Ignore Everybody

"Ignore Everybody" presents cartoonist and entrepreneur Hugh MacLeod's insights on creativity and navigating a career in the arts. The book stems from MacLeod's experiences drawing cartoons on the backs of business cards while working as an advertising copywriter in Manhattan. MacLeod outlines 40 keys to creativity through direct, no-nonsense advice and personal anecdotes from his path to success. He incorporates his signature cartoon illustrations throughout the text to reinforce core concepts about originality, authenticity, and persistence. The book tackles topics like maintaining creative focus despite criticism, balancing art with commercial work, and protecting one's creative voice from outside influences. Each chapter functions as a standalone lesson while building toward a complete framework for sustainable creative practice. At its core, this book examines the intersection of artistic expression and practical career development, arguing that true creativity requires both unwavering vision and strategic implementation. The work speaks to anyone seeking to build a life around their creative pursuits while maintaining their unique perspective.

Readers appreciate MacLeod's straight-talking advice about creativity and pursuing artistic work while maintaining a day job. Many found the book's message honest and realistic rather than motivational fluff, with one reader noting "it's the anti-self-help book for creatives." Readers liked: - Short, digestible chapters - The included cartoons - Practical career advice - Raw, unfiltered perspective Common criticisms: - Too brief at 160 pages - Some redundant points - Basic advice many found obvious - Limited depth on certain topics Several readers mentioned the book works better as a blog post series than a full book. One reviewer said "the ideas could have been conveyed in a long article." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (300+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (200+ ratings) The book resonated most with entrepreneurs and creative professionals exploring side projects while working full-time jobs.

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🎨 Hugh MacLeod started his career drawing cartoons on the backs of business cards while sitting at bars in Manhattan 📚 The book originated from MacLeod's popular blog, "Gaping Void," which he started in 2001 💡 The author coined the term "sex and cash theory" - explaining how creative people often balance their passion projects with day jobs that pay the bills ✍️ MacLeod wrote the entire first draft of the book in just two weeks, though he spent years developing the ideas through his blog posts 🖼️ His distinctive art style and business card cartoons eventually led to collaborations with major brands like Microsoft, Intel, and Rackspace