My favourite books on creativity

When I need a kick up the bum to get making, I turn to creative people who are far braver than me.

I look to that rare breed of human that actually finishes their projects--instead of stopping half-way. And the ones that are brave enough to talk about how they didn't know what they were doing on the way to knowing exactly what they were doing. These are those people, and the books they've been kind enough to share their wisdom in.

 

Creative, Inc. by Ed Catmull

I've often wondered if working for myself might actually be stifling my creativity. I am on my own most of the time. Based on this book, I might just be. Eek. Ed Catmull takes us behind the scenes at Pixar, talking us through the creative process of making each film. And, importantly, the creative process of a team. Getting constant feedback is a huge part of it, learning. It's helped me understand that as a bit of a lone wolf I have to make the extra effort to 

 

What to Do When it's Your Turn by Seth Godin

Seth Godin has been filling my inbox with his blog for over a decade. His is maybe the one I actually read, rather than guiltily delete. He's known as a marketer but really I think he's actually a bit of a genius. His writing is wonderfully short and succinct and this book (one of his many) is about making work that matters, and what to do with the inkling that you could make something that does.

Artist Inc by Lisa Congdon

 I've had this on my bookshelf for years. It basically answers the question: How can artists make money? I remember the feeling of relief in reading it. Finally, someone had explained the different revenue streams available. And now that I knew them, I could play around with what would work best for me. For example, licensing my artwork, or working with a publisher for an advance and then earning royalties. No one ever explains this in art school. And if you're self-taught like me you're muddling your way through most things, before you even get to the business side of things. 

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

This book could also be called 'You Might Not Finish This the First Time But It's Worth It.' It's taken me perhaps five attempts to complete, and by attempt three I had decided, like so many of my friends, that this was the process.  Cameron's 12-week guide to reconnecting with your creative self is meant to be a longer-than-expected journey. How else would you be able to take on a lifetime of creative resistance? And you will encounter a lot of resistance. Luckily, Cameron includes lots of examples, and the journeys her students have taken in each chapter. Coming back to your creative self feels like a big journey, but also, in the hands of Cameron, extremely doable.

 

How about you?

What are the books you go to when in a creative funk or when you just need to know what you're going through is completely normal.