I Just Like to Make Things: Learn the Secrets to Making Money while Staying Passionate about your Art and Craft Spiral-bound – February 1, 2013

This isn't a book for people who want to make things and sell them on a small scale. If you're an artist - that is, someone who designs, paints, draws, creates their own 2-dimensional images, this is a great resource for how to get your art licensed to sell on a large scale, as prints, fabrics, greeting cards, etc. If you fall into this category, this will be a valuable resource.On the other hand, if you're a crafter, or an artist who wants to sell your individual work yourself, this won't be of much use to you. This gives you resources for having your creations made by factories, not by yourself. The number of successful artists and crafters who want to or who CAN sell on a scale like this is very small compared to those who want to create and market individual items themselves. A better resource for those in that category might be a guide to creating your own online site or an attractive show display.

This is an amazing book to understand what life is like when becoming a full time artist - Amazing tips, insightful information, and great prompts as you work through this book. I read it in one afternoon, and have often gone back to reread chapters. As a surface designer who has taken her online courses, this is a must read! Leah

I do love a good art book. If you are an artist and/or crafter, the title alone should make you run to buy this offering from Lilla Rogers. I was drawn to the book after visiting Lilla's colorful blog and website. Oh my goodness I was not disappointed! Lilla's friendly and encouraging style invites readers to really look at the possibility of selling their artwork. She offers examples and clearly explains the various markets available to hopeful entrepreneurs. The colorful photos are eye candy for the artist soul. I love that this book functions as a workbook as well with thoughtful questions to answer and spots for notetaking. I highly recommend this book and plan to read it again! Oh, and the resources alone are worth the price of admission!

What a charming book! It's packed full of Lilla's great words of wisdom, and so cute, too. I can tell this book will be a creative go-to for me for a long time. Great info and inspiration for all manner of creatives (whether you're already a pro or a hobbyist). Lilla infuses her positivity and great experience into every page. I love a Kindle, but for this one, get the spiral bound. It's one you'll want to have 'in your hands'.Side note: I found out about this book after I first signed up for one of Lilla's online art courses - which I very highly recommend! You can find them on her website, or just google her name or 'make art that sells'.

I'm a student of Lilla's Make Art That Sells online courses and when I saw this book in the back of several of her videos I knew I had to have it! It's so fun to have a beautiful, informative book to pair with her many wonderful courses. Only wish it were easier to find, I would have snatched it up months ago if it were in stores.

Lila's website for artists was a 'stumble upon' treasure that I coveted for our 16 yr. old whom I hope our daughter will follow! Her educational whimsy and professional passion are what budding artists 'hope for' in the world of (frankly speaking) jaded people. Lila is the opposite of jaded-and fills the talent and technique portion of tool chest with delicate essence allowing individuals to discover their strengths and hone their craft. Such rare empowerment! Love her work and this book will get you started.

I heard Lilla speak at a creative retreat a couple of years ago and was blown away by all of the great info she had to share. When I heard her book was out, I had to buy it. I am not a traditional artist- I design dies for a craft manufacturer- but what Lilla shares in here is very helpful for any business owner in the creative industries."I Just Want to Make Things" is a must have for anyone contemplating a career in creating for a living. I love the spiral binding- the whimsical illustrations capture the joy of the artists and the flavor of the the book. Colors, text and icons are right on trend and give a hip vibe. I think my favorite part is the story of how Lilla came to launch her own line of craft products with Prima (like she didn't already have enough to do?!). I also liked the part where Lilla interviews her mom, an artist as well, who shares her words of wisdom.Hearing advice and encouragement from art directors and those who buy art was very interesting. Lots of the people interviewed have practical advice to share and tips to help you stand out from the crowd. This book is a great resource- I will refer back to it over and over.

There isn't anything earth shattering about the information in this book. All of it can be found free on the internet using a simple google search. If you're already an artist with even a shred of experience, you do not need this book.

Lilla Roger's book is a wonderful, visually-inspiring read for all creatives wanting to follow their passion and make a living from their art or craft. It showcases the work of some of the best illustrators and artists working today and gives the reader shed loads of insider tips on how to get noticed in the world of art licensing, surface pattern design and manufacturing. I found the book hard to put down, and it has helped kick-start my New Year's creative juices following a few weeks of post-Christmas lethargy. Lilli interviews many art directors working in fabric, magazine, stationery and clothing companies, making you feel like you have gotten the inside scoop on the industry. You learn what inspires these directors, how important it is to be trend-aware, and ways of getting your work in front of key people in your particular field. After reading the book in its entirety today, I have a "to-do list" the length of my arm, a headful of ideas and several pages of wonderful websites to visit. The book is also an invitation to work with Liila which makes her stand out as accessible and visible. I recommend to all creatives everywhere!

"I Just Like to Make Things" is written in an incredibly light and open way. It includes stories about Lilla's own family and career path plus thoughts from some of the artists she represents. She has interviewed buyers and creative directors in various areas, for example, stationery, fabric, wall art and editorial which gives a rare insight into what they need and look for when commissioning or buying art for their products.It also covers subjects such as how to stay motivated and how to deal with envy - things which can actually be as much a block to a career as not getting your marketing right or not having an appropriate website but aren't usually acknowledged.It's motivating in a light and energetic way that sweeps you along with Lilla's own enthusiasm and knowledge. The fact that Lilla has been a working illustrator for over thirty years and an agent for over twenty means she has a deep understanding of markets and trends, how the industry works and how artists work and think and feel.The three things I've really taken away from the book (and perhaps I should have already appreciated more - see disclaimer below)1 "People buy your joy" - producing artwork that gives you joy is more likely to sell.2 The importance of bouncing back and persevering (where she gives a personal example of the hurdles to launch her jewellery range).3. Lilla doesn't over look the need for hard work and getting on with it. Once you have the information, you still need to put in the hours.However, if after reading this book, this is the career path you wish to follow I think you'll be desperate to get your art materials out!Disclaimer: Lilla has represented me for Illustration work in the USA for the last seven years.However if she wasn't already my agent, after reading this book, I'd be wishing that she was!

I have been considering moving towards a new direction recently from magazine articles. This book is just what I needed, it opened up a lot more potential markets for selling - and has given me not just food for thought but also inspiration to take my art forward.The book is full of gorgeous artwork as well as interviews with other artists and professionals.

As a freelance designer I need to be motivated to keep coming up with ideas and inspiration. Initially I was a bit cynical, but once I`d flicked through it and seen the packed, colourful pages, I was inspired straight away to try out the exercises. I`ve also used Julia Cameron`s The Artist`s Way, which is structured more like a course but lacks the visual impact of this book. This will appeal to visual artists who are looking for a boost to their creativity, and I can recommend it.

I really like this book. It is really full of advices and tips. I really advice this book to everybody.