From the internet’s “art dad”: an encouraging and inspiring guide for artists of all levels to embrace failure, overcome self-doubt, and rediscover the joy of creating art.

Is there such a thing as cheating in art? No.

Am I too old to start making art? Of course not.

Will I ever like my art? Yes. Eventually. But not always (it’s complicated).

Can my art ever get better? Yes. But with practice (and a lot of patience).

If I become an artist, will I be rich? What? No. Who’s asking these questions???

With the inviting nature of Bob Ross and the kindness and empathy of Mister Rogers, Scott Christian Sava has become the internet’s “art dad” to over four million artists (young and old) around the world. But this is not a book about how to hold a pencil. Or how to draw a superhero. Or how to break into the art world (although we do talk about that a little). It’s about how we can enjoy the process of making art and let go of perfection and self-doubt and the fear of failure by learning to be okay with where we are on our own individual artistic journey. That art is all about experimentation, failing, and trying again.

Becoming an Artist is part encouragement, part storytelling, part sketchbook. Filled with art, stories, silly tangents, hard-won wisdom, and over 50 black-and-white watercolor illustrations, all created during a very hectic week in New York City.

Whether you’re a total beginner, a burned-out pro, or someone who hasn’t made art since middle school, this book is your permission slip to just make stuff. To be weird. To be imperfect. To be human.