I have a weakness for best seller lists. When I look for a new book, I open a tab in each category on all major retailers and check out top 10s, best sellers, staff recommendations, etc. Hours later, I might decide on a few. Days later, I might buy one. This list was easier. We looked at what we’ve read and loved, and added a few recommendations too. Like Jennifer mentioned in her post yesterday, it’s easy to get carried away with ideas. Being able to read other people’s stories (not just the successful ones but the ones who have been through the not-so-glamorous stuff too) is SUCH a big help. Just the fact that someone wrote a book on creativity shows that there are other likeminded people out there trying to make it.
We tried to choose a wide variety of books for this list because like I said, we both have different dreams and ideas. I’m not just a copywriter or crafter or artist, you know? So these all speak to us in some way, but I don’t expect that to happen for everyone. Luckily, there is truly something here for every type of creative!
9 essential creative books
1. Books for creative people tend to fall into two categories (though not always): the reality check and the pep talk. By that I mean, you either leave full of inspiration or full of very concrete knowledge. References like The Freelancer’s Bible are packed with info and especially necessary for the beginner. The great thing about this is that there’s a takeaway for anyone under the “self-employed” umbrella really.
2. Austin Kleon’s Steal Like An Artist is one of those books that has a little reality check, but a lot of inspiration. It’s just what you need in an age where it seems like everything is already done. Guess what? Maybe everything IS already done, but why let that stop you? If the concept of being original–whether in blogging or elsewhere–often bogs you down, this is a new perspective.
3. I heard about Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit for years before finally picking it up. At first I couldn’t relate, because she’s a choreographer and a lot of her examples are based on that (duh!). I realized the real reason I couldn’t relate was that I was hoping for just inspiration, when the entire point of it is that you need to WORK for your art. You don’t just create once, you create every. single. day. It demystifies the creative process a bit but that’s what leads to the realization that you can do it.
4. Materially Crafted by A Subtle Revelry’s Victoria Hudgins isn’t just another DIY book. It’s for anyone who consumes design blogs and Pinterest inspo but wants to get to know the process behind the projects and materials used. It’s refreshing to see something that isn’t just about the finished product. Also, isn’t it just beautiful?! PS: Just checked out the ASR blog + they’re hiring! Check it out.
5. Jenn read Creative, Inc. by Joy Deangdeelert Cho + Meg Mateo Ilasco though I haven’t. But I can see why it was such a hit when it came out. It’s an intro guide for designers + artists branching out into freelance. From what I read, someone like me who is more focused on writing might get more out of book #1, but I need to see for myself!
6. The Handmade Marketplace was another instant classic when it came out, and in 2014 Kari Chapin released a 2nd edition that includes the latest must-know info about selling handmade, including social media and new interviews. So much has changed in the four years since the first book came out, any handmade biz/Etsy sellers should take a look at the updates.
7. The War of Art is one of my favorite books and I think it’s the oldest here. You’ll devour it in two hours so even if you aren’t sure about it, you have nothing to lose! This is the biggest reality check there is for anyone who wants to pursue a passion but has let excuse after excuse stop them. Much like Tharp but in a more succinct package, Steven Pressfield makes it plain and simple that the biggest thing you have to do is get started. If you’re more of a dreamer than doer (ahem, me), it’s definitely what you need.
8. Joy Cho’s Oh Joy! 60 Ways to Create and Give Joy is quite different than most on this list, because it is craftier and more light hearted. But I think fun books like this can be so inspiring, and I don’t really know anyone who isn’t blown away by Joy’s success! I haven’t read this yet, but I think it’d be perfect for a day I just want to let go and try a few new DIY projects.
9. You’ve seen Brené Brown’s TED talks, right? They’re a few years old now but worth watching if you haven’t, and then picking up her books, including the latest, Daring Greatly. Her work revolves around research on vulnerability and in this book she talks about how allowing yourself to be vulnerable is a brave act (thanks society for steering us wrong on that one!) that will benefit you far more than not putting yourself out there + opening up. I love the message and how it relates to creative jobs.
Thoughts? Book recommendations? Wish lists? Let us know!
Britany says
Thanks! This inspired me to get in the car and wander around a bookstore. :)
Angela says
Yay!!
Marianne // DYOB says
I’m just finishing up War of Art, it’s so great and motivating and inspiring. I love Pressfield’s no-nonsense style of writing too.
Thanks for the other recommendations too, there are some good ones I hadn’t heard of here.
Angela says
Right? The only problem I have with The War of Art is that I always revert back to my old ways. I think it has the opposite effect on me sometimes!
Caroline says
I will definitely be checking out these books they look incredible! I am currently reading Think & Grow Rich For Women and it has become my favorite book and I recommend it to every female entrepreneur!
xo Caroline
http://www.calijaedesigns.com
Angela says
Going to have to order that one!