Art and Business Books That Have Built My Career
Hi!
My name is Caleb Staker. I have worked as a professional character designer in the animation industry for the past 8 years as well as started 7 businesses as a creative entrepreneur.
I personally believe that my success has come from learning new skills then combining them in new and creative ways.
Reading at LEAST a book a month has been my super power.
These are a few of the books that have led me to where I am today.
This first list is a list of art books that have really influenced me as an artist. Both in style and art philosophy. Style is very important. I got lucky and always had neutral scenes of good design and what type of work to emulate/learn from. If you aren’t familiar with these books, I recommend you take a look!
A Journey of the Imagination: The Art of James Christensen
A Sketchy Past: The Art of Peter de Seve
The Art and Making of ParaNorman
I think that anyone wanting to make art in animation their full time career really should consider reaching Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination. Most of us animation artists are inspired by Disney or inspired by the industry that Disney lead and influenced greatly but we don’t have a full picture or understanding of what it took. I often year students say they “want to have their own studio someday”. I think artists should understand where the industry came from, what it took and have new ideas as to where it’s going. This book will open your mind to a LOT of new thoughts.
Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination
Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination (Audiobook)
These are the two books that I feel really helped me build the tenacity and work ethic that it takes to actually land a job and work in the animation industry.
Studying business has improved every aspect of my career. It has also allowed me to grow the reach and impact my art and creativity have. These are the books that I read while building my first businesses. Not every book here is gold but I pulled an important idea or inspiration from each of them as I worked on my businesses.
Obviously Awesome: How to Nail Product Positioning so Customers Get It, Buy It, Love It
Million Dollar Weekend: The Surprisingly Simple Way to Launch a 7-Figure Business in 48 Hours
$100M Offers: How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No (Acquisition.com $100M Series)
$100M Leads: How to Get Strangers To Want To Buy Your Stuff (Acquisition.com $100M Series)
As an artist money can sometimes get tight. I’ve always been able to keep options open and allow myself the space to try out new business ideas or take the extra time I need to grow something because I have taken the time to learn more about how to manage my money. Personally finance is very important. Artists need to learn how to maximize and grow what they have too.
The Richest Man in Babylon - The Original 1926 Classic (Reader's Library Classics)
MONEY Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom (Tony Robbins Financial Freedom Series)
A good book for those buying their own stocks.
One of my all time favorite books! Anyone out there trying to build a career, build a life and make there way need to read The Alchemist!
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