The (Honest) Artist's Life: Confessions of a Practising Artist
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A funny, heartfelt survival guide for anyone brave (or foolish) enough to live the artist’s life.
 
Being an artist isn’t just about making art. It’s about navigating paint-related disasters, awkward gallery openings, commissions that make no sense, and the quiet panic of wondering if anyone will ever buy your work. The (Honest) Artist’s Life pulls back the curtain on the messy, hilarious, and often maddening reality of being a practising artist, and celebrates the joy hidden inside it all.
 
Full-time painter Hannah Blackmore shares the funny and relatable realities of a working artist’s life. With warmth, humour, and hard-earned wisdom, she sheds light on the creative journey, from the realities of studio life to the terror of shipping your paintings, the awkwardness of discussing your work, and the quiet joy of making art.
 
Inside, you’ll find:
 
The struggles of the creative process: procrastination, creative blocks, sketchbook guilt, and the elusive muse.
Art school memories: critiques, bizarre assignments, and the joy (and pain) of trying to explain your own work.
The messy reality of studio life: paint-stained clothes, snack disasters, and why the “perfect studio” is a myth.
The business side of art: websites, social media, exhibitions, galleries, pricing, shipping, commissions, and tax.
The emotional rollercoaster: rejection, impostor syndrome, varnishing anxiety, and falling in and out of love with your work.
Life as an artist: late nights, coffee dependency, outfits that somehow match your paintings, and juggling art, life, relationships, and money.
Philosophy, humour, and a manifesto: reflections on why art matters, staying true to your vision, embracing creative seasons, and making peace with your inner critic.
 
Who is this book for?
 
Practising artists who want to feel supported and seen.
Aspiring artists curious about the real art life beyond Instagram highlights.
Creative souls looking for encouragement, practical tips, and a reminder they’re not alone.
Art-lovers who want to know what happens in the studio besides paint spills and meltdowns.
 
Why you’ll love it:
 
It’s honest: No sugar-coating, just the messy truth told with warmth and wit.
It’s funny: If we can’t laugh at our accidental varnishing mishaps, what are we even doing?
It’s inspiring: Gentle reminders of why art matters: to you, your audience, and the world.
It’s practical: From tax-time woes to exhibition survival, with tips, strategies, and the occasional pep talk.
 
The (Honest) Artist’s Life is your companion through the challenges of a creative career. With wit, warmth, and a refreshing lack of jargon, this book is equal parts comfort and confession; a celebration of the artistic life in all its glorious reality. Perfect for any artist who’s ever lost a brush, the plot, or an entire afternoon to wondering if it’s “done yet.”
 
Reader praise:

⭐ “I felt seen, I felt understood, and I laughed out loud. Highly recommend for every artist I know.”
⭐ “Like having coffee with a fellow artist who really gets it.”
⭐ “I’ve never highlighted a book so much; every page feels like it was written for me.”
⭐ “Equal parts inspiring and funny, a must-read for anyone navigating the creative life.”