Creative Girl: The Ultimate Guide for Turning Talent and Creativity into a Real Career [Paperback]

Katharine Sise (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 24, 2010

If there’s no stability in the corporate world, why not do what you love? Creative Girl shows women how to turn their talents into a money-making career…smartly. Whether readers are just tapping into their creativity and want to see where it takes them, or if they’re already making a creative living and know it’s time to grab hold of the next level of success, this book has specific advice for women at varying stages.

Author Katharine Sise has certainly “walked the walk” of a creative entrepreneur, as she created her own jewelry line that has won the praise of celebrities and the fashion world. Here she provides ideas for sparking one’s creative talent (through meditating and journaling), and narrowing down what career lifestyle is right for each reader. She also shares insider tips on the realities of navigating a creative career and handling a business—such as how to brand yourself and how to build a platform and garner publicity. Katharine debunks the myth of the “starving artist” and shows how one can turn inspiration into a profitable livelihood.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When Sise was in her early 20s, she realized she needed a second job to support her acting career. Instead of temping or waitressing, she stayed true to her creative nature and chose jewelry design, and in a few years she was able to support herself without sacrificing her dreams or temperament to an office job. In fresh, funny, and cheerful prose, she helps her readers figure out what they want to do and build a roadmap for getting there. She breaks down the practicalities of a fulfilling and financially self-sufficient life, including finding a mentor, deciding when to leave a day job, developing weapons for overcoming fear, learning the legalities, as well as résumé polishing, interviewing, negotiating, and publicizing yourself. Emphasizing self-evaluation and the use of helpful worksheets, Sise presents solid practical advice and encouragement through interviews with famous "creative girls." Her comprehensive stock of information and playful tone--she urges readers to "Know Your Strength, Know Your Kryptonite"--round out a wonderful survival guide for women looking to make the leap to a satisfying, self-directed career.
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Review

Jamie Rosen, W Magazine, June 2010
"Encouraging, inspiring and actually fun to read, Creative Girl gives its readers a master class in career actualization. Whether it's guidance on how to tap into your talents, advice on how to work creatively in a corporate world, or the roadmap for setting up your own business or freelance venture, Sise offers up all the tools needed to satisfy your soul and your bank account."

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Running Press (August 24, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076243869X
• ISBN-13: 978-0762438693
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.9 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #763,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful and relevant September 26, 2010

By M. Cesarz

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I picked this book up purely out of curiosity (i don't think of myself as creative at all), and i was surprised at how helpful and relevant to my life it was. It actually gave me the gumption to pursue a writing project I've been working on and made me realize that I really do want to try to get it published. Unlike most how-to books, this one makes you reflect on what you want out of life career-wise -- without being cheesy or annoying. I am a stay-at-home mom, but it would also appeal to people who work and want the most out of their jobs.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative Girl December 19, 2010

By SE

Format:Paperback

If your college career services office is anything like mine, with lots of resources for future business professionals and lawyers but not much for creative types, this book will help fill the gap with advice on how to find a creative job at an existing company or create a business plan for your own creative company down the road. Creative girls in the fashion world will probably find the book most helpful, since many of the creative girls Sise interviews work in that industry. But the chapters on money and time management will be helpful for other kinds of artists, too. Especially recommended for those just starting out who'd like advice on interviewing, long-range planning, etc.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for any Creative Girl (or boy!) out there September 27, 2010

By Ali Watts

Format:Paperback

Written in both a pratical and fun way, the book is a fast read with a good amount of pitstops along the way to help you guage both where you are in your personal process and what you still need to do to get to your final destination. The real life examples help bring a human element to each new step and chapter. The book is a perfect mix of the encouragement that every creative woman needs while still giving you the realistic tools you'll need to navigate the rough waters of following your dream career. Seeing how she worked through the exact steps she writes about, helps make the whole idea so much more tangible. Looking at her successful business and beautiful jewlery is even more inspiring!

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, practical guide September 28, 2012

By Sue Clayton

Format:Paperback

Author Katharine Sise began her career as an actor, with a part-time waitressing gig to pay the bills. But she did not like the acting lifestyle and knew that she did not have the singing/dancing ability for Broadway. One day she decided to stop waitressing and make her own line of jewelery. She now uses her acting talents at QVC and in making videos to promote her very successful line of jewelery. She clearly wrote this book based on her own experience.

The first part of the book requires self-analysis. Where are your talents? What kind of work do you want to do? What would suit your interests and lifestyle? What do you want (and not want) in your career? Once your vision is clear, Sise guides you into preparing for a creative career. I like that she supports a transitional approach in which you stay employed while you acquire the needed skills, but may consider working part time, sharing a job, or approaching your boss about flexible hours.

Part 2 is "Get Where You Want to Go." This is the nuts-and-bolts of interviewing for a creative career, or setting up your own business. I was glad to see that Sise focuses on being a "thriving artist" and not a "starving artist." There is lots of practical information in this section -- including finding a mentor, dressing for success, and how to write a press release. She also addresses how to deal with fear, which I know is a huge issue for people considering a creative career.

Interspersed throughout the book are profiles of successful creative girls.

This book is well-written, easy to read, and nicely laid out. The author has a great conversational tone that feels very supportive. Her information is practical and -- I think -- would be extremely helpful to anyone considering a more creative career.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book February 2, 2012

By Mary

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is great because it is very empowering and encouraging. The tone is also very honest and practical. I thoroughly am enjoying this book and the restored hope it has brought me in having a more fulfilling career.

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative? Crafty? Gotta get this book! March 16, 2011

By princesspoker

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love this book! After reading this you will want to start your own creative career or business, and actually believe that you can do it. Katherine Sise guides you through everything, from figuring out what you really want out of your career to networking, taxes, everything. Whether you want to start your own business or have a creative career casually on the side, you will find this book useful. Sise uses her own life experiences and ties in many successful creative girls' (or CG's as she calls them) stories and advice. If you have ever toyed with the idea of selling things you've made, you should really check out this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Book! October 23, 2010

By Nazy Wadia

Format:Paperback

I am SO glad I came across this book! I read two pages in the book store and knew it had to come home with me. I am a fellow 'Creative Gal' that recently launched my own business. But reading this book was so incredibly valuable - even if you've already taken steps toward launching your biz. Katharine gives you not only creative insight, but also tactical, business advice to turn your vision into reality. I gained so much and really opened my mind and eyes to steps I may have overlooked (or chose to overlook, perhaps). This is really a must-read for anyone starting their own business!