Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad

Finally got around to reading this during a major creative slump, and frankly, it was the exact "kick in the fanny" I needed to start sketching again. The book emphasizes that creativity is not a linear process, which is a massive relief for someone like me who often feels like a total failure when a first draft looks like a five-year-old’s stick figure. I particularly resonated with the idea to "pay attention to what you pay attention to," as it forced me to re-evaluate my digital habits and where my focus actually goes. Kleon’s writing is accessible, visual, and surprisingly deep for such a quick read. It’s now a permanent fixture on my desk for whenever I need a quick hit of inspiration.

This little square book is a powerhouse of creative energy that focuses on the long game rather than instant success. I’ve always struggled with the pressure to monetize every single hobby, so hearing Kleon say that creativity is a tool and not just a means to an end was incredibly refreshing. The design is thoughtful and engaging, making it easy to flip to a random page and find a gem of wisdom. It’s about sticking it out when things get repulsive or difficult. If you’re a seasoned writer or a hobbyist artist, this offers a necessary reminder to protect your inner child’s joy and keep the work separate from the market.

Ever wonder why some people just keep producing work while you feel stuck in the mud? This book answers that question by stripping away the romanticism of the "artist" and replacing it with a workmanlike grit that is surprisingly beautiful. Kleon reminds us that we have very little control over the world, so we must control what we spend our days on. The drawings and quotes are perfectly placed to break up the text. I finished it in one sitting but I’ve already gone back to re-read the chapter on slowing down. It’s the ultimate pep talk for anyone feeling the weight of the world right now.

The world feels heavy right now, and for a long time, I couldn't fathom being creative while everything felt like it was falling apart. This book acted like a life preserver, reminding me that art is for the soul and not just for the marketplace. It’s short, sweet, and doesn't dance on the line of being patronizing like so many other self-help books tend to do. Kleon encourages us to get out of our bubbles and find the extraordinary in the ordinary. I love the idea that we all have our own seasons and rhythms. I’m definitely gifting this to my writer friends who are currently struggling.

Not gonna lie, I wasn’t sure if I needed another book on creativity, but this one is special because it focuses on the "how" of continuing. It’s one thing to start a project, but it’s another thing entirely to keep going when the initial excitement has completely evaporated. Kleon’s advice on creating a "bliss station" for disconnected time has been a game-changer for my morning routine. I love how he uses examples from other artists to show that the process is never truly finished. It’s an engaging, visual journey through the messy reality of making things. Essential reading for anyone who feels like they’re running on empty.

Wow. I didn't realize how much I needed a reminder that creativity is a means to something else, and not just a product to be sold. This book is an excellent guide for anyone who has found their once-loved craft turning into a relentless, exhausting chore. It’s about enriching your life through the act of making, regardless of whether the final result is "good" or not. The chapters are short enough to read during a coffee break, but the impact lasts much longer. It really is a fun, much-needed kick in the pants for the creative soul. I’m starting my new daily list today.

As someone who spends way too much time staring at blank screens, I found Kleon’s practical approach to daily habits to be quite grounding. He doesn't treat art like a mystical gift from the gods; instead, he frames it as a routine you have to show up for every single day regardless of your mood. Truth is, I did find the diss toward Marie Kondo a bit random and unearned, but the rest of the 10 rules are solid. The concept of "paying attention to what you pay attention to" really changed how I view my sources of inspiration. It’s a fast read but one that sticks with you long after you close the cover.

Look, I love Kleon’s style, though I think I still prefer his first two books just a little bit more. This one feels a bit more somber, which makes sense given the context of the world today, but it’s still packed with great ideas for staying sane. He talks about how the work put into a masterpiece is usually overlooked, which is a great perspective for those of us currently in the "repulsive first draft" stage. My only gripe is that a few sections felt like they were treading familiar territory from his previous work. Still, the emphasis on list-making and disconnection is a great practical guide for modern life.

While I appreciate the aesthetic and the curated quotes, I found some parts of this book to be a bit out of touch with reality. To be fair, his joke about being jealous of people in prison because of their rigid routine felt pretty tone-deaf and unnecessary in an otherwise helpful book. There’s also a pervasive sense of privilege in the advice to simply "ignore the news," which isn't an option for everyone whose life is directly affected by current events. That being said, the sections on disconnected time and building a "bliss station" are genuinely useful techniques for focus. It’s a decent read for motivation, but take the lifestyle advice with a grain of salt.

Pick this up if you want some pretty quotes, but frankly, there’s just not much going on in these pages. It feels like a collection of blog posts that were expanded to sell more books rather than providing deep, new insights into the creative process. The routine advice is basic, and his comment about being jealous of prisoners for their schedule was honestly bizarre and left a bad taste in my mouth. It’s a well-designed object, sure, but the content lacks the substance I was expecting after all the hype. It felt like a book written for people who have enough privilege to ignore the world's problems.