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

[Shelley]

Cute blog, this is the first time I've come across it! Adding it to my list. :) And p.s. can't wait for the book!!

[coronam]

Freelance 4Ever.

[Eija]

I have Craft, Inc. and I am so excited about this book. Thanks!

[Ingrid]

Awesome! Sounds like it should be next of to read' list

[casey]

i would love to own this. i'm just starting up my own design business and it could be just the tool i need!

[MEl]

Thanks for the giveaway! I'm excited to own a copy and get inspired!

[Glamour This! by Kelly]

I would love to win this book. I think it would be the kick in the ass I need to get my company going (for real) fingers crossed.

[Myra Greenlee]

I put this book on my birthday wish list. Please make my wish come true! I love what you said about how it's like the co-worker in the cubicle next door that you always pop over to for advice!

[Kimberly Davis]

I would love to get this. I just moved this summer and am starting over (after being a staff photographer) as a freelance photographer. Our house still hasn't sold and now we are on one income and paying one mortgage and one expensive apartment payment each month. That's why I need to win this, I'm sure it will come in handy.

[emily @ the daily smudge]

would love love to win this book... I've been self employed for awhile now but could definately use some extra help and advice... it can be tricky at times!

[Ann]

Sounds like a great book!

[morosepoet]

i really want this book! i have some many questions about going freelance and turning your passion into your job! i

[Austin]

I'm in a fuzzy transition period post-grad school, trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. This will be a big help.

[shellie]

sounds great....thanks!

[Melissa]

Oh wow, I'd love to win this, as I just started a vintage shop on etsy, and I've been working to turn blogging/etc into something beyond recreation.

[myra :: twigs & honey]

Ooh! I really want to read this book. Great review, Chelsea! I am always in need of great advice and I'm always learning as I go... I'm trying to be a better businesswoman... perhaps this is the boost I need. :)

[Einat Kayless]

I'm a big fan of Joy for a long time and I admire the way she works...
I'm sure I'll learn a lot from this book.
Oh Chelsea, I'm sending a big hello from Israel.
I love your blog!
You are more than welcome to visit my DesignBreak Blog
http://designbreak.strawberrypixel.com/
Were you'll find all you want about Israeli design

[Charlotte]

Isn't it time for a great Dane to win this book? ;o) I would love to read this book.

[Lindsay]

This book looks totally brilliant! I would be thrilled to win it!

[Hannah Joy]

This would be so helpful in getting me started! Thanks!

[elissa c]

I can't wait to read this!

[Colleen R.]

This book sounds amazing! I loved their stop-motion video. I can't wait to get a copy.

[Melissa]

I would love to escape the corporate world! It's squashing my creativity! :)

[Christy K.]

Oh Wow, thanks for posting that. Just the thing I am looking for. Have been seeking the right guides, in the forms of both great people and great books. Recommendations from another creative are greatly valued...

[Nicole]

*fingers crossed!*

[Rachel]

ooh! I'd love to have this book. What a great resource!
I work in the legal system (snore). But my love for flowers and photography has been growing in leaps and bounds in the past year. I'm dying to learn all I can and maybe one day be able to support myself doing something creative that I am passionate about. What a great giveaway :)

[andrea]

pick me!

[April T.]

This looks like a great read!

[corinne]

i actually recently wrote this book on my 'must purchase asap' list!!
to win this would be amazing!!
aaaaand, ps, i LOVE your blog :)

[Alyssa Griffith]

i dream of the freelance days! this book would be so great for me! :)

[meg ilasco]

thanks so much for being on the blog tour!

meg

[jill]

I have the first book and would love this one as well!

[becca]

Fantastic! Thank you!

[Caryn]

Could really use this now. Thanks!

[The Zhush]

Just starting to venture out into the world of self employment...need this! :)

[Kimberly Davis]

I just moved and am getting my business up and running to freelance. (photography) I would love to win this as funds are very tight...the economy still hasn't turned over and my house has not sold. I would so appreciate this gift.

[Laura]

This would be very useful right now!

[Denise]

I am a florist/wedding designer who was self taught. Went to college to be a medical assistant, but always had it in my heart to work with flowers. Have made each of my daughters and daughter in laws wedding bouquets and decor. Would love to have this book!

[Samantha]

Would love to win this!!

[Skye]

This book sounds fantastic! Thanks for the giveaway!

[amabella]

i hope it isn't too late for a chance to win this book!