With all the buzz going around about this book, a few weeks ago I decided to pick up a copy of Creative, Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Cho. I’m not sure what I expected but I read a couple of reviews on Amazon and decided to give it a whirl. I’m glad I did! Creative, Inc. is a quick, energizing read loaded with great tips for start-up entrepreneurs in creative fields. Whether you’re looking to leave your day job or just make extra income to supplement your current salary, Creative Inc. is a great resource for everything from determining pricing to blocking out a basic marketing strategy. Having an MBA I tend to be skeptical of business books (not because I presume to know it all, but rather because I’ve had to read a ton and am skeptical of just how helpful many of them really are). With that said, Creative, Inc. is chuck full of practical advice including all of those things creative types typically like to avoid thinking about like invoicing and taxes.

Probably my favorite part of the book were the great bios and short interviews with succesful freelancers nestled throughout. Even the most prominent entrepreneurs have to start somewhere (typically with a dream and little to no money to back themselves) and Creative, Inc. profiles a select group of inspiring, creative professionals who have succesfully made their passion their career. Additionally, while Meg and Joy make no bones about it – running your own business is long hours and tough work – Creative, Inc. is incredibly motivating and blocks out all the basics for getting yourself organized. For the to-do list driven type, it will have you scribbling notes to yourself, ready to jump right in with both feet and make it happen, whatever “it” might happen to be for you. If you’ve been thinking about how to make a go of your own gig, I highly suggest giving Creative, Inc. a read.

{Photo from Oh Joy.}