20 Wonderful Books to Top Up Your Creativity
When your creativity feels a little bit lacking, one way to feel revived again is by reading. And what better subject to read about than creativity itself!
There are so many aspects to creativity which also means there are so many books out there which would inspire you to get more creative. This list is the mere tip of the iceberg, and I’ll no doubt keep adding to the list as I find more and what to shout out about their greatness!
Do you have a favourite book that you reach for in times of need, when the creativity isn’t flowing?
Here goes with my list (in no particular order)…
1.“Whatever you Think, Think the Opposite” - Paul Arden
I have put this first as it is perhaps the one I reach for most often. It’s easy to dip in, flick through, and remind yourself of certain facts which mean you’re able to shake off any uncertainty that what you need to do is BE DIFFERENT!
2. “The Power of Wonder” - Monica C Parker
One of my all time favourites. If you ever wondered what there is to learn about wonder - read this book. It’s not a quick read at over 300 pages, and is more like a book used for study than a light-hearted read, but it’s written so well that it’s great for anyone with an interest. With a sub-heading of “The extraordinary emotion that will change the way you live, learn and lead” I’d say its worth getting a copy!
3. “How to be a Creative Thinker” - Roy A Azadi
A lovely, easy to read, book with many motivational and interesting quote interspersed throughout the book, handy for those ‘flicking’ moments when you just need inspiration. But there’s more to this book too, with easy to follow ‘practise’ activities and explanations, it really helps to get you thinking more creatively.
4. “Daydreams and Thought Experiments” - Alec Thompson
A cute little book put packed full! Written by a philosopher, Alec Thompson, this line of thought is evident straight away as he compares the two subjects of the book. “We daydream about many things which philosophers also ponder… in fact the difficulty of drawing a line between them is one of the most wondrous things about the pair.” Interesting, hey?!
5. “Creative First Aid” - Caitlin Marshall & Lizzie Rose
Focussing on using creativity for mental health challenges, this large book is full of scientific-backed ‘creative prescriptions’ for anyone who has been told to ‘practise self-care’ but hasn’t a clue how to do it.
6. “How to Get Great Ideas” - Dave Birss
When I discovered Dave Birss I absorbed myself in everything he had to say, anywhere I could find it. I LOVE his point of view, and his enigmatic character makes what he says - either through words on the page or in person on a video - so easy to read/lsiten to, learn from, and want more!
7. “The Creative Act” - Rick Rubin
A hefty volume of work, but a precise amount of text on each page which makes a specific point and GETS YOU THINKING! I also love his Instagram page - find it here - there is only ever one post on his feed. When a new one is posted, the previous on his removed. If that’s not a reason to follow him, I don’t know what is!
8. “The Art of Creativity” - Susie Pearl
I feel like me and Susie would be great friends - I simply love everything she writes in this book which is full of tasks, journal prompts, activities and insights to really get your creative juices flowing, while also providing a through grounding in WHY creativity is such a powerful force in every aspect of our lives.
9. “Creative Thinking in the Workplace” - Mapology Guides
Not so much a book as a map! Seriously! It folds out to give a beautifully illustrated full-vision view of everything you need to know, taking you on a journey to learn how to drive innovation in your work. Cool hey?!
10. “Art Before Breakfast” - Danny Gregory
A practical book to get you drawing! And the title says it all - you CAN ‘do art’ before breakfast, because it shouldn’t be something that takes up a whole load of your time! Gregory cleverly makes this point and starts you off gently, with tasks of what to draw, quite literally, while having your breakfast! I love this idea and his approach, which provides lots of visual examples too, is brilliant. Highly recommend if you’re struggling with the ‘where do I start?’ question!
11. “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain - Workbook” - Betty Edwards
Another very practical book which I have dipped in and out of every so often. I love the idea that everyone has the ability to tap into their ‘creative side’ and develop their drawing abilities with the right guidance and encouragement. You’ll have some revelatory moments if you follow the tasks in this workbook, I’m sure!
12. “365 Ways to Have a Good Day” - Ian Saunders
Not solely creativity-based, in the sense that these ideas tap into an idea that really small things can have a big impact on your day - but many of them are inherently linked with living creatively, e.g. questioning your way of thinking, asking you to be more curious - what do you ‘see’ when you really look? - and how to live in a way which focuses on the good things in life. All amazing suggestions, and a good book to dip in and out of.
13. “Hell Yeah or No” - Derek Sivers
With a wealth of amazing books under his belt, it is hard to pick just one, but I read this from cover to cover recently, and would highly recommend it for that little push to think differently (again!) that we all need sometimes. It’s also a fantastic philosophy to live your life by: Wanna do something? Only if you find yourself saying ‘Hell Yeah!’, otherwise it’s a ‘no’.
14. “Steal Like an Artist” - Austin Kleon (and also “Show your Work”)
Another book that I instantly fell in love with all these years ago when I first discovered it (and subsequently bought the other one!) (We even have two copies in our house as I bought another for my daughter - I couldn’t bare to share mine!). Both these books are like a little peek into the mind of a creative genius - someone who most certain thinks differently and understands what we have to do in order to truly live creatively and survive!
15. “The Artist’s Way” - Julia Cameron
Very well-known, but I was late to the party with this one (HOW did it pass me by for so many years?!). This is almost like the bible for creatives, helping and supporting the reader to explore all sides of their creativity on a daily basis. With encouragement to share your passion, and steps to take to achieve exactly that, it’s a must-read for anyone venturing onto a new creative path.
16. “Big Magic” - Elizabeth Gilbert
Another classic! I’ve listened to this on Audible mostly and it always inspires me, motivates me, and is the perfect companion for a walk with the dog! Let go of the fear, and live that creative life you’ve dreamed of! This book certainly makes it all seem possible, and easy!
17. “Conscious Creativity - The Workbook” - Philippa Stanton
Bought for me by a lovely friend, this book is another which gets me saying ‘YES YES YES’ to all of it! It is validation for my certainty that creativity should be messy fun, inherently about breaking rules and not worrying about the results, about being curious and encouraging exploration and play! If you’ve ever doubted your creativity abilities, I have no doubt whatsoever that you’ll achieve every task in this book, and come out a creative convert!
18. “The Creative Nudge” - Mick Mahoney & Kevin Chesters
We all need a creative nudge in the right direction sometimes, and I love how Mahoney & Chesters write in a truly ‘chatting to a mate’ style to bring scientific concepts to the everyday person. Add to that some great typography and graphic design and you’ve got a winner of a book.
19. “Do Disrupt” - Mark Shayler
It’s a ‘workbook’ that you might not actually ‘work’ in, but that doesn’t matter - it still gets you thinking and is so easy to read - in one sitting I’d say! It’s about how to think differently - disrupt the status quo - and action your ideas. Be the rebel. Perfect for anyone with their own business and wanting to change things in the world, even if only a little.
20. Wonder Seeker - Andrea Scher
A beautifully book with a wonderful magical quality and peaceful tone. Lots of practical ideas to boost your wonder, slow down in a busy world, and appreciate the little things in life.
