These are the books and courses I consumed (either are in process or need to buy them due to good reviews) in my freelance journey as an artist and entrepreneur that enhanced my negotiation skills. Most of these include personal stories, techniques, and methodologies. I honestly hate reading but love documenting stuff (go figures, I’m paradoxical) thanks to my bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design.
This was my first book introduction to the world of freelance. It contains the best and most basic (I mean the important information that can be processed instantly without complicated terminologies or the legal/ethical chapter) material for anyone starting in the creative world. If I am not mistaken, this was focused on the graphic design and marketing area.
Image by Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/Book-Blueprint-Expert-Creating-Industry-Standard/dp/0936385456#
This was one of the most complex and important books in my life. It deep-dived into the ethical chapter, expanded all the creative departments and their value (depending on the job role and market value), the types of negotiations, how to make contracts, case studies, and even “controversial” opinions about why Work For Hire doesn’t benefit the freelancers.
Image by Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/Graphic-Artists-Handbook-Pricing-Guidelines/dp/0932102166
I haven’t finished this one, but it does have a lot of storytelling, with a dash of fun jokes and personality. It talked about managing clients, the importance of showing creative processes and case studies, experimenting with business techniques, critical thinking, and problem-solving. One thing that I do cringe so much in this book is the whole concept of exceeding the expectation at 200%. I like to limit my presence and services with consequences and rationality to maintain control of the situation.
Image by Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Your-Portfolio-design-school/dp/0321918681
I was first introduced to the “Steal Like An Artist” mini-book in college. I gasped when I saw the title, and then bought the whole series, including “Show Your Work” (basically the same concept as “Burn Your Portfolio” by Michael Janda). These were fun books talking about how to “steal creatively” while putting effort into changing some elements. It is very engaging, thought-provoking, and playful, that is if you like documenting processes. I would recommend it to those artists starting to experiment.
Image by Austin Kleon via https://austinkleon.com/journal/
I bought this book after watching her TedTalk. Unfortunately, I haven’t read it yet but will be providing a summary.
Image by Amanda Palmer via https://amandapalmer.net/theartofasking/
This book is pending on my wishlist…
Image by Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299
This book is pending on my wishlist…
Image by Amanda Palmer via https://www.amazon.com/Laziness-Exist-Devon-Price-Ph-D/dp/1982140119/
This book is pending on my wishlist…
Image by Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/Profit-First-Transform-Cash-Eating-Money-Making-ebook/dp/B01HCGYTH4
This book is pending on my wishlist…
Image by Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Art-Matter-What/dp/1452182957/
Same story, I bought the digital version and haven’t read it yet. The physical one no longer exists for reprinting. It is so acclaimed and rare that it costs around $150; I’m dying to have the physical one 🙁
Image by Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/Brutally-Honest-Bullshit-Strategies-Creative/dp/1732194408
I was gifted this gem a few years ago and haven’t had a chance to read it.
Image by Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/What-They-Dont-Teach-School/dp/0578764229
This one is a decade old but is a must, pretty much industry standard well acclaimed, and prestigious. One day I’ll be able to buy it…
Image by Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/Win-Without-Pitching-Manifesto/dp/1999523504/ref=pd_vtp_h_pd_vtp_h_d_sccl_3/147-6901024-3271617
During the pandemic and the isolation, I started to discover more about communities and culture building, with The Futur by Chris Do, who interviewed Seth. I was intrigued by his mindset and storytelling. It was delightful and valuable to read about mixing psychology, marketing, and design to create the perfect recipe for leadership and community building. If you like to connect with fans and create your own “religion or cult” (metaphorically) with genuineness, (not authenticity, is not the same) then this is for you.
Image by Seth Godin Blog via https://seths.blog/tim/
Anything about Pixar’s formulas about storytelling, character development, psychology, and how the audience connects with the protagonist via personal experiences, emotions, backstories, and feelings. This helps create a long-lasting attachment and emotional value with fictional material that resonates with people.
Image by Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/Pixar-Storytelling-Effective-Pixars-Greatest/dp/1717736408
I discovered Kevin Hart after college, and he was damn funny. I got curious about his published book and decided to take the chance. The best investment I made where I learned more about how to engage and convey authentic storytelling. I learned about empathy and storytelling in my last year of college with a professor called Yazan Hijazi in his “Sustainable Innovation” course. Yeah, talking about global warming, society, and technology mixed up with psychology. Best last year of college.
Image by Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Make-This-Up-Lessons/dp/1501155571/
I think this is self-explanatory, but here it goes. During my depression after a break-up in my first and last relationship with an ex, I encounter this book. It was fun to read, it was raw and personal with self-improvement, and a few case studies, including psychological ones. I think it is important to rediscover ourselves from time to time, since our attachment style can affect us professionally and influence a lot in other areas of our lives, not just solely relationships.
Image by Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713
I haven’t finished this one, but this is the most complex and extensive course about freelancing, which includes techniques, methodologies, documents, and brief videos with procedures and explanations. Again, great investment for my career as a creative freelancer.
Image by Michael Janda via https://morejanda.teachable.com/
This is a subscription membership + a course with tons of resources, an engaging community, and a one-on-one meeting with Tom about building communities, marketing, and creating valuable content business-wise. He also had a small PDF called “Ultimate Guide to Niching” where he talked about niching strategies with case studies.
Image by Learn Community via https://www.learn.community/
It seems it’s no longer available, but this was a course about understanding, managing, and reporting taxes in the US. It was a deep dive into updated information, protocols, forms, and terminologies about sale tax and professional services.
Image by Paper + Sparks via https://paper-spark.thinkific.com/
Consider me a massive, non-stop learning machine, but I was forced to question and challenge (including fighting) things during my college days. So, either I get bored or curious from time to time and mix complex stuff in my work environment just to test my patience or find new solutions to my fuck-ups.
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