This book was a huge motivator for me. I started out shy and embarrassed to share what I was making. I realized sharing is part of the process of “self discovery.”

“In chapters such as You Don’t Have to Be a Genius; Share Something Small Every Day; and Stick Around, Kleon creates a user’s manual for embracing the communal nature of creativity― what he calls the “ecology of talent.” From broader life lessons about work (you can’t find your voice if you don’t use it) to the etiquette of sharing―and the dangers of oversharing―to the practicalities of Internet life (build a good domain name; give credit when credit is due), it’s an inspiring manifesto for succeeding as any kind of artist or entrepreneur in the digital age.”

Kleon’s advice is so inspiring, “Nothing is original, so embrace influence, collect ideas, and remix and re-imagine to discover your own path. Follow your interests wherever they take you.”

“You don’t need to be a genius, you just need to be yourself. That’s the message from Austin Kleon, a young writer and artist who knows that creativity is everywhere, creativity is for everyone. A manifesto for the digital age, Steal Like an Artist is a guide whose positive message, graphic look and illustrations, exercises, and examples will put readers directly in touch with their artistic side.”

One of several of my favorite quotes from the book, “Here is where we are right now, so we go from here. We begin with one small step…It’s in doing the work that we see the next step.” This is something I need reminding of often.

“Helping artists catapult into further action, this guide is a treasury of insight and inspiration. Rather than focus on art techniques that build skills or overcome creative blocks through playful activities or writing, this guide walks the artist through exercises designed to develop the personal qualities critical to being an artist in the world, such as courage, the ability to look and see, and connection to the true creative self. This is a hands-on, experiential action book designed to get the reader creating art and exploring a variety of possibilities for being an artist. According to the teachings of this handbook, engagement with art is less about end results or products and more about the self-awareness and competence that frees the artist to seek out and create work that is vital.”

“A must read for anyone hoping to live a creative life… I dare you not to be inspired to be brave, to be free, and to be curious.”
— PopSugar

“Gilbert offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.”

I love the easy reading of this book, with plenty of illustrations throughout. It is filled with “zillions” of ideas on how to be creative, that you can fit into any lifestyle.

“Packed with the signature can-do attitude that makes beloved artist Danny Gregory a creativity guru to thousands across the globe, this unique guide serves up a hearty helping of inspiration. For aspiring artists who want to draw and paint but just can’t seem to find time in the day, Gregory offers 5– to 10–minute exercises for every skill level that fit into any schedule—whether on a plane, in a meeting, or at the breakfast table—along with practical instruction on techniques and materials, plus strategies for making work that’s exciting, un-intimidating, and fulfilling.”

I know all about my inner critic holding me back! It’s nice to hear I’m not alone and learn ways to tell it to be quiet.

“This book is duct tape for the mouth of every artist’s inner critic. Silencing that stifling voice once and for all, this salve for creatives introduces ten truths they must face in order to defeat self-doubt. Each encouraging chapter deconstructs a pivotal moment on the path to success—fear of the blank page, the dangers of jealousy, sharing work with others—and explains how to navigate roadblock. Packed with helpful anecdotes, thoughts from successful creatives, and practical exercises gleaned from Danielle Krysa’s years of working with professional and aspiring artists—plus riotously apt illustrations from art world darling Martha Rich—this book arms readers with the most essential tool for their toolbox: the confidence they need to get down to business and make good work.”

My friend, a poet, had gotten off track with her writing as she spent time promoting her book and teaching. This book motivated her to start her “morning pages.” Now, she is on fire with creativity. This book was the spark she needed to get back to her craft.

“The Artist’s Way is the seminal book on the subject of creativity. An international bestseller, millions of readers have found it to be an invaluable guide to living the artist’s life. Still as vital today—or perhaps even more so—than it was when it was first published one decade ago, it is a powerfully provocative and inspiring work. In a new introduction to the book, Julia Cameron reflects upon the impact of The Artist’s Way and describes the work she has done during the last decade and the new insights into the creative process that she has gained. Updated and expanded, this anniversary edition reframes The Artist’s Way for a new century.”

Medium Specific

My neighbor talked for years about wanting to work in collage. I gave her this book and a week later she was showing me her first collage – a conceptual piece with sentimental items used in it. I was beyond impressed!

“A 112-page paperback book plus a pad of 100 unique collage papers on two-sided sheets, all inside of a beautiful hardcover case with an elastic band. Find out how layers of simple paper can create mysterious and beautiful worlds within worlds through the art of collage. Once Upon a Piece of Paper: A Visual Guide to Collage is a dynamic mix of art-making wisdom, creative inspiration, and fun activities to guide curious artists on the art of collage. Readers are treated to a simple yet sophisticated “look and learn” approach, all in a very special package.”

Thanks for the recommendation Crystal Moody.

As a mostly self taught artist, I loved reading about how different artists approach their painting process in such different ways. It made me feel there is no “right” way.

“Instructive and inspirational, this book brings together the diverse styles of seven top acrylic painters to illustrate the versatility and creative excitement of acrylics. You’ll learn their tips, tricks, and techniques in 28 step-by-step demonstrations. Each artist’s section ends with a brilliant gallery of finished work.”

Self Improvement

Understanding the power of habits is key to your creative practice. I was having the hardest time trying to will myself to sit down and paint when I happened to pick up this book and realized I had gotten out of the habit of creating. Learning about habits has helped me get back on track and stay on track with my creative practice.

“The author of the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers, The Happiness Project and Happier at Home, tackles the critical question: How do we change? Gretchen Rubin’s answer: through habits. Habits are the invisible architecture of everyday life. It takes work to make a habit, but once that habit is set, we can harness the energy of habits to build happier, stronger, more productive lives. So if habits are a key to change, then what we really need to know is: How do we change our habits? Better than Before answers that question.”

I often wondered, “What holds me back?” And that was the reason I picked up this book. Mason writes, “If you want a place in the sun, expect blisters.” That hit the nail on the head. A fear of criticism held me back. Expecting criticism as a part of life, has been very freeing.

“This is the new, updated and expanded version of the national best-selling book, An Enemy Called Average, originally published in 1990. Stand Out – Don’t Blend In! Within every person is a desire to be fully who they were created to be. No one really wants to just get by. Regardless of where you are in life, how much you have or have not accomplished, God is not finished with you yet! Divided into 52 nuggets of truth, An Enemy Called Average is a source of godly wisdom, scriptural motivation, and practical principles. The words of this book will stir up the gifts and dreams within you. Instead of digging through ten pages to find one good idea, you’ll find ten good ideas on every page. Think about it… Your problem is your promotion. Worry is interest paid in advance on something you may never own. The faith to move mountains always carries a pick. People are born originals, but most die copies. Ideas go away, but direction stays. Stop every day and look at the size of God.”

Inspirational

I am a huge fan of Design Sponge’s Grace Bonney. I just finished listening to the archives of her podcast – After the Jump – and immensely enjoyed her interviews and learned so much from them. I ordered my copy of this book and know it will be a perfect extension of her informative, inspirational podcast.

“Across the globe, women are embracing the entrepreneurial spirit and starting creative businesses. In the Company of Women profiles over 100 of these influential and creative women from all ages, races, backgrounds, and industries. Chock-full of practical, inspirational advice for those looking to forge their own paths, these interviews detail the keys to success.”

I loved this book. A combination memoir and look into his writing process, this book tells King’s story, facing many rejections, and also gives an in depth look into his writing process. He compares writing a book to unearthing the fossils of a dinosaur – even he doesn’t know the ending until he is finished writing it.

“Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it—fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.”

For the Creative Entrepreneur

I am a huge fan of the Author, Illustrator Lisa Congdon. This book is a great collection of all the ways you can turn your creativity into a business.

“You don’t have to starve to be an artist. Build a career doing what you love. In this practical guide, professional artist Lisa Congdon reveals the many ways you can earn a living by making art—through illustration, licensing, fine art sales, print sales, teaching, and beyond. Including industry advice from such successful art-world pros as Nikki McClure, Mark Hearld, Paula Scher, and more, Art, Inc. will equip you with the tools—and the confidence—to turn your passion into a profitable business.”

I love all the books in this series.

“This book will teach all types of creatives illustrators, photographers, graphic designers, animators, and more how to build a successful business doing what they love. Freelancing pros Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho explain everything from creating a standout portfolio to navigating the legal issues of starting a business. Accessible, spunky, and packed with practical advice, Creative, Inc. is an essential for anyone ready to strike out on their own.”

If you are a creative, you probably blog about your work and process. In this book Joy Cho, a successful blogger, who among other things designs lines for Target – offers her insights on blogging. Joy started blogging between jobs and it became her job!

“This authoritative handbook gives creative hopefuls a leg up. Joy Cho, of the award-winning Oh Joy!, offers expert advice on starting and growing a blog, from design and finance to overcoming blogger’s block, attracting readers, and more. With a foreword from Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge plus expert interviews, this book will fine-tune what the next generation of bloggers shares with the world.”

Everyone should read this book about working smarter not longer and harder.

“Forget the old concept of retirement and the rest of the deferred-life plan–there is no need to wait and every reason not to, especially in unpredictable economic times. Whether your dream is escaping the rat race, experiencing high-end world travel, or earning a monthly five-figure income with zero management, The 4-Hour Workweek is the blueprint.”

I love learning about how other people started their businesses and even more appealing are stories where people didn’t need to borrow tons of money to start successful businesses. This book is very inspiring!

“Here, finally, distilled into one easy-to-use guide, are the most valuable lessons from those who’ve learned how to turn what they do into a gateway to self-fulfillment. It’s all about finding the intersection between your “expertise” – even if you don’t consider it such — and what other people will pay for. You don’t need an MBA, a business plan or even employees. All you need is a product or service that springs from what you love to do anyway, people willing to pay, and a way to get paid.”

Whatever your area of work, this book is about becoming more successful by simply changing your mindset from freelancer to business owner.

“This book dives deep on making freelancing more stable, beating “treading water” cycles, repelling ‘bad apple’ clients, multiplying online exposure and follows the journey of Liam, with honest, clear advice and guidance from laptop and rented desk to $1m web agency.”