seem that it would be some nice reading... Thanks for the opportunity.

—JP

[Julie]

I've seen this book around the internet and I'm dying to snag a copy. I think it would provide great insight and help me in my business.

[Marcie]

As someone who knows that eventually all of my interests will come together as one fab business idea (hope hope) I love books like these that have advice about how to make it happen!

[Mithi]

So want this book - so need it to as I've just graduated and about to enbark on freelance life ...

[Emily Weigel]

I remember seeing this on the Chronicle Books blog or website and can't wait to read it!

[Anna Allen]

Fingers crossed--I would love to get my paws on that cool book!

[Jen Hsieh]

I was so excited when this book came out! I read about it on Joy's blog. It seems like a great resource book.

[Amy]

I love Joy's blog! So happy the new book is finally here. Can't wait to read!

[nicole]

*fingers crossed!*

[Trish]

Sounds like a great book — I was intrigued when I read about it on Joy's blog, and am so happy to hear your personal perspective too, Janine, thanks for sharing!

[Jill]

I can't wait to add this to my growing design library! :)

[alli/hooray]

Very much looking forward to this book!

[The Shopping Sherpa]

Comment comment comment!

I'd love to add this book to my library, if you'll post internationally, that is...

[Clara]

I would love to have this book too!

[Danielle]

Ohhhh. I really want this book. Love their promo video too. Thanks.

[Morosepoet]

im so excited about this book! My goal is to freelance with my art and this sounds like just the tool i need!

[Jacqueline]

I've seen this book in so many blog posts lately... I'd love a copy :)

[Mustaali]

This looks like a def grab!

[Mustaali]

This looks like a def grab!

[Meg G.]

yay! i can't wait to read this. Meg + joy are awesome!

[April]

I read Joy's and Uppercase's blogs daily, so I can't wait to read both the upcoming interview and this book, which looks so helpful.

[mika]

love the Oh Joy! blog and Uppercase mag and hoping to read Creative, Inc. soon!

[Courtney]

I would love to read this! Fingers crossed!

[Julie]

I loved Craft Inc. so I can only imagine this would be even better! I keep checking stock at bookstores here but it's never in stock! Fingers crossed.

[cindy]

i have the first book and look forward to reading this one. i also look forward to the next issue of uppercase with the article about joy by wonderful erin!

[Rachel P]

Looks like a gret book

[Mittsngloves]

This book sounds like the perfect reason for departing a day job to a creative freelance one!

[Crystal Klassen]

This looks like a good read!