Book Review of Make It by Martina Flor
/Make It: Turn Your Creative Skill Into a Business and Thrive Doing What You Love by Martina Flor is a must-read for creatives who want to turn passion into profit. As a creative professional, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the business side of your passion. Martina Flor’s Make It is a breath of fresh air—a practical, encouraging, and inspiring guide to building a sustainable creative career.
While this book primarily targets artists, illustrators, and designers, I found that it holds immense value for writers as well. Flor’s advice on creating a standout portfolio, for instance, is just as relevant to writers as it is to visual artists. She encourages readers to focus on showcasing their unique voice and strengths, whether through carefully curated illustrations or thoughtfully chosen writing samples.
The book’s emphasis on developing unique offerings also struck a chord with me. Flor guides creatives to think beyond just their core skill and consider how they can package their work in new and exciting ways. For a writer, this might mean branching out from traditional publishing to include things like creative writing workshops, editing services, or even personalized poetry commissions.
One of the most eye-opening sections for me was on financial management. Flor breaks down how to set the right prices and gradually move toward premium pricing. This approach is invaluable not just for visual artists but for writers as well, who often struggle with pricing their work fairly—whether that’s freelance articles, editing gigs, or author visits.
Another highlight is Flor’s focus on the professional mindset. She encourages creatives to think like business owners, reminding us that talent alone isn’t enough. As a writer, this was a wake-up call to invest time not just in honing my craft but also in building a professional presence and consistently delivering quality work.
Perhaps the most inspiring part of Make It is how it redefines success. Instead of pursuing someone else’s idea of success, Flor guides readers to set their own goals, balancing creativity with personal well-being. As writers, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing external validation, but Flor’s approach helps ground us in what truly matters.
Whether you’re an artist looking to build a profitable business or a writer seeking guidance on turning your passion into a career, Make It is an invaluable resource. With relatable anecdotes, practical exercises, and actionable advice, Martina Flor empowers creatives to take control of their careers and thrive.
I really enjoyed the format of this book too. As the reader, I got to follow along with Mary, an artist who is just starting out, while she gets advice from a professional who is already making art as their career. At the time of writing, Make It is currently available on Amazon and as part of Kindle Unlimited.