The cartoons illustrate how famous people (artists, writers, composers, etc.) struggled -- and can be an inspiration to others. Even though I was already familiar with most of these creators, I still learned things. For instance, I had known that Frida Kahlo had a hard life, but I didn't know how physically difficult it was for her. Parts of this book could be helpful in a history class and/or any class dealing with creativity, such as art or writing.

I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I've really liked Zen Pencils ever since Gavin Than's art began appearing online. This is a great volume about the various ways that creative folks from all walks of life (ranging from art to music to science) have worked to overcome adversity and continue their creative work. Strangely, perhaps, I found that the most valuable bit was Than's own advice to modern-day creators.

This was a very inspiring collection of cartoons that went along perfectly with the quotes from many inspirational artists, musicians, writers, and scientists. Each quote stood out to me especially from those that I admire myself. Another great addition to each of the quotes was the little biography that came after each one so that you could learn about each of the people a little more. There were quotes from Vincent van Gogh, Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Mary Shelley, Stephen King, Ernest Hemingway, and so many more.

What really stood out in this book though was seeing many of these very famous people express how they worked past their creative struggles. Beethoven using his music as a way of getting past his loss of hearing, Mary Shelley getting over writer's block, and so many more.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

I liked Than's other Zen Pencil work a lot, but this one wasn't as succinct as the other (which is what I liked about it). The illustrations are great, there are some valuable tips for creative entrepreneurs, and the historical stories are interesting. Just wasn't my favorite.

This volume showcases the creative greats; from artist to inventor, from author to chemist -- all of whom underwent some form of hardship in their quest to birth something previously unformed or undiscovered. Among the challenges faced were physical deficiency (Beethoven's loss of hearing) and mental anguish (Mary Shelley's writer's block).

This book is suitable for readers of all ages, in that the comically-rendered graphics complement the (written) message, which is one of encouragement to persist in the face roadblocks, for the creative endeavor is one where the 'muse' favors the prepared and persevering mind and hands.

Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2237853322

This is a unique book but did not appeal to me. I can neither recommend or not recommend.

This is a short book that you can read in one sitting, but it packs a lot of good advice in it. I loved the inspiring examples and the creative pep talks. My favourite was the eight tips to overcome creative struggle at the end of the book.

Another volume of the fun and educational series featuring quotes illustrated, this time with a more specific perspective, as the title tells.
Van Gogh died having sold only one painting. I know that’s not the takeaway from his story, but it’s what I’ll remember.
No mention of Einstein’s wife in that entire section. Huh.
“Mortifying negative.”
Frankenstein is mentioned as the first sci-fi story, but that would be Paradise Lost.
The look on Marie Curie’s face at the gas coming in through the window. . . priceless. And her tongue sticking out in concentration. . . it’s the little things that make these stories great.
Tesla inspired by poetry is classic, literally. “Suck it, Professor Poeschl.”
Frida’s conga line of injuries, culminating in the bus crash, are truly horrific. This is the first time I’ve really seen the difference in size between Kahlo and Rivera played up; age, yes, but him being 300 pounds and her under 100 is staggering. And she really was the first Queen of Selfies.
And of course no book about creativity nowadays would be complete without Brené Brown.

I picked this book up on Netgalley by randomly looking through the graphic novels section on the website. This looked interesting and honestly, I'm really glad I took the time to read it. Gavin Aung Than was able to perfectly illustrate the struggle that many creative individuals have. It was truly inspiring. I think many people are scared to begin a project, or take a step out and create something different. This book has shown that you're not alone and the great creators in the world dealt with the same things that you are going though.

The artwork in this graphic novel is really fun. I enjoyed looking at the artwork and I really loved how it was illustrated.

All in all, the artwork, the words, everything was perfect.

Being a selection of potted biographies of people to aspire to matching - Einstein, Hemingway, Kahlo - with graphic novel-styled illustrations of pertinent quotes about overcoming self-doubt, anxiety and all the problems that might be in the way of success. It's a decent gift book approach, although while the cartoons have a distinct look and stand out from each other, the creator's large-headed style may not be to everyone's taste.

I did not know what to expect by the cover of the book. I was so surprised to see it told tales of creative persons in history. Not just artists, but scientists, and musicians alike. A wonderful teaching book, for those struggling with perfection and self doubt.

A super fun, pretty quick read. Perfect for those who need a little motivation. It features comic depictions and short, couple page explanations of the creative lessons you can draw from the achievements of scientists, artists, and writers alike; meaning there's something for anyone to be found. Some parts felt a little dumbed down to me, which is why its 4 stars not 5, but I thought it was fun and well put together. The illustrations were really well done.

I have been a follower of the Zen Pencils' Facebook page for a while now. But I joined the bandwagon a little late because the number of new quotes coming out by then was rare. I mention this as a prior, since I am already conditioned to enjoy the book, I definitely enjoyed it. There is also the fact that it is a good book, this little fact would make anyone who read it enjoy it as much as I did.

This is a collection of panels depicting some very creative and talented people's quotations. It comes with background and other helpful information for the graphics to make even more sense. The delightful illustrations gave me goosebumps while thinking of the heights to which a human mind is capable of reaching. The struggles, achievements of all the people ( including the author) indicated in the collection, would certainly serve as inspiration.

Zen Pencils: Creative Struggle is a wonderful compilation of stories about real people, all of whom were visionaries of their time. The focus isn’t just on their successes however, but on how they persevered or their viewpoint on how to get through a writer’s block or find their inspiration. The stories included are: Vincent van Gogh (The Blank Canvas), Albert Einstein (Life is a Mystery), Leonardo da Vinci (Step Away from the Canvas), Mary Shelley (Teenage Dream), Marie Curie (Our Happy Place), Creative Pep Talk #1, Ludwig van Beethoven (Art Has No Limits), Stephen King (the Desk), Akira Kurosawa (the Notetaker), Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (In the Mood for Work), Creative Pep Talk #2, Nikola Tesla (Visions of the Future), John Coltrane (the Power of Music), Frida Kahlo (Heroine of Pain), Ernest Hemingway (A Lonely Life), and Creative Pep Talk #3.
What I truly loved about this book is just how inspiring it is. I believe any artist (or writer, musician, composer, anything creative you can think of) should read this book when they find themselves struggling. Seeing other people, real people that we’ve grown up idolizing, be in the same position? Well it certainly puts a new perspective on things, to say the least.
I think everyone has felt like they’ve fallen into a creative rut at some point in their life, even if they wouldn’t personally consider themselves to be terribly artistic, and that is why I think reading empowering stories like this is so important. I know I certainly felt a bit better about my creative blocks, both past and present.

This lays somewhere between a comic and a graphic novel. Cute illustrations along with fantastic quotes. A great read for anyone looking for inspiration.

I've long enjoyed Zen Pencils, so a collection built around a specific theme really appeals to me. A very nice, encouraging, chill collection of inspirational comics. I really enjoyed it.

Clever and motivational book for anyone. The author gives snapshots of historical, famous creative people and how they dealt with finding motivation, persistence, the inspirational spark, routine and work ethic which helped launch some of the world most memorable art. From various disciplines, this is interesting and enlightening for all audiences.

These fun cartoons of quotes and mini-bios are a fun way to motivate creative dreamers.

For everyone who's ever felt only geniuses are capable of art, or that masterpieces come into existence miraculously, this collection of cartoons reminds us that the opposite is true. These stories from Gavin Aung Than's blog use a clever format -- taking quotes from famous artists, inventors, and thinkers, and literally illustrating their point. Each story uses their own words to remind us how much persistence, dedication, and also freedom and flexibility it takes to unleash our creativity. Unlike most books of quotes that try to inspire through the quotes alone, this book gives us a bigger picture (er, so to speak) and a narrative that galvanizes by example.

The story I enjoyed most was (hope this doesn't constitute a spoiler) that of the author's himself. If that sounds like an audacious inclusion, it isn't -- by this book's end, I think you will be enchanted by these stories of struggles and ultimate joys in being an artist and wholeheartedly ready to applaud the artist who brought them to life.

An inspiring and well-done collection from the popular series. Highly recommended.