Why Jerry Saltz Says You Don’t Need Permission to Make Art

Book Review: How to Be an Artist by Jerry Saltz

A spirited, no-nonsense companion for creatives at every stage

Jerry Saltz’s How to Be an Artist is not your average guide to creativity. It is part manifesto, part pep talk, and part toolbox, delivered with the candid and crackling energy that has made Saltz one of the most widely read art critics of our time. Best known for his work at New York magazine, Saltz brings his insider knowledge, lived experience, and unmistakable voice to this highly accessible and irreverent book.

Beneath its humour and bite lies a genuine message of encouragement: anyone can make art. You do not need a degree, connections, or even confidence. What you need, Saltz insists, is the willingness to begin and the stamina to keep going. Whether you are a painter, writer, sculptor, or someone still too shy to say “I’m creative,” this book will speak to the part of you that wants to make something real.

What the book promises

Saltz sets out to break down the walls that keep people from seeing themselves as artists. The book is meant to be a companion for those beginning a creative journey or trying to stay on course. Its promise is not to teach technique or offer step-by-step exercises. Instead, Saltz wants to shift how we think about art and creativity. He argues that becoming an artist is more about mindset than mastery.

Through a series of sixty-three brief essays or “rules,” the book aims to answer questions many creatives ask in secret: Am I allowed to call myself an artist? Is it too late to start? What if I am not good? How do I keep going? Saltz does not pretend to have all the answers, but he offers perspective and honesty from someone who has been around art his entire adult life.

What the book delivers

How to Be an Artist delivers a refreshingly grounded take on the creative process. Divided into six thematic sections, the book moves from beginner encouragement to studio advice, mindset work, industry navigation, psychological resilience, and finally, a philosophical musing on art itself. It is less a structured program and more a collection of provocations, reminders, and sharp observations.

Saltz opens with a strong declaration: “You are a total amateur. Good.” He quickly dismisses the myth of the genius and focuses instead on practice, intention, and experimentation. He writes about self-doubt, procrastination, jealousy, fear, and the loneliness of trying to create something new. He also writes about the joy of mark-making, the role of chance, the need to finish work even when it feels unresolved, and the value of failure as part of the process.

The book’s strength lies in its tone: salty, direct, and often hilarious. Saltz draws on a lifetime of looking at art and speaking with artists. His experience comes through in his ability to name the fears artists face and in his encouragement to keep showing up regardless. He does not shy away from the emotional landscape of creative work, but he does so with compassion and humour.

Style and structure

The structure of the book is highly digestible. Each rule or short chapter stands alone, making it ideal for flipping through or reading in bursts. This fragmented format suits the content. Rather than building a single argument, Saltz offers many doorways into the creative life.

Stylistically, the book is punchy and informal. It feels like a series of conversations or notes from a mentor who genuinely wants you to succeed. The language is playful but pointed. He references everyone from Louise Bourgeois to Picasso, often adding anecdotes that reveal something personal or quirky. His tone avoids preachiness by staying self-aware. He admits his own creative blocks and past failures, which makes the advice feel earned rather than imposed.

The book also includes artworks and artist quotes that support or challenge his assertions. These visual and textual references keep the experience lively and dynamic. Readers familiar with the art world will recognise many of the names and themes, but even newcomers will feel included.

Where the book shines

Saltz shines when he challenges the gatekeeping and intimidation that can surround the art world. His repeated insistence that art is for everyone, and that you do not need permission to start, is perhaps the book’s most radical idea. In a culture where artistic identity can feel exclusive or commercialised, Saltz reminds readers that art is about paying attention, being vulnerable, and doing the work.

Chapters such as “Work, Work, Work,” “Finish the Damn Thing,” and “Make Art for Now, Not the Future” are particularly effective. These rules cut through perfectionism and paralysis, offering clarity to anyone struggling with inertia or self-doubt.

His writing also shines in its generosity. Saltz believes in artists, even when they do not yet believe in themselves. He does not speak only to professionals or those hoping to make a career. He speaks to the part of each reader that still wants to play, explore, and express.

Light limitations

Some readers may find the book too loosely structured. There is no clear developmental arc, and the advice can sometimes feel repetitive. The tone, while engaging, may not appeal to everyone. Saltz writes with swagger and irreverence, and although this style is part of the charm, it may come off as flippant to readers who prefer a quieter or more academic approach.

Additionally, the book is heavily focused on visual art, particularly painting and drawing. While much of the advice is transferable, those working in writing, performance, or other creative fields might need to translate the insights into their own context. Still, the book’s core ideas such as starting now, making mistakes, and continuing anyway are universal.

Final thoughts

How to Be an Artist is a bracing, funny, and deeply useful guide for creatives who want to make their work with more courage and less self-censorship. Jerry Saltz does not hand out formulas. He offers companionship. He reminds us that creativity is not about purity or perfection, but about process, persistence, and a willingness to be seen.

This is a book that meets readers where they are. Whether you are beginning your first sketch or questioning your next project, Saltz’s voice cuts through the noise and helps you reconnect with why you started in the first place.

Highly recommended for artists, aspiring artists, and anyone who wants to live more creatively, without waiting for the perfect moment.