I received a copy of this amazing book, Arts & Numbers A Financial Guide for Artists, Writers, Performers, and Other Members of the Creative Class, by Elaine Grogan Luttrull. I received it in exchange only for an honest review.
First, let me say that this review took longer than it should have to post for one pure reason: I loved the book so much that I wanted to read it cover to cover before posting what I thought. I literally had trouble putting this book down.
Why did I like it so much?
For starters, this author is the very first person ever to explain a budget for musicians and other creative entrepreneurs.
When we went through other financial courses, I have become very frustrated because all of the suggest a budget that is based on a regular paycheck where taxes are withheld automatically and there is often an option of a 401(k). As a self-employed musician, my family never has a regular paycheck. It fluctuates, and we are solely responsible for not only managing the irregular paycheck, but for drumming up business, filing taxes and record keeping.
This book is written in a way that is understandable for anyone who usually hates even the word "finances" and those who don't do well with numbers.
It is available on the Agate Publishing B2 Books for $16, or less in e-book form.
It is worth every penny. It has several charts that you can use to fill in or as a guideline for making your own.
It tells the story of several fictitious artistic entrepreneurs that makes it interesting to follow and apply to your own lifestyle. These sections are in gray boxes, so they are easy to spot. In between are tons of charts and forms and explanations of how the creative class really can make it, and even become numbers and financial literate in the process. At least, become competent at managing and knowing how the financial end of the business works.
