creative inc. blog tour + giveaway

I am excited to be part of the Creative Inc. blog tour! This book (written by the lovely Joy + Meg) is such a great resource. A lot of you know that I dove headfirst into self-employment just a few years after college when I started a flower business at 24, and I currently work freelance. So, I was really excited when I heard about this new book. 

I wish I'd had Creative Inc. earlier. It's like the co-worker in the cubicle next door that you always pop over to for advice but as an entrepreneur, don't have any longer. From putting together a portfolio, to calculating what you should charge, to working through creative blocks, Creative Inc, is an accessible and simple guide to making self-employment work. After reading through the book last night, I am already feeling re-charged and inspired to tackle some of the challenges I am facing with my evolving business.

My favorite part of the book was reading the profiles. Learning that one of my favorite photographers is entirely self-taught in everything from graphic design to styling to photography and that he started out as a bagger at Whole Foods was completely inspiring and humbling to read. I love a good entrepreneurial story!

I know a lot of you are self-employed or are looking to make a change so leave a comment before September 3rd and Chronicle books will send one lucky person a copy of this book! Or, you can buy it here. Good luck!

P.S. Follow the Creative Inc. blog tour here:

8/23 Poppy Talk
8/24 Oh Happy Day
8/25 SFGirl By Bay
8/26 Mint Design
8/27 Wit + Delight
8/28 Cathy of California
8/29 Book By Its Cover
8/30 Not Martha
8/31 Frolic!
9/01 Upper Case
9/02 Craft
9/03 Decor8
9/04 Kris Atomic
9/05 Grain Edit

* Winner has been notified. Thanks for all the entries!

Comments

[my name is ish]

I've been freelance for years and used to pride myself on scraping by with small jobs so I could have "me" time. Now I have two kids and need to step it up a bit. I would love a copy of this book.

[Jane Flanagan]

Sounds like a good read! I must grab a copy!

[michelle]

this is just the kick in the pants i need

[Sam]

would love to read this one! i used meg's first book when i first began my company

[Raven]

I have been trying to figure out how to leave the 9-5 to do something I really want full-time. This is exactly what I need to get myself better organized with a business plan. Looks good!

[mimi k.]

the book sounds so interesting! definitely would want a copy =)

[jenny]

What a great resource! And an important time for young creative entrepreneurs trying to make it in this tough economy.

[vanessa joie]

I can't wait to get my hands on it! My goal is to be self employed soon. Thanks Chelsea!

[Queenie]

A must-read, I think!

[Betsy]

I'm in the early stages of starting a home business. I'm sure I could learn a lot from this book!

[mary]

Yes! I want this book. I'm back working in corporate life (just on a contract basis...but back nonetheless) after a summer of full-time freelance. I definitely can use some advice for my next go-round!

[Amanda]

Congratulations to Meg and Joy!

[elaina]

Yes please! It sounds great.

[ashleyewagoner]

Oh I would love this!

[Melissa T.]

Sounds like a great resource, Chelsea! Thanks for sharing!

[jennifer]

this book does sound interesting :) their stop motion promo vid was also too cute!

[Whimsy Being]

This book sounds so inspiring =) I can use a book like this as I ponder possible life changes in the future. THanks for the chance!

[nicolle]

oh this is a book i think i would definitely benefit from!

[Jenny]

Oh this would be a great win, I freelance!

[Alli]

I would love to read this! Sign me up!

[rachel]

I dont just want this , I neeeeeed this!
love your blog.

[Colleen]

I desperately want this book! I have Craft Inc and it was an amazing help as I established by Etsy biz. Now I'm trying to work through the details of establishing my interior design biz and could use some tips! :)

[jennifer young]

would love to win! thanks!
j.

[Melissa B.]

I've heard so many great things about this book!

[Amanda]

This would be so fantastic to have!

[Jessica Menard]

Your timing is perfect.

My husband is in the middle of transitioning out of his "day job" to building a photograghy business. Your description of this book sounds perfect for him(ie: putting together a portfolio, to calculating what you should charge, to working through creative blocks) and the profile of the photographer who is self taught - truly perfect!

[juliet]

Yay! Another chance to win this book! I really want it!

[Adrianna]

i've been following the blog tour of this book and it sounds amazing. i cannot wait to soak up every bit of advice and inspiration! thank you so much for this opportunity.

[angie]

oh, i gotta have a copy of this book!

[Ashley]

I'm trying to get my freelance business off the ground while working a full-time job. This book would be so beneficial to me.

[Shannon @ What's Up Whimsy]

I hope I win! I would love to have this book!

[Ariel]

Fingers crossed!!

[sherri s.]

Thanks for the giveaway...I need good advice like this, for sure!

[Krista]

Just started doing freelance stuff this past year and could really use some pointers!

[Kate Halloran]

Love to learn from fellow artists, encouraging to know that this can happen for me too - just need some insider tips! x

[Melanie]

I am dying to get my hands on this!! I love Oh Joy!

[michelle young]

This would be a huge help. I'm soon relaunching me art biz!

[Eliza Dooks]

Please, please, please, let me win this book!!!

[amy tangerine]

how fun! thanks for the chance to win.

[Sarah]

sounds like an amazing resource. I hope I win!

[Courtney]

here's to hoping I win!

[Amy Ha]

i'm currently learning graphic design and photography on my own time while working full-time at restaurant to fulfill my dreams - even with a bachelor's degree in marketing since 2007 - one day i hope to own my own business doing design and photography and be a known name in the creative community :)

please let me win! :)

[cindy]

it's great to see you included with such fine company .. you're a great inspiration, chelsea. the book looks terrific, i have the first one and refer to it often.

[Thea]

This looks like a great addition to Meg's other books. Thanks for sharing!

[Jen Appel]

I'm really looking forward to reading this book - would love to win a copy!

[Lee]

It looks great - and I definitely need this book!

[reim]

I'm an Ivy leaguer who just wants to live my love of photography and all things creative. I'm definitely looking forward to reading this book! Thanks to you and Joy and Meg for spreading this spirit!

[Caitlin]

Thanks for the giveaway! I am wicked excited about this book.

[josephine]

I've been looking forward to this book!

[Michelle Gow]

I would love this for myself, but even more so for my illustrator roommate.