As an avid reader, I’ve been researching the best books for creatives on everything from habits to overcoming obstacles and improving creativity. These are the 9 books that have been highly recommended by other creatives to help inspire and guide creativity.
I have included a short description, key takeaways, and the ten most highlighted quotes from each book to help you decide if it resonates with you. These are in no particular order.
Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links – you will not be charged more but I will receive a small commission if you end up buying anything.
#1 The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
The War of Art
is a book about overcoming the internal obstacles that prevent us from pursuing our creative passions. Here are some key takeaways from the book:
- Resistance is the force that prevents us from doing the work we need to do in order to pursue our creative passions. It can take many forms, including procrastination, self-doubt, and fear.
- Resistance is fueled by fear, and it is our job to learn how to overcome it by developing discipline, perseverance, and courage.
- The most important thing we can do to overcome resistance is to show up and do the work every day, even when we don’t feel like it.
- The creative process is a mysterious and unpredictable force that we cannot control, but we can learn to trust it and allow it to guide us.
- The pursuit of creative work is a lifelong journey that requires us to continually push ourselves outside of our comfort zones and take risks.
- Failure and rejection are inevitable parts of the creative process, and we should learn to embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning.
- We should not be afraid to seek out help and support from others, whether through mentorship, collaboration, or community.
- Ultimately, the creative journey is about discovering who we are and what we are meant to do, and we should not be afraid to follow our passions, even if they lead us down unconventional paths.
10 Most highlighted quotes from The War of Art by Steven Pressfield:
- “The most pernicious aspect of procrastination is that it can become a habit. We don’t just put off our lives today; we put them off till our deathbed.”
- “The artist committing himself to his calling has volunteered for hell, whether he knows it or not.”
- “Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It’s a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got.”
- “The professional has learned that success, like happiness, comes as a by-product of work. The professional concentrates on the work and allows rewards to come or not come, whatever they like.”
- “If you find yourself asking yourself (and your friends), ‘Am I really a writer? Am I really an artist?’ chances are you are. The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death.”
- “The most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.”
- “To labor in the arts for any reason other than love is prostitution.”
- “The artist must be like that Marine. He has to know how to be miserable. He has to love being miserable. He has to take pride in being more miserable than any soldier or swabbie or jet jockey.”
- “Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do.”
- “The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.”
#2 Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic is a book that encourages readers to embrace their creativity, overcome their fears, and pursue their passions. Here are some key takeaways from the book:
- Creativity is a magical and mysterious force that exists within all of us, and it is our job to tap into it and bring it to life.
- Fear is a natural and inevitable part of the creative process, but it should not be allowed to dominate or control our lives. Instead, we should learn to acknowledge and manage our fears, so that they do not hold us back from pursuing our creative passions.
- Inspiration can come from anywhere, and it is up to us to be open and receptive to the ideas and opportunities that present themselves to us.
- Perfectionism and self-criticism are common obstacles to creativity, and we should strive to overcome them by embracing our imperfections and trusting in our own unique creative vision.
- Collaboration and community can be powerful tools for enhancing creativity, as they provide us with feedback, support, and new perspectives on our work.
- The creative process is inherently unpredictable and uncertain, and we should learn to embrace the unexpected twists and turns that come with it, rather than trying to control or predict every outcome.
- Creativity is not just about making art or pursuing creative hobbies – it can also be expressed through everyday activities and professions, and can bring joy and meaning to every aspect of our lives.
Overall, “Big Magic” encourages readers to embrace their creativity, take risks, and live a life that is guided by their passions and creative vision.
10 Most highlighted quotes from Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert:
- “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.”
- “Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.”
- “Fear is always triggered by creativity because creativity asks you to enter into realms of uncertain outcome, and fear hates uncertain outcome.”
- “Perfectionism stops people from completing their work, yes — but even worse, it often stops people from beginning their work.”
- “You do not need anybody’s permission to live a creative life.”
- “You are not required to save the world with your creativity.”
- “The work wants to be made, and it wants to be made through you.”
- “Your fear will always be triggered by your creativity because creativity asks you to enter into realms of uncertain outcome.”
- “Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it doesn’t matter at all.”
- “Done is better than good.”
#3 The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
The Artist’s Way is a book about discovering and recovering one’s creativity. The book is based on a 12-week program designed to help readers unblock their creative energy (here’s my personal take on the course) and develop a more fulfilling and authentic creative practice. Here are some key takeaways from the book:
- Creativity is a natural and essential part of being human, and everyone has the potential to be creative in their own way.
- Creativity is not limited to traditional “artistic” pursuits but can be expressed in any area of life, from cooking to gardening to problem-solving.
- Creative blocks
are caused by a variety of factors, including fear, self-doubt, and negative beliefs about creativity, and can be overcome with specific exercises and practices. - Morning pages, a daily practice of writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing, are a powerful tool for unlocking creativity and processing emotions.
- Artist dates, a weekly practice of taking oneself on a solo adventure, are another key practice for nurturing creativity and self-discovery.
- Self-care and self-compassion are essential for maintaining a healthy and sustainable creative practice.
- Overcoming creative blocks requires confronting and healing past traumas and limiting beliefs.
- Creativity is a spiritual practice that connects us to a higher power, whether that be God, the universe, or our own inner wisdom.
- The creative journey is not linear or predictable and requires us to embrace uncertainty and trust in the process.
- Ultimately, the creative journey is about discovering and expressing our authentic selves and living a more fulfilling and meaningful life as a result.
Overall, “The Artist’s Way” is a guidebook for anyone looking to tap into their creative potential, overcome creative blocks, and live a more authentic and fulfilling life.
10 Most highlighted quotes from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
- “Creativity is God’s gift to us. Using creativity is our gift back to God.”
- “The very act of making things is a way of bringing ourselves into being.”
- “Leap, and the net will appear.”
- “It is impossible to make art that is not in some way autobiographical.”
- “Perfectionism is not a quest for the best. It is a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough.”
- “As artists, we must learn to be self-nourishing. We must become alert enough to consciously replenish our creative resources as we draw on them.”
- “We should write because it is human nature to write. Writing claims our world. It makes it directly and specifically our own.”
- “What we really want to do is what we are really meant to do. When we do what we are meant to do, money comes to us, doors open for us, we feel useful, and the work we do feels like play to us.”
- “We are ourselves, creations. And we, in turn, are meant to continue creativity by being creative ourselves.”
- “Great art is as irrational as great music. It is mad with its own loveliness.”
#4 Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
Steal Like an Artist is a short and practical guidebook for creative people of all types. Here are some key takeaways from the book:
- Everything is a remix. No creative work is truly original, and all artists steal from those who came before them.
- Embrace your influences and study the work of those you admire. Learn from them, take inspiration from them, and use what you learn to develop your own unique style.
- Don’t wait for permission to create. Start making things, even if you don’t feel ready or skilled enough.
- Focus on the process of creating, rather than the end result. Enjoy the act of making things and don’t worry too much about the outcome.
- Don’t be afraid to share your work with others. Feedback and criticism can help you improve and grow as an artist.
- Keep a notebook or journal with you at all times to jot down ideas and inspiration.
- Use constraints to fuel your creativity. Setting limitations can help you focus your ideas and find creative solutions to problems.
- Take breaks and give yourself time to recharge. Creativity requires rest and relaxation, as well as hard work.
- Surround yourself with other creative people who can support and inspire you.
- Stay curious and continue to learn and grow as an artist. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
Overall, “Steal Like an Artist” is a fun and inspiring guide to creative living that encourages readers to embrace their influences, take risks and enjoy the process of making things.
10 Most highlighted quotes from Steal Like an Artist
- “You don’t get to pick your family, but you can pick your teachers and you can pick your friends and you can pick the music you listen to and you can pick the books you read and you can pick the movies you see. You are, in fact, a mashup of what you choose to let into your life.”
- “The manifesto is this: Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use – do the work you want to see done.”
- “The great thing about dead or remote masters is that they can’t refuse you as an apprentice. You can learn whatever you want from them. They left their lesson plans in their work.”
- “Start copying what you love. Copy copy copy copy. At the end of the copy, you will find yourself.”
- “We learn by copying. We’re talking about practice here, not plagiarism – plagiarism is trying to pass someone else’s work off as your own. Copying is about reverse engineering. It’s like a mechanic taking apart a car to see how it works.”
- “Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light, and shadows.”
- “The only way to find your voice is to use it.”
- “The most important thing a creative person can learn professionally is where to draw the red line that separates what you are willing to do, and what you are not.”
- “Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started.”
- “The work you do while you procrastinate is probably the work you should be doing for the rest of your life.”
#5 The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp
A book that explores the habits and rituals of creative people and provides strategies for cultivating a regular creative practice. Here are the key takeaways.
- Creativity is a habit that can be developed through practice and repetition.
- Successful creative work is the result of a combination of skill, discipline, and hard work.
- Creativity is not just about coming up with new ideas, but also about executing them in a way that is original, effective, and meaningful.
- Creativity requires the ability to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them.
- Collaboration and the exchange of ideas are essential for sparking creativity and generating new insights.
- Rituals and routines can help to cultivate creativity by establishing a sense of structure and discipline.
- The creative process is often messy and unpredictable and requires persistence and resilience in the face of setbacks and failures.
- Creative inspiration can come from various sources, including art, music, literature, nature, and everyday experiences.
- To be truly creative, you must be willing to challenge yourself, push beyond your comfort zone, and explore new possibilities.
- Creativity is a lifelong pursuit and requires ongoing learning, experimentation, and growth.
10 Most highlighted quotes from the book:
- “Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is the result of good work habits.”
- “Art is a vast democracy of habit.”
- “Skill is the foundation of creative work, but it is not the whole story.”
- “Creativity is a leap of faith. You must trust that you will land somewhere.”
- “Without structure, there’s chaos. Creativity requires the presence of structure – some scaffolding to prop up the building as you build it.”
- “To be creative is to be wrong as often as you’re right.”
- “The best ideas come from out of nowhere.”
- “To find inspiration, go for a walk, wash your dishes, stare out the window – and mindless tasks that allow your mind to wander.”
- “There’s a difference between thinking and doing. The creative act requires both.”
- “The only way to become a creative choreographer is to choreograph. The only way to become a creative writer is to write. The only way to become a creative anything is to do.”
#6 Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
It’s a witty and insightful guide to the writing process and the challenges that come with it. Lamott’s central message is that writing is a messy and imperfect process and that the key to success is to embrace the chaos, break the task into manageable pieces, and approach it with humor and compassion. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, discipline, and self-acceptance in the creative journey. Lamott also explores the relationship between writing and life, arguing that the two are intimately connected and that writing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth.
10 Most highlighted quotes from Bird by Bird
- “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.”
- “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life.”
- “Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don’t give up.”
- “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll probably end up somewhere else.”
- “What a writer needs to do is write.”
- “Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: they feed the soul.”
- “Writing is about hypnotizing yourself into believing in yourself, getting some work done, then un-hypnotizing yourself and going over the material coldly.”
- “You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.”
- “One of the gifts of being a writer is that it gives you an excuse to do things, to go places and explore. Another is that writing motivates you to look closely at life, at life as it lurches by and tramps around.”
- “You don’t always have to chop with the sword of truth. You can point with it too.”
#7 Think Like An Artist by Will Gompertz
Think Like An Artist is a book that explores the nature of creativity and how it can be applied to any field or profession. Gompertz draws upon insights from artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs to reveal successful innovators’ creative processes and mindsets. He argues that creativity is a skill that can be learned and developed through practice, experimentation, and critical thinking.
Gompertz emphasizes the importance of risk-taking, failure, perseverance, and collaboration in the creative journey. He also highlights the need for artists and creatives to develop a unique personal brand and creative identity in order to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Ultimately, “Think Like an Artist” is a guide to unlocking your creative potential and achieving success in both the artistic and business worlds.
Here are the key takeaways from “Think Like an Artist” by Will Gompertz:
- Creativity is not limited to the arts – it can be applied to any field or profession.
- Artists are not necessarily born with innate talent – they develop their skills through practice and hard work.
- The creative process involves a combination of intuition, experimentation, and critical thinking.
- Risk-taking, failure, and perseverance are essential elements of the creative journey.
- Collaboration and the exchange of ideas are important for stimulating creativity and innovation.
- A sense of playfulness, curiosity, and humor can help to unlock creative potential.
- Developing a unique personal brand and creative identity is key to standing out in a competitive marketplace.
- Innovation often arises from constraints and limitations.
- Success in the creative field requires both artistic talent and business acumen.
- Creativity is a mindset and a way of seeing the world – it requires openness, flexibility, and a willingness to take risks and embrace uncertainty.
10 Most highlighted quotes from “Think Like an Artist” by Will Gompertz
- “Artists are like explorers, driven to explore the unknown and make it known, to reveal the unseen.”
- “Creativity is not a gift that is given to some and not to others. It is a skill that can be learned and developed.”
- “The creative process is not just about making things – it is also about exploring, experimenting, and discovering.”
- “The best way to learn is by doing, by making mistakes, by taking risks.”
- “Innovation is not about coming up with something completely new – it is about combining existing ideas in a new way.”
- “A sense of playfulness and curiosity is essential for unlocking creative potential.”
- “Developing a unique personal brand is key to standing out in a crowded marketplace.”
- “The most successful creative people are those who are able to balance artistic talent with business acumen.”
- “Constraints and limitations can be a powerful catalyst for innovation and creativity.”
- “To think like an artist is to be open to new ideas, to be curious, to take risks, to be flexible, and to embrace uncertainty.”
#8 Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland
This is a book about the challenges and anxieties that artists face in the process of creating their art. The book explores various issues that can hinder creative work, such as fear, self-doubt, perfectionism, and the pressure to conform to external standards. The authors argue that these obstacles are normal and that they can be overcome with persistence, courage, and a willingness to take risks. They also emphasize the importance of embracing failure as an integral part of the creative process and of focusing on the work itself, rather than on the potential rewards or audience reception.
10 Most highlighted quotes from Art & Fear
- “Making art is dangerous and revealing. Making art precipitates self-doubt, stirring deep waters that lay between what you know you should be, and what you fear you might be.”
- “To require perfection is to invite paralysis. The pattern is predictable: as you see errors in what you have done, you steer your work toward what you imagine you can do perfectly. You cling ever more tightly to what you already know you can do – away from risk and exploration, and possibly further from the work of your heart.”
- “Art is made by ordinary people.”
- “Your reach as a viewer is vastly greater than your reach as a maker. The art you make is limited by the size of your own ambition. But the art you can see, whose impact you can borrow and reapply, is potentially limitless.”
- “In large measure becoming an artist consists of learning to accept yourself, which makes your work personal, and in following your own voice, which makes your work distinctive.”
- “The truth is that the world is full of ideas and information, and only a tiny fraction of them will be interesting or useful to you. The trick is to learn to separate the wheat from the chaff, and to have the courage to throw away the chaff.”
- “The hardest part of artmaking is living your life in such a way that your work gets done, over and over – and that means finding a host of practices that are just plain useful.”
- “To be an artist means to approach the world with the full weight of your humanity, including all the doubts and fears that come with being a person. But it also means to approach the world with the full weight of your imagination, and to embrace the possibilities of what might be.”
- “Art is a way of recognizing oneself.”
- “The act of art is a defiant act in the face of all reasons to despair.”
#9 A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative by Roger von Oech
A Whack on the Side of the Head is about unlocking creativity and learning to think in new and different ways. The book presents various techniques and exercises to help readers break out of their usual thought patterns and generate new ideas. The author emphasizes the importance of play, imagination, and a willingness to take risks in the creative process.
Key takeaways from “A Whack on the Side of the Head” include the importance of questioning assumptions, reframing problems, and looking at things from different perspectives. The book encourages readers to experiment and explore new possibilities, embrace mistakes and failures as opportunities for growth, and to cultivate an open and curious mindset.
10 Most highlighted quotes from A Whack on the Side of the Head
- “The easiest way to change people’s assumptions about you is to change your behavior.”
- “If you always think the way you’ve always thought, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”
- “The more familiar something is, the less stimulating it is to the brain.”
- “Play is the key to creativity and the source of all great new ideas.”
- “If you don’t make mistakes, you’re not working on hard enough problems.”
- “The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth.”
- “Creative thinking involves the ability to combine previously unrelated ideas or subjects in new and useful ways.”
- “The best way to get a good idea is to get a lot of ideas.”
- “To discover new ideas, you must be willing to explore new territory and constantly challenge yourself.”
- “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”
Are people who read more creative?
Reading can undoubtedly enhance creativity, as it can expose you to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking that can inspire your own creative endeavors. Reading can also improve your vocabulary, critical thinking skills, and ability to communicate effectively, all of which can benefit your creativity.
That being said, simply reading more does not necessarily make someone more creative. Creativity is a complex and multifaceted process that involves not only exposure to new ideas, but also the ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, take risks, and persist through failure and uncertainty. Additionally, creativity can be influenced by a range of factors, including personality traits, life experiences, and environmental factors.
So while reading can certainly be a valuable tool for enhancing creativity, it is just one of many factors that can contribute to a person’s creative abilities.