Ignore Everybody Book Summary - Ignore Everybody Book explained in key points
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Ignore Everybody summary

Hugh MacLeod

And 39 Other Keys To Creativity

3.9 (65 ratings)
13 mins

Brief summary

Ignore Everybody by Hugh MacLeod is a quirky and insightful guide to unleashing your inner creative genius. It encourages readers to stay true to their vision and ignore naysayers, while offering practical advice for turning ideas into reality.

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    Ignore Everybody
    Summary of 6 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 6

    You can’t force inspiration. It comes on like the hiccups: unexpectedly, no matter where you are.

    So you’ve had a busy week without a moment to spare for your art project. Finally, the weekend arrives and you’re ready to let the creative juices flow!

    You enter your studio and your mind goes blank; inspiration fail!

    So why does this always happen?

    It’s impossible to flip a switch to get inspired. Creativity is a natural process; we’re not in control of it. Inspiration is like getting the hiccups, coming often out of the blue. And just like the hiccups, you’ll find that inspiration can disappear when you focus on it too much.

    Creative bursts often come when you least expect them. You might suddenly feel inspired in the supermarket checkout line, or when you’re just about to drift off to sleep. It’s easy to make the most of impromptu inspiration, simply by jotting down the thoughts in your head; these could in the long run end up changing your creative process altogether.

    When the author used to paint and draw, he found it hard to seize spontaneous creative moments when he wasn’t in his studio with his art supplies. So he started drawing small cartoons on the backs of business cards, which meant he could work wherever he wanted. His ideas started springing to mind when he was on the go, and have only grown in originality and popularity since.

    Yet it’s important to realize that when you set out to try something new or creative, it’s normal to have fears and doubts. You never know when you’re going to feel inspired or whether your idea is even good in the first place.

    Trust your creative instinct – this is your creative project. Let things flow naturally and remember not to block yourself from creativity!

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    What is Ignore Everybody about?

    In Ignore Everybody, author Hugh MacLeod encourages you to unlock and embrace your inner creative spirit and live your artistic dream. Pulled from his personal and professional experience, MacLeod reminds us that inspiration can happen at any time, and to be truly successful, you can’t let criticism get you down. If you’re thinking of giving up your desk job for the artistic life, this book will help you do so while offering sage advice on how to get your work into the wider world.

    Ignore Everybody Review

    Ignore Everybody (2009) by Hugh MacLeod is a book worth reading because it offers valuable insights on unleashing your creative potential. Here's what makes this book special and interesting:

    • It provides practical advice on how to navigate the challenges of creativity and embrace the unique ideas that emerge.
    • Through humorous anecdotes and personal experiences, the book offers a refreshing perspective on the creative process.
    • MacLeod's straightforward approach and no-nonsense attitude make this book anything but boring, urging readers to break free from the status quo and pursue their creative endeavors.

    Best quote from Ignore Everybody

    Inspiration precedes the desire to create, not the other way around.

    —Hugh MacLeod
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    Who should read Ignore Everybody?

    • Aspiring artists and other creative types
    • Anyone suffering from a creative block
    • Anyone wanting to give up their day job to become an artist

    About the Author

    Hugh MacLeod worked as an advertising copywriter for over a decade, while doodling on the backs of business cards. Now he is a cartoonist, blogger, public speaker, bestselling author and entrepreneur.

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    Ignore Everybody FAQs 

    What is the main message of Ignore Everybody?

    The main message of Ignore Everybody is to trust your own creative instincts and ignore the opinions of others.

    How long does it take to read Ignore Everybody?

    It takes several hours to read Ignore Everybody. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Ignore Everybody a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Ignore Everybody is a must-read for anyone seeking creative inspiration. It offers valuable insights and practical advice in a concise format.

    Who is the author of Ignore Everybody?

    The author of Ignore Everybody is Hugh MacLeod.

    What to read after Ignore Everybody?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Ignore Everybody, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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