Editorial Review
"This is a book about making art. Ordinary art. Ordinary art means something like: all art not made by Mozart. After all, art is rarely made by Mozart-like people; essentially-statistically speaking-there aren't any people like that. Geniuses get made once-a-century or so, yet good art gets made all the time, so to equate the making of art with the workings of genius removes this intimately human activity to a strangely unreachable and unknowable place. For all practical purposes making art can be examined in great detail without ever getting entangled in the very remote problems of genius."
--from the Introduction
Art & Fear explores the way art gets made, the reasons it often doesn't get made, and the nature of the difficulties that cause so many artists to give up along the way. The book's co-authors, David Bayles and Ted Orland, are themselves both working artists, grappling daily with the problems of making art in the real world. Their insights and observations, drawn from personal experience, provide an incisive view into the world of art as it is expeienced by artmakers themselves.
This is not your typical self-help book. This is a book written by artists, for artists -- it's about what it feels like when artists sit down at their easel or keyboard, in their studio or performance space, trying to do the work they need to do. First published in 1994, Art & Fear quickly became an underground classic. Word-of-mouth response alone-now enhanced by internet posting-has placed it among the best-selling books on artmaking and creativity nationally.
Art & Fear has attracted a remarkably diverse audience, ranging from beginning to accomplished artists in every medium, and including an exceptional concentration among students and teachers. The original Capra Press edition of Art & Fear sold 80,000 copies.
An excerpt:
Today, more than it was however many years ago, art is hard because you have to keep after it so consistently. On so many different fronts. For so little external reward. Artists become veteran artists only by making peace not just with themselves, but with a huge range of issues. You have to find your work...
Cached date: AWS Called=true
Customer Reviews
Inspiring book! 
2008-03-01
First encountered this book in a workshop I took in the 90s. Nearly 10 years later I bought this book again--will save this copy for sure. This is a well-written little volume that all artists and writers who ever struggle should read. It offers support, encouragement, and inspiration to all creative persons.
Helpful in that constant hand holding way... 
2008-02-22
In writing Art and Fear, Bayles and Orland deliver a message that all artists, would-be artists and the rest of humanity, come to think of it, would benefit from hearing:
"...becoming an artist consists of learning to accept yourself..."
and "Your job is to work on your work." (Pgs. 3, 5)
There is, of course, more to the effort the authors have put forth. The implication of these two statements, however, is perhaps the most vital. The remainder of the book is comprised of discussing methods for understanding and using these fundamental ideas and observations about the consequences of choosing to embrace them or not.
Art and Fear is divided into two parts that need not be read sequentially. The first dissects more ubiquitous issues - those by no means limited to the artist - acknowledging uncertainty; working through fear about the self, work and/or the opinion and patronage of others. The second section is directed at the various milieus or facets of art communities, targeting such paradigms as the theoretical "common ground" of artists, competition with the self vs. with others, scholastic models and the conjectural world of creativity and the self.
Authors Bayles and Orland refer to themselves as "working artists" - a seemingly unnecessary taxonomy at the outset - and use the rest of their book to explain the distinction saying, in essence, that the characterization can mean the difference between producing work and thinking about producing work. Bayles and Orland make good mechanics for priming that part of the brain that is convinced there is a fuel shortage.
Art and Fear is a good book, filled with good idea compost, written by good authors who know good and well that they're on target. It's all good. It's also a little plodding after the first forty or so pages. I am not one of the "jaded sophisticates" the authors refer to (pg. 42). I have no quarrel with the advice, revelations, practices or suggestions that Bayles and Orland put their stamp on. They are encouraging, insightful and they are usually spot-on in their summations. I feel strongly however that the bulk of their work could be whittled from its original 120 pages to almost half that amount without suffering. If one were to buy a used copy of Art and Fear hoping for pristine pages disappointment would be inevitable as every page of my copy (and every other copy I found on the shelf at my favorite second-hand store) was virtually bathed in multi-colored highlighter and margin annotations. The book is a veritable fortune cookie of quirky stories and one-liners repeated unto the screaming point. It's tailored specifically to inform and encourage, something I can sincerely appreciate. At the same time, the repetition of that same encouragement becomes so intrusive at times that I am reminded of the difference between, say, Oprah Winfrey and Jerry Springer. The former is straightforward, usually instructive, occasionally silly but still useful. The latter, in contrast, is a force-feeding of what the consumer believes s/he wants to hear, up to and past the point of queasiness.
A must-read for every artist 
2008-02-17
An excellent short overview of the psychology of the artistic process. It confirms feelings and processes are "normal" and also introduces some ideas over which to ponder. Very easy to read, this book is a breath of fresh air, which can be read all a once or just pick out your favourite section. I will keep it in a prominent place to give me inspiration.
Good resource with great thoughts 2008-01-07
I bought this book as a requirement for a BFA senior level course. It is a very worthy purchase, though the tone can be somewhat negative at times, but I believe that must might be because it is an honest look at what it feel like to be an artist in today's market.
consumer 2007-12-30
I found this book extremely helpful. I would recommend this book to any artist who finds themselves frustrated or contemplating quiting their art because of set backs or lack of self confidence.
Great for struggling artists and interested "lay people" 2008-06-20
(This is Frank's wife writing.)
My daughter who is a struggling artists recommended this book to us. It's short, but packed with good thoughts about making art and coping with one's fears about the process. It's not only helpful for artists in dealing with their thoughts about why they make art, but also to their friends and relatives. The explanation of the essence art vs. craft (a topic that has long interested me) is excellent. The writing is clear and accessible. There are examples of how real artists in various genres have dealt with the basic problems of making art. The book works for both the professional artist as well as the amateur, regardless of medium.
Taking the fear out of art 2008-05-27
By naming the fears that artist experience, and giving simple and direct answers to those fears; David and Ted have given artists a tool to name their own fears and overcome them. The book had a profound impact on me and how I approach my work as a potter. I owe a lot to having read this book, in the confidence I gained, and the risks I am willing to take becasue of their writing. I have already recommended it to friends, and have it on display in my gallery. It is the best book on Fear that I have read, outside of the Bible.
Highly recommended book for designer and illustrator. 2008-05-05
I just graduated from art school, major in design & illustration. I've found this book amazingly helpful. I'm not that kind of person who like to read self help book...but this book is just wonderful. Things i've learn from this book: the right attitude of making art, determination over talent, the importance of communication between you and your art, small goals get you going, making art will expose your inner self...etc.
Highly recommended book for designer and illustrator.
Don't be afraid.... buy it!!! 2008-04-08
A friend recommended this book for me and after reading it bought two copies for other friends. It is practical, realistic and wise. If you need some perspective and engage in any form of creating, this is the book!
clarity 2008-03-23
This is an absolute must for anyone that "creates", especially if they believe that what they create is "Art". If a person's interest is in the "meaning" of what they create, "Art and Fear" presents, with clarity, sensitivity, and insight, the risks and rewards of the process and the ultimate importance of the effort.
