The Art of You - by James McCrae (Paperback)

About the Book

In this inspiring guide from conscious creativity leader James McCrae, you'll find a variety of ways to expand your creative life. From visual inspirations to opportunities for creative play, here he shares a flexible set of tools, exercises, rituals, and insights that will awaken your sense of wonder and reclaim the artist within.

Book Synopsis

"The Art of You offers great insights and steps on how to cultivate creativity. This is essential reading for anyone looking to share their unique experience, to foster deep connections, and to inspire others." --Yung Pueblo, #1 New York Times bestselling author

From conscious creativity leader James McCrae comes a guide to reclaim creativity as a sacred path to healing, awaken your sense of wonder, execute your craft, and reclaim the artist within.

Creativity is not a rare skill to be accessed by a privileged few. It is your nature, a sacred practice that awakens your inner child and offers medicine to the soul. Sometimes we become disconnected from this inner magic, but The Art of You unlocks the secrets of the creative process. Whatever form your art takes--writing, painting, music, business, performance, marketing, technology, or social media content--this guide will help you actualize your unique higher purpose, turn your imagination into reality, and transform both yourself and the world around you.

The Art of You is centered around "the yin and yang of creativity," a signature framework for understanding and mastering the creative process. Inspired by the ancient practice of Taoism, yin and yang represent equal and opposite universal energies: stillness and action, the inner world and the outer world.

Presented in an engaging visual style with word art, poems, memes, illustrations, and rituals, The Art of You is designed to help you find creative alignment, purpose, and flow. The first half is yin (creative BEING), which focuses on topics like cultivating intuition, the power of imagination, learning from creative guides, and transmuting emotion into inspiration. The second half is yang (creative DOING), which focuses on developing your craft, finding your unique style, launching projects, growing an audience, and practicing creativity for social impact.

In a world of increasing uncertainty, creativity is more important than ever. "Art is alchemy," James McCrae says. "It transmutes pain into beauty. When we create art, we open a tiny portal to the soul that brings light to a world of darkness. In doing so, we give others permission to do the same." At its core, creativity isn't only about making art. It's about being an independent thinker. You don't need tremendous talent; you just need the courage to question conventional wisdom and trust your creative nature. It's time to share your vision with the world.

Review Quotes

"The Art of You offers great insights and steps on how to cultivate creativity. This is essential reading for anyone looking to share their unique experience, to foster deep connections, and to inspire others." --Yung Pueblo, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"The Art of You embodies the message that creativity is the highest form of healing, which has been beyond true in my life and in many others'. If you're looking for an alternative to the density of the typical spiritual path and to transmute your obstacles into your masterpieces, this book is for you." --Sahara Rose, bestselling author, host of Highest Self Podcast

"Every time I talk to James, I walk away feeling inspired. Even though I've been an artist my entire life, James still makes me think about my creative path in new ways. When you read The Art of You, it's like talking with James. You'll feel his wise, playful, and powerful creative guidance--and be left feeling like a whole new universe of possibilities has opened within you." --Cory Allen, host of And Then It Hit Me podcast, author of Now Is the Way

"The Art of You is an inspiring, pragmatic, and uplifting guide to creating fulfilling art and a fulfilling life." --Tao Lin, novelist, poet, bestselling author

"The Art of You made me feel like a kid again, ready to throw paint on a canvas when I've spent my adult life terrified of the blank page. James McCrae demystifies the creative process, making it accessible to everyone with his practical tools and tips. His work feels like gentle encouragement, bringing both playfulness and depth into what it means to be an artist." --Allie Michelle, poet, bestselling author, co-founder of wellness and writing community We Are Warriors

"The Art of You is a poetic journey into finding your artistic voice and learning how to express it with passion and power." --IN-Q, award-winning poet and performer, multi-platinum songwriter

"The most powerful decision any of us can make is to live in devotion to healthily experiencing the all-ness that life wants to bring our way. The Art of You shares how to do this and bursts the door wide open for you to make your truest and greatest ripple in the eternal now." --Alyson Charles Storey, shaman, bestselling author of Animal Power, host of Ceremony Circle podcast

"The Art of You shows us where our creativity and humanity intersect, and how getting to the core of both can transform our lives on a fundamental level. James McCrae flawlessly demonstrates what propels the heart of creativity and how to become more in touch with our own." --Brianna Pastor, poet, mental health advocate, author of Good Grief

About the Author

James McCrae is an author, poet, meme artist, and founder of Sunflower Club, a global school and community dedicated to conscious creativity. James is the author of Sh#t Your Ego Says and How to Laugh in Ironic Amusement During Your Existential Crisis. As a creative strategist, he has worked with top brands and startups. His articles on creativity have appeared in publications like Forbes, HuffPost, Adweek, Yogi Times, and Entrepreneur. He lives in Austin, Texas. For more visit jamesmccrae.com.