HEY!!!! THANKS FOR WATCHING! Finally sat down to talk about this book after mentioning it in vlogs for MONTHS lolz. Plz drop ur artist dates ideas here if u have them! I appreciate you all :)

I quit my job and starting in June, I went to a cafe/coffee shop almost every single day to just draw all day. I live pretty far from the coffee shops so I have to stay there all day until my boyfriend picks me up after work. Because of that, I've been so wildy productive with my art and I absolutely love doing it. It's a lot like an artist date, but I do it every day lol Loved your commentary on the book

I am a huge fan of The Artist's Way. I'm one of those people who found it life-changing. A few tips: 1. The morning pages are just "brain dumps." It's a way to get all of the mental conversations that seem to flood our minds first thing as we start the day out on the page in black and white so that we can leave them there and move on. Just write the first words that come into your head; they don't have to make sense. And then let the pen move across the page without stopping. Don't overthink it. That voice in your head just seeks expression, and after two or three pages of writing, it's just done. Over. It can start with a list of things you want or have to do or a description of the weather outside or the temperature in the room or how hungry and eager for breakfast you are or something you dreamed about. It does not matter. Whatever shows up on the page is exactly what is supposed to show up on the page. 2. The most important thing about the artist's date is that once each week, you take your artist child on a play date. Go to a costume shop and try on costumes. Go to the make up counter at the department store and have one of the sales reps put makeup on you. Go to the zoo. Or a nearby playground. Take a train or trolley or subway ridge somewhere--just anywhere (safe, of course). Go walk around some part of the city known for its cute coffee shops, cafes, and boutiques and go window shopping. Go to a movie, concert, or play or lecture. Take a class (pottery, piano, ballroom dancing?) Take a boat or ferry ride. To me, the whole point was to honor the curious and playful child in me by taking time to pay attention to her. (The responsible adult in us tends to dismiss her and her needs and her joys and "not important.") Put a jigsaw together while listening to your favorite music. Pick some flowers (or buy some) and arrange them in a vase. 3. What people refer to as the "New Age" or "WooHoo" or religious stuff really just boils down to acknowledging that we, as individual human beings, are not the most powerful thing in the world. There is a life force outside of ourselves. It's not important what you call it. There's this thing I do when I show up to play around with or make something with my art supplies. I say, "God, show me what you want me to do." And immediately, I am drawn to something--a rubber stamp, a stencil, some collage papers, a paint color--something draws me to it, and I find myself excited and inspired by it. Which leads to the next step and the next step, and once I start, I'm focused and in flow, and something emerges. There are "problems" to solve along the way and happy accidents, and sometimes I don't like it and set it aside for awhile and sometimes the results just come together quickly and easily and I'm satisfied and feel in my bones that it's "finished." And the irony is that I'm an atheist. I don't really believe there is a God as described in most religions. I just use the word "God" because it's a habit learned early and reinforced constantly in our culture. But really, I'm invoking the Universe. Whatever that is. 4. Do the tasks that speak to you, and leave the rest alone. Whatever you choose to do will have a positive impact. This is NOT about perfection or over-functioning. Julia Cameron does not know what you did or did not do, nor would she care. Just be with the book and pay attention to what speaks to you. You are exactly where you are supposed to be on your creative journey. And finally, I will confess that I had the book for quite awhile but could not get myself to read it. I'd start and then abandon it. I put up a lot of resistance (and that's pretty typical of artists, by the way). And then I found a wonderful creativity coach who conducted a 13-week class using The Artist's Way. She was wonderful, and the class was wonderful, and finally I discovered that of course I am an artist. All the clues were there all along, but I didn't know how to put them together until I was about 40 years old. For the FIRST time in my life I felt passionate about something. Until then I didn't even have any hobbies, and then all of a sudden my life had new meaning. I'm 69 years old now, and my life has been enriched beyond measure since I read this book.

The audiobook version is free on KZfaq. I've been listening to it while making art. (I've had this book for years, and couldn't get into it. The audio version definitely helps.) I'll also add that I like how many people are using this book in a way that works for them. For example, I saw one TikToker who would doodle morning pages instead of writing journal pages. Another person would type her morning pages. I think you can take from the book what works for you and adapt it to what best suits your lifestyle.

I liked artist dates, but it is hard to get them in. One time I went to IKEA with a notepad and pen to write down things that I might want, projects I might want to do, or ideas that came to mind YET didn’t allow myself to buy anything; just take notes. I, also, did this at a Home Depot, walking slowly up and down each aisle to see what practical or creative ideas came to mind.

I got this book during 2020 C19 lockdown so things like artist dates were nearly impossible so I decided to apply the concept to something I could do at home - go through my art books, delve into a pinterest board, find museums and galleries with YT accounts. I gave myself permission to obsess over an artist or a technique, daydream about things I'd like to make or work on. Sometimes you have to take the essence of a task/lesson and adapt it into something within reach.

Artist date comment: I struggled a lot with artist dates, too, and often didn’t do them :( but my favorite one came from a part of a chapter where Cameron described a client who would go on a very long drive to listen to podcasts and drink green tea. I took an hour drive through farmland where things were so much more open and quiet. I was specifically going up to my music college, where I revisited some old places and pulled out my instrument for the first time in years. This was the best artist date for so many reasons. I wouldn’t have even *let* myself do this type of day trip without the pressure from the book haha.

Between you and AppleCheeks I have been convinced to give this book a try because honestly even though I’ve been making art more frequently for the past few weeks there is something still missing or holding me back. Maybe discovering some new perspectives and doing some of the task from the book may help.

My artist date this week was getting up super early and going to a hot air balloon festival lift off at dawn! It was so fun and I took some amazing photos. But also the drive at 4 am was so quiet and relaxing. I also got to meet quiet a few new people. There were groups of older people who went every year as a tradition, the excited young people getting ready to go up, other photographers, and just some really cool people there for the first time. 10/10 would recommend this or if you have a balloon glow near you to go!

Growing up. As a teen.. I was a creator, sort of an artist, but I never thought of it that way. I would sit at my desk and remix music and audio using tape decks and tv and my vcr and my sampling keyboard.. it was the 80s.. no computer advantage.. but I never considered it set or even more so, something I could make a living at… so all these years, I’ve worked jobs that I could do, but not really enjoy.. now, if I can get passed whatever is holding me back, maybe I could really jump into this passion, and make a living at it.. in particular.. a KZfaq adventure content creator.. Thanks for this great video!!! Love your “set”, your room.. light and cheery!

I've picked up and put down this book like 3-4 times since I bought it last year. This was such a good review and breakdown of your thoughts on it! Maybe I'll pick it back up!

Good video. It took me 19 weeks to complete the 12-week course. As a result, I did many things on my bucket list. I've been doing the morning pages for 18 months now. I agree artist dates are the most challenging and easiest to neglect. They're so valuable. I would only differ in that I think the exercises that one is more resistant to doing are the ones that are most essential to do. If we only do the exercises that offer no resistance we are not likely to grow as much, in my opinion. Feelings aren't facts. That was my experience. Thanks. What was your favorite line? Mine was - the next right thing to do is usually something small. Classic.

I bought this book over a decade ago and never got past the first couple of chapters. This is motivating me to go find it and start again!

I started the Artist Way, but became quickly overwhelmed by the amount of tasks to do weekly. The morning pages were also a challenge-I have a hard time waking up in the mornings and could never find the time to sit down and write without sacrificing my sleep 😅 it is a good book though; I need to find the motivation to start it again from day one.

“Woo-wee-ey”= what we called back in the 90s “New Age-y.” I am certain i had a copy of this book in the past, but couldn’t tell you if I ever read it. I do think a lot of productive creativity comes down to just showing up to do some kind of work, and being satisfied with that each day. Some days are just off. Always make sure you find time to see other people’s creative works and methods. And just make art for yourself first, then when you have the courage to share it, things will start to happen. Don’t pressure yourself with the money part of the equation, especially if being forced to be creative makes you hate what you do.

2-3 years ago I was really working this .. and doing my 3 pages non-stop writing and IT REALLY helped me tremendously both personally and artistically. I had some illness and family issues that distracted me in the meantime and I have gotten way out of touch with my artist self as a result. Going to jump back in and thank you for your post! Nice to share with fellow creatives!

Haha she tells you to make a magazine collage because the book was written 30 years ago before Pinterest! Love this book- I read it right after college when it first came out. Thanks for the wonderful review, it made me want to read it and start morning pages again! Good luck with your art biz- dream big 🙂

Dunno why I teared up mid-way through this video. Really needed to stumble upon this video to know about the book. Thank you soooo much for covering a lot of important aspects of the book. Off lately I have been wondering if I deserve expensive resources and if I am wasting my parents money on them but maybe these are just negative thoughts. Your video really helped me. Thanks a ton❤❤

i feel u on the artist dates!! i just started my 2nd week of The Artist's Way, and haven't been able to figure out an accessible artist date for myself. I don't have a car, and i live in an unsafe neighborhood. I can't even take a walk where I live. I'm so lost on what I could do for artist dates.. The only thing I've thought of is sitting outside, which is so hard in Texas in the summer 😓 i feel so lost about that part

I'm in my first week of the book, and I think my main form of artist dates will be making myself watch a movie. I'm a screenwriter who has not say down to watch a movie by myself in months. I'm probably gonna do it from home bc my watch list is a mile long, but when I have more money saved up I want to try going to indie theaters or small live shows!

I just wanted to say this video helped a ton, I was avoiding the book because of how "woo-wooey" it was too, and having it broken down was great

Artist date idea, i go to library and get lost in all the beautiful art books i can't afford to buy ❤

I’m not commenting on the book at all, but I just wanted to say it’s cool seeing someone in the exact same situation as me 😂. I’ve always like drawing and painting and wanted to do that for a career, but I got negative feedback from the whole world saying that it’s impossible so I studied engineering. I’ve recently gotten back into drawing and painting in my free time because the days are already long enough so I would like to make small sketches throughout the day to calm me down. I started my own channel too for my artwork and trying to make it work as well. I appreciate someone in the same/similar predicament as mine. Love your video.❤

Growing up I was always creative, into arts and making hand crafted gifts for family and friends but I somehow lost that side of me somewhere alone the way. I couldn’t have found this video at a better time because I’ve recently been making some strides in connecting back with my creative self, specially the things I loved as a kid, like singing, dancing and creating art. I have now started with one small piece of artwork I can do each day. Maybe this is a sign I could do more or try other things. Can’t wait to see how this book works out for me

I've seen a lot of artists bring up this book lately! I already do journaling, but artist dates really stand out to me because I have an entire list of things I'd like to do locally and worldwide. Giving myself time to have fun and start on some of those small wants seems like a blast

I’ve been seeing so many artists share this book lately so I’m so glad I came across your video! I never had words for the little artist dates that I’ve always taken myself on and now I know I need to buy this book!

I'm currently on week 9 of the book and i loveee it! Though i feel like i'm not 100% the target audience. I wasnt completely blocked, rather stuck. So some exercises where things i already do. I'm not negative to myself and a lot of tasks are about being nicer to yourself. Also i struggled with the childhood/creative enemies tasks. My parents never discouraged me to do art. I never had mean art teachers. It was rather a lack of Support. My Environment was indifferent about my creativity. I feel like this Situation isnt covered in the book. I also feel like this book is a lot more meant for people who want to be an artist as their job. I just do it for myself and i feel like this is also not very covered. Still this book is amazing. I just pick everything thats useful for me and make it work. And it DOES work. I dont feel stuck anymore. It took a long time to notice how i do a lot better (probably because i was already ahead on some tasks with my mindset) but oh boy i made some beautiful progress

FINALLY I SEE SOMEBODY TALKING ABOUT IT! I've started my journey with this book about 5 years ago and for sure it has its ups and downs. Helpful tip for people who find it hard to do morning pages. As much as I recommend doing them as Julia Cameron suggests I really recommend doing morning pages later in the morning or in the middle of the day even. I used to fall asleep while writing, because I had to wake up that early to write them. And later on I couldn't read what I wrote. I recommend writing them in the bus or train to school/work or while drinking morning coffee. It is very powerful tool and this inexpensive book can turn life around, not only the artistic aspect of it. IM SO THANKFUL FOR SHARING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS BOOK!!

Your video was so inspirational! I’m definitely resonating with a lot of what you said and I’ll be buying the book any second now 😍

I love this book too. Also, your hair and your space look like so much fun!!

I seriously needed this video. Thank you very much for the great explanation and review! Definitely going to find myself a copy.

Reading this book and on week 3 right now and it's already doing wonders for my creativity, spirit, and mental. Saw this in my recommended and had to listen and give it a like I am happy you got good results.

thank you for this! I have your video on my google tabs for months and finally had the time to watch it

That is so accurate about fear! I have struggled with that on a daily level. Even though I have done several decent pieces, every time I try to start a new one, I put it off and I now think it's that fear! In my heart I strongly feel the desire to paint and I can visualize the scene I want to paint, but when it comes to putting it on canvas, I have a really hard time getting started. I tell myself I do not draw good enough to be able to pull it off. Thanks for bringing that up!

Thank you for sharing your experience with the book so openly. Haven't read the book yet but the morning pages journal also helped me cope during a stressful time in life. ❤

Thank you for this recommendation. I’m looking forward to reading it 💕

Thank you. This was a wonderful introduction to this book. Although I have never heard of the book and author I work in the mental health field and recommend each of these steps to people I work with regularly. Hearing you discuss them as it applies to unlocking the artist inside has made me think of it in a different way. I work full-time and practice art on the side and have felt stuck with my art for sometime. I'm now looking forward to following this course when my books arrive.

loving this content gabi! i, too, struggled with the artist dates until i started seeing them as solo time and bringing my sketchbook whenever i went out on my own. this helped me stop looking at these as a whole production and more like an opportunity to turn any time out into an invitation to get curious❤

That book absolutely wrecked me. I found so much healing and solace in its pages and I'm finally in creative recovery

Girrrrrrl!!!! I loved your view on this book and will definitely buy it now! Thank you for sharing how the experience was for you and how it can help other artists! I appreciate it, deeply. ❤

Definitely enjoyed this video! I've struggled with this book in the past, but I keep returning to it, and that's where I am now. I watched your video to seek some inspiration to help me start (again) and stick with it this time - and it definitely helped, so thank you. Also, as I watched your video I couldn't stop noticing your hair color. It's a great color, and it looks fantastic on you. :)

Thanks, Gabi! A lot of people reference this book, but usually don't go into it very deeply. Your explanations were very helpful and convincing! I'm going to start the book today ❤❤ btw I have been loving your videos! 🎉

You rocked this video :). I had this book for too many years and never read it. I can’t believe I’ve been sitting on this gem!

Just started reading the book and loved listening to your takeaways! You have such great energy ✨

First of all, this video is a very timely encouragement for me, so thanks for making it 😊 Second of all, your aesthetic is so happy and pretty and whimsical and I love it! Our culture’s style has been exclusively beige for too long and I loved just enjoying all your color for the past 20 minutes ☺️

I accidentally came across your video and I feel good vibes after watching it. You partially validated my craving for beauty, gave me a positive charge, inspired me. I feel some kind of hope in my soul. Thanks! Great job!

Thank you for sharing this, I've never heard of the book and I'm excited to read this!

This book seems so amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing! P.S: LOVE your hair 😊

I really appreciate this video, i definitely have learned a lot and i really want to buy the book and give it a go. So much resonated with me and i cannot wait to unlock my art. You also explained everything very well so thank you for taking the time to make this video! ❤ new sub!

I really appreciated this video! It's my first time coming across your channel and you definitely inspired me to pick it up and give it a go! Thank you!

This was so great to listen to! I really needed this🥺💖

That artist date thing is so interesting. Reminds me of going to a furniture store and just combing through the wall art. Maybe I should do that more often…

obsessed with your apartment!! a tour is an order

I’m currently on week 4, and am enjoying it so much so far. I’m trying to be as diligent as possible with morning pages, artist dates and tasks. But can still give myself grace if I miss it. I’ll personally allow myself makeup artist dates 😊😊 What a unique and impactful book we’ve all shared in our little corners of the world! 🩷🩷🩷

You've inspired my weekly artist date this week to just go to my local coffee shop to do artist things and romanticize my studio days!

Hi Gabi, Okay, first, thanks for sharing! Second, I’ve had this book saved “to buy later” for more than a year …and after watching your video I’ve finally purchased it! I totally resonate with so much you’ve shared here and I SO appreciate it. 😊

I read it 20 years ago. I need to get it again. Thanks for the share. Love your colorful art.

Thank you so much for Sharing this lovely Video, I really have to reread this Book 😊

I just started the book as well! So I'm in week 1 and loving the morning pages already, such a nice way to start the day 😍 I think making time for the artist date will be my biggest challenge as well, but this week I wanna do something super easy and low pressure, so maybe it'll be for you too. I wanna go to a flower shop near by and get myself a little bouquet with my favorite ones. Like a little wild bouquet with unmatching colorful flowers and then maybe draw them in my ugly sketchbook!

Your experience with this book really resonates with me! I'm about to start week 4 and it already has changed my life, how I view myself as an artist, and also realize how big my creative dreams really are. I am also an engineer (well "was" before I quit haha) so it is really cool to find your channel and see someone else talk about their experience within the 2 realms :) Super glad TAW brought me to your channel!

Hi, this is one of the coolest and natural book review I have ever watched. Thanks for sharing , I get motivated to read this book. Thanks for being there.

Thank you for this! Funny story I have been debating about buying this book for weeks now. Because of the religious aspect, I don't relate to it either. That's some good advice to use another word for it. So, I decided to get it! I just finished reading the popular book (Steal Like an Artist) and now I want to read more creative books. I really liked the flow of this video! :)

Thank you for sharing this book , i finally own a bookcase and i wish to fill it up with books i love and find useful. This will be a lovely addition. I want to do art but i often find myself leaving it aside for a month or weeks and i wish i didnt i think this book could help me =)

I'm about to start reading it and wanted to know a bit more. Love the personal review, the strawberries, and subscribing to have the company of someone going through those steps!

omg i just bought this book today at the bookstore and I have never been mor excited to start! im really looking forward to letting go and become a better artist!

I wish I was more creative! ❤ I recently found a P/T job and it revolves around using the apparel in our store to dress the customer and it’s so daunting. Thank you for this insightful video! 🎉

I love this book! ❤ My favorite advice was to be as honest as possible with the morning pages and just writing them without second-guessing yourself. That did the trick.

Interesting and informative. Now saving the book playlist so that it can read to me.

Ooh Engineer & artist combo! Me too! I just bought this book yesterday and I’m starting it this week since now there’s 12 weeks left in the year.

You are amazing person🤩 Thanks for such an inspiring video!

I'm re-starting it for the third time, but I am loving it

Finding yourself is anything but woowoowee its an obligation. Thanks for the video 😊

Thank you for this. I got to your video because I'm trying to watch positive, interesting and more creative things to start my day and youtube suggested your video. I really liked your thoughts about the book. I haven't read it but now I feel less apprehensive towards it. Thank you.

Edit: I'm on week 2 and I absolutely recommend!!!! I ordered this book the first time you mentioned it during one of your vlogs because it seemed like you really got a lot from it, and I'm a big personal development reader (at least since 2018). I've been waiting for it to arrive because the seller has delayed in shipping, but say it'll arrive by the 20th. I'm both wanting to watch videos like yours and Apple Cheeks' because of the value you get from it (as well as loving both your content) but I also don't want to spoil it for myself. 😅 I'm so excited to read it, ever since seeing it in your vlog it seems to have blown up across youtube so it's just been hyping me up more and more to try it!

Yes I’m starting to read this book !! Super helpful .. God is Good 👍

Thanks for the review! I go back an forth between getting really excited about these kinds of books, and being skeptical of them since I'm an ADHD artist and really struggle to create habits and take time for the tasks. I also tend to 'turn off' once something gets spiritual. But I've added this one to my 'to-read' list.

This was a really fair assessment of the program and the value of the program. I finished the program a few months ago and am still doing Morning Pages. I'm mindful of the Artist Dates, but not as religious about them. Still trying to find my stride there. I also found them the hardest part of the program. Thanks for this really good video- Well worth the time to watch. Happy journaling.

Lovely This literally works ooo my god Thank you for making this video I wish i could the book as well

I love The Artist's way, it's one of my favorite books ever, it helped me so much and it's still helping me. The artist dates are so hard for me too, tbh. I tend to skip them, still I love when I can do them

Hello Gabi, I just now subscribed to your channel because I recently downloaded to sample of The Artist's Way and appreciate your review of it. Now I am going to purchase it. Thank you for reviewing it.

When it comes to feeling behind because we compare our journey to others’ , I think the point is not to just ‘accept’ that we’re not as successful. But to understand that every journey is different and to trust both in ourselves, that we can also achieve anything we dream for, and the process. 💗

After watching this, I'm seriously considering getting the book!

I love witnessing your journey, Gabi!

Thank you so much for this! I will look for this book! I’m going through the worst art block ever at the moment.

Woo-wooey is perfect!!

Wow that book has been around for so long it’s so amazing that people are still using it it’s got to be 30 years old

I read this book years ago and very quickly struggled with working out what the heck to do for artist dates. The morning pages are very useful though and I have tried to keep that up on and off over the years. I don’t think I ever got through the whole book in the end though so I’m probably not the best person to review it.

Thank you for making this video!! I'm just about to start round 3 of AW. For an artist date once, I went to Michael's and got art supplies that spoke to me. Then I went home and worked on an art project just for the sake of it, while watching my favorite childhood show. It was beyond healing.

Thanks Gabi! Glad you eneded up on my feed. I used to struggle with sharing my work because being both an engineer and artist seemed so circa 1400. But also noticed that society has these strange ideas (black and white thinking ) of what an artist or engineer "should" look like. Truthfully, engineering and being a creative come hand in hand. Thank you for putting your voice out there, helps other outliers !!!

I appreciate you pointing out that the cure for fear is LOVE. A love I had forgotten about is that I am a FOODIE... And as I'm getting back into the artist's way of thinking... I'm going to see to it that daily I'm going to have some delicious and interesting food to eat as I begin to move forward. Yummy fruit drinks, smoothies, etc. too. Also make my two studios in my house be highly functional, mysterious and FUN!

Thank you so much for this recommendation. It’s perfect for me really, at this exact momment, cuz Im about to change the trajectory of my life …🥰

Omg I had so much resistance starting ❤today I’m doing my week one reading and I’m day 4 into MPs

Yay! new video! In the past, I've read "Find Your Artistic Voice" by Lisa Congdon but I think I need something with more structure and direction. Maybe I need to try The Artist's Way instead!

I love nature walks and picnics as my artist dates. I will just grab a blanket and some of my favorite goodies.

When you said woo woo I was figuring it was more about some abstract universe thing.. when placed into the context of a creator God, I can understand that, and that only serves to interest me in this book more.. Now journaling, if a book can drive me to journal… that’s great! I know that I should, but hard to do…

my professor for screenplay writing always made us do the journaling(or writing meditation) before our lessons and sadly i stopped doing these after the course was over… but i think i want to pick it up again and make it a daily habit. also i‘ve heard of this book before and i wanted go buy it but never did because i felt like it won‘t actually help and and i will just stop using it after a few days… but i think it‘s exactly this mentality that has me locked in a really bad art block for years. i really want to get back into art and give it another try even if it‘s gonna be hard.

Loved the video! I'll definitely give the book a try!

I LOVE YOUR HAIR

Thank you for this video!!

So glad I found your channel