Essential books for creative pursuits
The Creative Habit
What is The Creative Habit about?
Twyla Tharp, a world-renowned choreographer, shares her secrets for developing and nurturing creativity. With anecdotes from various art forms, such as music, dance, and literature, this book showcases the universal nature of creativity. Whether you're an artist, a leader, or anyone wanting to enhance their creative potential, Tharp's insights snd exercises provide an invaluable roadmap.
Big Magic
What is Big Magic about?
In “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear”, Elizabeth Gilbert encourages readers to unlock their creative potential. She argues that fear and insecurity often hold people back from realizing their dreams, but being creative doesn't mean sacrificing everything or seeking unattainable perfection. Gilbert emphasizes that creativity should be enjoyable and provides examples to support her point.
The Artist's Way
What is The Artist's Way about?
“The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” by Julia Cameron teaches how to find your creative side through everyday activities. It delves into the topic of self-perception, helping you overcome limiting beliefs about creativity. If you want to bring your creative self back, this book is definitely for you.
Steal Like an Artist
What is Steal Like an Artist about?
“Steal Like an Artist” is a book about improving creativity by mixing imitation with original ideas. It covers topics like overcoming fear, sharing your work online, and having varied interests. The book also stresses the importance of good habits and a great environment for ongoing artistic success.
Making Ideas Happen
What is Making Ideas Happen about?
Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky, the founder of Behance, is an excellent guide to turn creativity into productivity. Belsky emphasizes that while ideas are essential, executing them is the crucial and often overlooked step. His book offers insights for overcoming common hurdles and making projects a reality.
Creative Confidence
What is Creative Confidence about?
“Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All” by Tom and David Kelley is a great guide for tapping into your creative potential. Tom and David believe that creativity is not a talent exclusive to a few but a skill that can be developed. With inspiring stories and practical advice, the book will assist you in breaking free from self-doubt and unlocking creative abilities.
Show Your Work!
What is Show Your Work! about?
“Show Your Work” by Austin Kleon offers valuable insights on overcoming your fears and sharing your passions and talents with others. The author explains how showing your work to the world will help you improve yourself. This book is for those who strive to get inspired and inspire others!
ALIEN Thinking
What is ALIEN Thinking about?
We are eager to change the world even though, in fact, we are too afraid, lack confidence in ourselves, and don’t know what to do. However, sometimes, you just have to become an alien to find solutions. Cyril Bouquet, Jean-Louis Barsoux, and Michael Wade will tell you how to create something new and wonderful.
The War of Art
What is The War of Art about?
“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield is a compelling and thought-provoking book that delves into the challenges people face in their creative and professional pursuits. Unlike authors of traditional books on creativity or self-help, Pressfield takes a unique approach by framing these challenges as a formidable and ever-present enemy: resistance.
On Writing
What is On Writing about?
“On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” by Stephen King shares practical tips for a writer’s journey. Whether you’re just starting to write or want to improve your work — you’ll find valuable insights in this book. On Writing covers various aspects of the daily creative process.
Burn Your Portfolio
What is Burn Your Portfolio about?
The title of Burn Your Portfolio embodies Michael Janda's focus on challenging traditional wisdom and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset. This book is a refreshing and straightforward resource, packed with useful tips that design schools often overlook. If you’re moving from academia to the professional design world or if you’re a designer at any stage of your career – you definitely should read Burn Your Portfolio!
Keep Going
What is Keep Going about?
“Keep Going” by Austin Kleon discusses strategies to enhance creativity through consistent work routines, finding a suitable environment, embracing playfulness, and other effective techniques. You’ll learn how to maintain creative habits and find a balanced and mindful approach to creativity.
Art and Fear
What is Art and Fear about?
If self-doubt clouds your creative journey, Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking is a must-read for you. Bayles and Orland address common challenges like the fear of failure and perfectionism through a series of anecdotes and practical advice. This book can help you overcome artistic roadblocks and preserve your artistic vision
Creativity, Inc.
What is Creativity, Inc. about?
“Creativity Inc.” by Ed Catmull is an excellent guide for anyone who wants to work in a creative and ingenious environment. Ed Catmull, President of Pixar Animation, shares his worldview and way of tackling problems. Through engaging stories from Pixar, Catmull tells about timeless business principles, a creative approach to problem-solving, and leadership skills.
The Creative Act
What is The Creative Act about?
“The Creative Act” explores the ways we can learn to create something uniquely ours. Rick Rubin, a renowned record producer, shares his wisdom on the creative process, which he calls “a way of being.” If you’re stuck on your creative journey, looking for inspiration, or want to awaken your inner artist — this book is for you!
Real Artists Don't Starve
What is Real Artists Don't Starve about?
Have you heard that all good artists starve? In Real Artists Don't Starve, Jeff Goins challenges the idea that being creative hinders success, arguing that it's actually an advantage. This book will teach you to draw inspiration from influences, collaborate with others, take strategic risks, and make money to fund your creativity. Business and creativity can coexist, and you will find out how if you read this book.
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