Artwork Published: Four Word Self Help

August 18, 2010 by acrawley63 5 Comments

In January, I received a request for artwork from Patti Digh. Patti, who is the author of Life is a Verb, sent an email to many artists around the world asking who would be interested in submitting artwork for her upcoming book, Four Word Self Help.

Patti described Four Word Self Help as follows:

I wrote this compilation of four-word self-help wisdom in reaction to all the very complex self-help books I’ve seen—isn’t there a simplicity to life that we can tap into, things we already know? For example, “Eat less, move more” or “Do work that matters” or “Leave some things undone.”

The book would be in small format, 4.5″ x 6.25″.  Participating artists would receive a phrase to illustrate. All artwork had to fit into the small format and could not contain any words, text, or language.

I was intrigued and replied that I was interested in participating.

A couple weeks later, I received a second email with a phrase that I was to interpret and illustrate. I had two weeks to create my artwork and submit it for possible inclusion in the book. We were also told that if our artwork was accepted, the editors may use it for a different entry than originally submitted.

The phrase I received was “Do What You Can.” The phrase made me chuckle. Given the slightly abstract nature of the phrase, I could only do what I could in my interpretation of it.

Creating artwork in a limited time frame is both demanding and energizing. You have to focus on the task at hand immediately, go with your gut, and hope it all works out to your satisfaction.

In early February, I submitted my artwork. On April 15, I received word that my artwork had been accepted into the book!

And on Tuesday, 8/17, my complimentary copy of Four Word Self Help arrived at my home.

It is such a thrill to see my artwork in print and in such a wonderfully inspiring book. I am honored to have my artwork in this book among the illustrations and interpretations of nearly 100 artists.

Here is the artwork I submitted:

"Do What You Can"

And how my artwork appears in Four Word Self Help:

On Page 129

Four Word Self Help is due in stores in September. Be sure to look for it! You can also pre-order a signed copy of the book from Patti. Click here.

Four Word Self Help Cover

Thanks to Patti Digh for this most excellent experience.