Happy Pub Day to The Heart of the Maker: How to Put Your Passion to Work by Jake Weidmann. This is my current read, and I am learning so much about how Jake worked very hard to improve his art and support his family through his efforts.
About The Heart of the Maker: How to Put Your Passion to Work
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication date: September 1, 2026
Unlock the transformation of your passion with the keys of purpose-driven work in The Heart of the Maker. Whether you’re an artist or entrepreneur, writer, weekend warrior or looking for a way to activate your calling, this book serves as a blueprint for turning creativity into meaningful action.
With hard-won lessons and a deep connection to the spiritual roots of creativity, this maker’s guide equips you with the tools to face uncertainty and emerge confidently into your creative calling.
Jake Weidmann, renowned self-taught artist and the youngest Master Penman in the world, wants to show you how to:
- balance the sacred and the sellable in the business of soulful creation;
- embrace your gift in less-than-ideal times and spaces for your making;
- grow your skill while balancing the books, working with your spouse, dealing with stress, and fighting burnout;
- discover the importance of faith, family, and relationships as the foundation for great art and a meaningful life;
- grow closer to God by connecting with the spiritual roots of creativity;
- see your challenges as a way to stretch your ingenuity; and
- overcome self-doubt by trusting in God’s plan and stepping boldly into your unique creative purpose.
But this is more than a guide—it’s a call to action for anyone ready to leave behind the ordinary and make a lasting impact in their work and their life. With The Heart of the Maker, readers will learn how to view their creativity not just as a skill but as a gift, meant to be cultivated and shared to glorify God and bless others.
About the Author
Jake Weidmann – Jake is a professional artist and certified as one of nine Master Penmen in the world. Jake was certified through IAMPETH (International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting) in July 2011. He holds the title as the youngest Master Penman by three decades and the youngest to ever attain the title. His journey into calligraphy has been the “special sauce” for everything he now creates, incorporating the traditional calligraphic flourishing into his fine art. Jake is self-taught in each of his disciplines (calligraphy, painting, drawing, woodworking, and engraving). While he typically works with private clients, Jake has worked with Apple, Inc., Crossway Books, and Biola University, and has spoken from countless stages including TEDx and Q, and was featured on the PBS series, A Craftsman’s Legacy.
My Thoughts So Far
The first thing I want to comment on is how organized the book is. I love how the chapters (for the most part) have titles that relate to the artistic process. Each chapter also builds from the previous ones, too. So far my favorite chapter is entitled "Armature." In this chapter, Jake does a lovely job of relating how our talents are part of God's purpose for our lives. He stresses that we are to plan our work, and he gives a wonderful example from history of frescoes painted by daVinci and Michelangelo. Da Vinci (unlike Michelangelo) tried to modernize the process, and many of his masterpieces fell apart during his lifetime. Hence, a historical precedent can work as a type of "armature." In order to be successful, you don't necessarily need to reinvent the wheel. Planning also needs to involve God and his plans for us. Sometimes it's hard to plan for our lives while concurrently surrendering to God's will.
If we want our lives to be modeled on and supported by God's purpose for us, then we need to take the time to identify exactly what that is.~Page 85
Armature is an important element not only in the creative process, but also in the business and marketing processes as well.
In "Tools of the Trade," Jake emphasizes that the most important tools in our arsenals are our minds, bodies, and heart. I love this section of the book so much because many creators are stuck in studios sitting down for a big part of the day. I can remember reading an article years ago (before social media took off) entitled "Is Blogging Making You Fat?" Jake has been taking care of his body since he was a chubby adolescent, and he even figured out a way to dictate parts of the book while exercising, including this very chapter!
The Heart of the Maker is so interesting, and I think it would be helpful for anyone who'd like to earn a living as a creative. Jake Weidmann might be a Master Penman, but he is also a very creative and inspiring writer. I highly recommend this book, and I am currently reading one of the latter chapters "Pray Your Work." Y'all....this is so good. You should buy it for the creative person in your life! It's very helpful and encouraging.
Disclosure: I received a hardcover copy of the book from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank-you so much for asking me to be a part of the tour, especially on Pub Day!
TLC review tour schedule:
Tuesday, September 1st: The Bookish Dilettante
Thursday, September 3rd: @readingpastdark.marcia
Thursday, September 3rd: @therearenobadbooks
Wednesday, September 9th: @reading.withrach on TikTok
Thursday, September 10th: @teaandbookstoo and Read
Friday, September 11th: View from the Birdhouse
Monday, September 14th: @oilycaffeinatedmama
Wednesday, September 16th: @beckys_bookshelves
Friday, September 18th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Sunday, September 20th: @subakka.bookstuff
Monday, September 21st: @natashasbookshelf on TikTok
Orchid drawn with silverpoint
I think part of my problem as an artist is that I have way too many passions, like oil painting, colored pencil drawing, silverpoint, mixed media....you get the picture.
Maybe I can learn from this book to be a bit more focused and selective as an artist! ;P
Until next time...
Happy reading and creating!
Ricki Jill
