Creative Careers
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In one of the most popular classes at Parsons School of Design, B. Jeffrey Madoff gave students a reality check: "Most of us have had the feeling of 'I could've done that,' whether at an art gallery, watching a performance, or finding a new product or even a new business idea. What's the difference between you and them? They actually did it. You didn't." With Creative Careers, you will learn how to do it, too: use your creativity; have a sustainable, profitable career; and do what you love.
Creative Careers pulls from interviews with more than forty experts--notable entrepreneurs, artists, and business leaders--as well as from Madoff's own decades of experience to supercharge your career. Creativity can often feel sporadic and unfocused, coming in bursts and peaks. That's why Madoff focuses your professional path by asking vital questions that will ultimately help you:
- Determine your value
- Be smart about your hustle
- Ruthlessly edit down your creative projects
- Overcome fear and doubt
- Create a successful, long-lasting career on your own terms
Reviews (82)
A must-read book for creative business types
If you are pursuing or are looking to advance in any kind of creative career, this book is a must read. Madoff’s decades of experience at the highest level of creative and commercial production provides us with a veritable treasure trove of useful, actionable information, not to mention some truly entertaining anecdotes and stories of “inside baseball” from the world of media and production. Not only does he bring his vast experience to bear on the topic of creative careers, he invites along a bevy of A-list luminaries in the world of film, theater, fashion and business. These are people we can and should learn from. Thanks to Madoff’s book, we can and do.
An imaginative approach to a successful business plan
This innovative book is a compilation of imaginative concepts, ideas and strategies that are especially important in developing highly successful businesses. There is no question that nearly all such business careers have certain concepts and strategies in common, and Madoff draws attention to those he believes to be most relevant. As a professor at the Parsons School of Design in New York City, Madoff created a class where he invites notable speakers--talented artists and entrepreneurs to present their unique business ideas that focus on important qualities that have led to their development of successful businesses. Madoff then interviews the speaker with provocative questions meant to uncover further thoughts and concepts of the subject at hand. In addition, Madoff intertwines many of his own thoughts and ideas into the discussion, all of which makes for a valuable collection of imaginative business ideas and strategies. It's about "thinking outside the box," and this is a key. The book illustrates how this kind of creative thinking can lead to the ultimate goal--developing a rewarding and financially successful career. It is excellent reading for any potential entrepreneur looking to develop a new career or resurrect an established one. Altogether, there are fifteen chapters that fully cover the key elements of developing successful business models, something that Madoff has already accomplished twice over the course of his business lifetime. Following each chapter, Madoff lays out a final section he entitles "Workbook Questions." The thought provoking inquiries here call upon the reader to further amplify the substance from the chapter just read, and add to it with new thoughts and ideas of his/her own. It's how he further draws the reader's attention and imagination into the process. This concept is sure to leave the reader with a myriad of new thoughts and ideas relating to the kind of approach that it might take to build a successful CREATIVE CAREER. This is one of those books so full nuggets that reading it a second time might prove as valuable as the first.
In business or want to be? Creativity is paramount and this book can help.
What is a creative career? Because author Jeff Madoff has spent decades in clothing, beauty and fashion it'd be easy to dismiss this book as useful only for those industries. I almost blew it off for that very reason. I'm glad I didn't. Anyone in business or who wants to be is involved in a creative career. Those who can - do. Those who cannot - teach. In this case Jeff does both. Although he's still working in the field he also teaches students how to embrace their creativity and get the most out of a creative career, which might also just be called - a career. When you read the book it becomes quite obvious Jeff follows his own advice about continuously learning and growing from others. In addition to his own life and business guidance, in Creative Careers he shares dozens of valuable anecdotes and principles he's learned from incredibly successful people across a diverse network. What's your definition of success? One of many important questions explored, I found it very interesting and somewhat surprising to hear what many successful people had to say. I got the feeling by the time I finished the book that Jeff knew he had a lot of life and business value to offer, that he didn't want to limit his teaching only to students of his class, that he wanted to share his seven decades of life and business experience with us all. Some of this book's value is cautionary, to help anyone considering an entrepreneur-based career with a proper mindset and realism of what it entails. Some is what I'd describe as Jeff wanting to set the record straight. Most people believe X but the reality is Y. I think it was important he try and make it clear the reality of being creative, of being successful, so people don't limit or trap themselves into believing they just don't have what it takes. Finally, some of this book's value is more psychological and emotional as he shares what drives us to want to stand out and take the road less traveled. As other reviews have said this is a book I wish I had when I was 20, but regardless, forever a student, I'm glad I read it now.
A lot of new stuff here
I read a lot of self-help and business strategy books and perhaps you have also felt like me that there are only so many things to say and only so many ways to say them. I had started to think there were no more original ideas and then I had the pleasure of reading the inspiring lessons and wisdom Mr. Madoff has synthesized from so many successful and impressive individuals. What I really like about this book is it not only gives you a ton of practical advice for happiness and success but also provides a path to achieve these goals that is believable and clear. There is new stuff folks and old stuff presented with a new twist and considerable flair. Practical but also evocative. An easy read with a high ROI. Highly recommended.
A Must-Read for Anyone Launching or Building a Career
Creative Careers offers a guide for anyone who is selling a product or offering a service, even those who may not define themselves as having a "creative career." The author encourages readers to view creativity in many forms and shares his wisdom about the importance of creating a brand. I loved the inspirational discussions with successful entrepreneurs and artists. The questions after each section were great for doing the personal exploration that will result in building a successful career.
Earn a living doing what you love.
This book is a great resource for anyone considering an entrepreneurial career. While Mr. Madoff's book covers the evolution of many creative careers, the lessons and though provoking discussions are relevant to every industry. The layout of interviewing successful industry leaders and intertwining the lessons within his own story of success is brilliant. Many creative individuals have great ideas and this book guides them on how to build those ideas into a business and career doing what they love.
Creative Careers: Making a Living With Your Ideas is a great guide for all ages!
Creative Careers: Making a Living With Your Ideas is a great guide for all ages. The book not only offers education surrounding skills necessary for aligning oneself with industry professionals and careers. It challenges readers to reflect on their journeys and goals to better understand what they can implement to reach their goals. The book emphasizes what a brand is and the importance of branding whether self-branding or company branding. What makes this book so great is its relatability. The book is not directed towards one career therefore, does not confine readers, it instead provides readers with tools to grow and flourish on their creative journeys. I would most definitely recommend this book to college students and professionals alike. It provides direction and clarity for creatives who often struggle with managing the business side of their career.
A book that will change the way you think about your career. And your life.
Reading Jeff Madoff's book is like finding yourself in Alice in Wonderland - and being able to stay for a while, and ask questions as you go along. Jeff's incredible gift as a storyteller makes this book such an adventurous, rich experience; but it's his uncommon ability to drill into the psyche of the creative process that makes this book stick with you, and grow with you. Jeff manages to both shed light on some of the most complicated aspects of a creative path and to completely re-think how we define and approach a creative career. His insatiable curiosity, his deep empathy and his wit and humour make him the ideal companion along this journey of discovery. This is a book that I wish I had read when I was 20, but it's also a book that I will read and re-read now, after 20 years of work in creative fields. The questions that Jeff asks, more than the answers in my opinion, will stay with you for a long time. And will change the way you think. An absolute must read.
An Entrepreneur's Guide to Success
Creative Careers is a book about business and a book about art. It is a book about the art of business and the business of art. Mr. Madoff interviews several entrepreneurs who take us on a tour through the jungle of becoming an entrepreneur. They take us through their ups and downs of starting in their chosen business and how to maintain their position through perseverance, being creative and always evolving. I appreciate Mr. Madoff’s writing style. He writes as if he is sitting in the next chair and just talking and that, to me, makes for a very comfortable read! I appreciate that the section, THE PEOPLE YOU’LL BE HEARING FROM, is right up front instead of buried in some end-of-book appendix. I cannot believe the amount of time and effort he must have put in to interview all those people. He deserves any favorable reviews that come his way. Creative Careers is indeed an entrepreneur’s guidebook. Congratulations on an exceptional effort and a great book!
A must read!
Jeff Madoff has put together a comprehensive handbook for all entrepreneurs and those who are considering entrepreneurship. We spent 20 years building the world famous Barefoot Wine brand. Jeff covers the universal truths that we discovered the hard way and so many of our successful entrepreneurial colleagues advocate. This is a must have reference book to help you overcome the hurdles, solve the problems, and develop the relationships you will need to be a success. I only wish I had had Creative Careers in my hand before I started on my journey. It would have saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars and many years in achieving my goals. Bravo!
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