Best reads on creativity

Don't know how to begin learning about creativity or need some mental stimulation before starting a new project? Below are my top 10 picks to get you going ->

"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron

"Serious art is born from serious play."

Cameron's work is more than a guide; it's a quiet revolution for the creative soul. Over a span of 12 weeks, readers are gently nudged to confront their own creative barriers and rediscover the artist within.

"Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert

“It seems to me that the less I fight my fear, the less it fights back. If I can relax, fear relaxes, too.”

Gilbert provides a contemplative look into the essence of creativity, suggesting that it's more than a talent—it's a worldview. This book is a testament to the wonders of embracing inspiration wherever it might be found.

"Creativity: The Psychology of Discovery and Invention" by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

“The only way to stay creative is to oppose the wear and tear of existence with techniques that organize time, space, and activity to your advantage. It means developing schedules to protect your time and avoid distraction, arranging your surroundings to heighten concentration, cutting out meaningless chores that soak up psychic energy, and devoting the energy thus saved to what you really care about.”

Drawing on extensive research, Csikszentmihalyi crafts a comprehensive examination of the creative psyche. It's a profound exploration into the states of mind and environments that foster true innovation.

"The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield

“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.”

Pressfield's candid discourse discusses the unseen battles artists face. It's a reflective piece on the myriad forms of resistance that artists, writers, and creators confront, offering solace and solidarity in shared struggles.

"The Genius Zone" by Gay Hendricks

“When we try to control our fear, we are blocking our experience of life. Acknowledge your fear, love it, and open yourself up to it rather than try to squeeze it out of your body.”

Hendricks pushes the reader to consider their untapped potential. This work delves into the self-imposed limitations we unknowingly set and offers insights into how we might step into our unique genius.

"The Art of Innovation" by Tom Kelley & Jonathan Littman

“Just as writer’s block happens when writers stop writing, so, too, does innovation grind to a halt when prototypes stop being built. When the muse fails you, don’t mope at your desk. Make something.”

Offering an intimate perspective from inside IDEO, a bastion of design and innovation, this book decodes the intricate dance between creativity and structure. It's a thoughtful reflection on the balance required to foster innovative ideas.

"Catching the Big Fish" by David Lynch

“Ideas are like fish. If you want to catch little fish, you can stay in the shallow water. But if you want to catch the big fish, you’ve got to go deeper.”

Lynch offers a lyrical meditation on the nexus between consciousness and creativity. It's an introspective journey through the depths of artistry and spirituality, revealing how they intertwine.

"The Practice: Shipping Creative Work" by Seth Goldin

“True learning (as opposed to education) is a voluntary experience that requires tension and discomfort (the persistent feeling of incompetence as we get better at a skill).”

Godin's perspective, rooted in the real world of creating and releasing work, posits that true creativity is in the doing. He underscores the value of practice, persistence, and authenticity over fleeting moments of inspiration.

"Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" by Adam Grant

“In these pages, I learned that great creators don’t necessarily have the deepest expertise but rather seek out the broadest perspectives.”

Grant's incisive commentary celebrates the outliers and their transformative power. He takes readers through a tapestry of narratives, highlighting how those who think differently often become agents of change.

"Creativity, Inc." by Seth Goldin by Ed Catmull & Amy Wallace

“Craft is what we are expected to know; art is the unexpected use of our craft.”

Through the lens of Pixar's journey, Catmull and Wallace dissect the anatomy of a creative organization. The book stands as a testament to leadership that nurtures creativity while navigating the realities of business.