The Artist’s Way and a Real Comeback Story of a Lost Creative
I thought I had given up on being an artist. Then I found The Artist’s Way, and everything changed. This is my real comeback story.
For years, I had given up on drawing. I spent my days wondering if some epiphany-like, life-changing moment would magically happen—or if I would just continue doodling occasionally as a hobby, never really pursuing anything more.
But then, something truly life-changing happened. The incredible part? It started last July, and eight months later, I’m still going strong!
A Book That Changed Everything
At that time, I was constantly reading self-help books and binging podcasts, skimming through other people’s success stories. But honestly, it all felt uninspiring, like I was just going through the motions.
Then I came across a podcast episode that changed everything:"Are You as Conscientious as You Think You Are?" from No Stupid Questions, co-hosted by psychologist and Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance author Angela Duckworth.
In that episode, she talked about discovering The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, a best-selling author and filmmaker, and how the Morning Pages practice impacted her. She had picked up the book after hearing about it on Guy Kawasaki’s podcast.
Back then, I saw myself as someone who was pretty art and design savvy, so I thought, If a former Apple evangelist is recommending this book, it has to be good!
But I was also skeptical. I had read plenty of bestsellers before, and none had ever truly changed my life. Still, I ordered the book, half-expecting it to be just another temporary spark.
The Artist’s Way: A Remedy for Blocked Creatives
If I had to describe this book in one sentence, I’d say iIt’s like a remedy for artists to regain their creative spark.
It’s a 12-week program filled with readings and exercises designed to unearth forgotten failures, recover buried dreams, and reconnect with your creative self. Some parts of the process are emotionally tough—like digging up past frustrations or facing your inner critic—but just like bitter medicine that truly works, this book is the real deal.
How do I know? Because I’m living proof!
From Hesitation to Creative Momentum
In July last year, I started reading The Artist’s Way and working through the 12-week program.
By the third week, something clicked. I realized that I still loved drawing and wanted to keep creating. I reached for my long-forgotten sketchbook, reopened an illustration textbook I had abandoned, and slowly but surely, started making art again.
Fast forward seven months, and now:
🎨 I draw in Procreate every day.
📖 I practice pencil drawing and write this blog daily.
💼 I’ve taken on commissions and delivered them.
📚 I’m preparing to participate in a local zine festival.
I just summarized this journey in fast-forward mode, but the transformation has been undeniably real.
This Book Helped Me Say ‘Yes’ to Being an Artist
As an artist, this book was exactly what I needed. The Artist’s Way reconnected me with my inner artist and transformed my days into a more creative and fulfilling experience.
For the first time, I truly allowed myself to be an artist, and it felt like my heart had been set free. Now, I’m on a journey to become a super illustrator—one worthy of standing alongside my illustrator heroes!