5 BOOKS CREATIVE SHOULD READ
Over the years, I’ve come across a couple of books that have really changed the way I create and helped me remember why I make art in the first place.
1. War of Art
By Steven Pressfield
This book will light a fire underneath you. Steven Pressfield does a magnificent job of helping you eliminate any excuses and face your fears. We all encounter resistance at some point. It may manifest as procrastination, self-sabotage, or utter timidity. Regardless of what form it takes, it’s coming. Pressfield sounds the alarm and gives you a pep talk right before the battle.
2. Making Ideas Happen
By Scott Belsky
I usually recommend this book right after the Bible. Seriously, I do. If you have an ounce of creativity in your body, you NEED to read this book. It’s been coined the unwritten curriculum for creatives. Making Ideas Happen is my go-to book for inspiration, motivation, and clarity. I keep a worn-out copy around me at all times. I often refer to it in my career and use it as a resource when coaching other creatives.
3. The One Thing
By Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
If you’re going to be great at your craft, you have to be able to focus on “The One Thing.” This book will help you focus on what’s most important and provide you with a practical way to determine your priorities. Gary Keller and Jay Papasan challenge readers to ask themselves a very important question about setting priorities for their time. If you struggle with knowing what to do next, this book is a great place to start.
4. The 99U Book Series
By 99U
This is actually three books, but they will change the way you navigate your career. Each book features the experiences of the most highly creative people of our generation. They’re certainly not for the faint of heart. These resources are designed to assist artists on their journey to becoming creative entrepreneurs.
Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind
Maximize Your Potential: Grow Your Expertise, Take Bold Risks & Build an Incredible Career
Make Your Mark: The Creative’s Guide to Building a Business with Impact
5. The Dream Giver
By Bruce Wilkinson
Let’s be honest: Pursuing a career in art can be difficult. Even if you are incredibly talented, that doesn’t mean that you will automatically develop a successful career. For most of us, our passion for creativity and our dream of one day being a world-famous artist started when we were young. Some of us have been fortunate enough to fulfill that dream, while others have forgotten about it altogether.
There are many books I could recommend, but I chose Wilkinson’s book because it was particularly inspiring to me. It’s the story of a young man who journeys from his homeland to pursue a dream. If you’ve ever felt discouraged in the pursuit of an artistic endeavor, this book will help you live to create another day. If you’re into audiobooks, this is a great one to add to your list.
Stay Inspired,
Sharlene
