Discover the Best Books to Improve Creativity

Creativity is an essential skill no matter your profession. We all use creative thinking skills to figure things out when we need to. But it can be easy to fall into a rut of doing things like we’ve always done them – even if it’s not the best way. By exercising your creative muscles you can start to question the status quo and unlock your creative potential. Here’s a list of the best books to improve creativity that have totally changed my perspective and helped me to think outside the box.

Benefits of Reading Books to Boost Creativity

There are so many inspiring stories of people who have shared their experiences in writing. When you read their story you may feel inspired to create or to look at your own situation in a new light. It is helpful to hear how someone else deals with a similar challenge. When you learn how they overcame an obstacle you may feel empowered and better able to move forward with a daunting task.

Creativity isn’t just reserved for the arts. You use creativity in almost everything you do. How can you make a presentation more interesting and therefore convincing to your boss? How can you entertain your kids at home when school is out for almost two weeks without spending a ton of money? Your creativity skills are essential for these types of situations. And these 10 best books to improve creativity are your go-to for inspiration.

10 Best Books to Boost Creativity:

1) The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion by Elle Luna

Such a beautifully illustrated book with an authentic story of her own journey from a “secure” job to following that tiny voice telling her to create.  I reread this one many times when I was trying to figure out what it was I really wanted to do.  Very helpful if you’re in a place where you’re just not sure what it is you want to do or how to go about getting started.

2) Daily Painting by Carol Marine

This one is obviously specific to painting but her words could apply to other aspects of life as well. Basically, anything you want to do is something you must do daily (or as often as reasonably possible). This one has probably been the most influential book to me over the past few years since it got me actually painting again.  You can check out my artwork here! Carol makes painting seem doable with easy-to-follow instructions on how to actually paint something that looks cool.  

3) Painting Can Save Your Life by Sara Woster

This was another inspiring tale of an artist who just kept creating.  I love the attitude of just keeping going and creating something even when you don’t necessarily feel like it.  And how she overcame her inner critic and continues to follow her passion for art. Inspiration does come but only when it catches you working. 

4) Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon

This one is such a short and easy read.   I love that he gives you permission to “steal”, to let yourself be inspired by those who have come before you.  To maybe start creating by copying another artist and then see where it leads you.  Of course, he isn’t actually saying to steal someone else’s work but to let yourself be influenced by theirs in pursuit of your own unique style.  This one can help you overcome that common excuse of “But I don’t have anything original”.

5) The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

Another inspiring story of persistence and doing the thing despite sometimes not wanting to.  Twyla has had an amazing career as a dancer and choreographer. Her insights into making creativity a habit totally changed how I approached my life and art. As a habit, creativity becomes easier and much less intimidating.  Eventually, you just know you’ll create – no question, no fear or hesitation.  It may not be what you expected you’d create, but create you will.  

6) The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

I felt like I had finally been understood when I read Rubin’s words about how creative people feel things more than others. And how that is a superpower to be utilized in their creative work. Instead of seeing it as something to ignore or that creates problems. This book offers a ton of helpful insight into the creative process and how he encounters it in his own life and with other creatives. The Creative Act is by far one of the best books to improve creativity.

7) The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

This book contains a ton of great, practical advice about creativity. He talks a lot about overcoming your inner critic in the pursuit of creativity. I love his frankness and way of telling stories. One that stuck with me is about how when a person goes missing while hiking they get everyone out there looking for him. It’s on the news, helicopters circle, people search on foot, flyers are put up and everyone is thinking about this one person. And how you’re just as important as that person right now (without the major search party). And that you have to think of yourself and your creative voice as being that important.

8) 12 Notes by Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones’s career alone is so inspiring – from scoring a ton of movies to producing the best-selling album of all time to writing this book. He shares so much priceless wisdom that is sure to inspire your own creativity. Just the fact that his career has touched so many people’s lives and he continues to create into his 80’s is inspiring. He also shares stories about his life where his own has been spared multiple times and how those experiences have helped him to see how important it is to share his gifts.

9) On Writing by Stephen King

Such an amazing memoir of a great author. I wish I had discovered this one sooner. He shares his own struggles with creativity as well as life in general. He shares a lot about overcoming these so-called obstacles and does so without sugarcoating anything. An inspiring life of persistence and also giving up hope and regaining it with obvious success. He also talks about finding joy in his hobbies and family as well as his work.

10) The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

This is a classic for anyone wanting to explore and boost their creativity. Her words were such a calming source of comfort for me. Doing her morning pages helped me to discover parts of myself that I had forgotten. After finishing the book and its exercises I felt as if I was more content with my gifts and gained confidence to share my creative voice. A definite read for anyone who feels they have a creative voice that needs to be uncovered. This is definitely one of the best books to improve creativity.

Let’s Connect!

I hope these books will help to boost your creativity. Being creative is an innate human characteristic. But with modern distractions, we need reminders of how to tap into our unique creativity. These inspiring authors are a great way to see how being creative can literally change the world. Being creative can often feel like we’re facing off with our inner critic constantly. You can learn to make friends with your inner critic and allow it to actually help you in your creative journey. Check out my mindful art course that shows you how to use to become friends with your inner critic!