Essential Books for Early Career Artists & Creatives
“TODAY A READER, TOMORROW A LEADER.”
— MARGARET FULLER
Starting your journey as an artist or creative can be daunting. And finding your style and voice may seem impossible. None of it has to be difficult and you don’t have to do it alone.
That is why we have created the following book list and resources to help you quickly navigate as you summon the courage to begin your creative journey. These are some of the shortest and insightful reads that we have found to be impactful. We opted for short reads so that you can learn quicker and begin applying the lessons faster, without delays or procrastination.
In the words of illustrator and author Austin Kleon (you’ll find his books below): “Don’t make excuses for not working—make things with the time, space, and materials you have, right now.”
YOU SHOULD KNOW: The links shared below are affiliate links. This means that when you buy any of the listed books directly through our affiliate links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a neat way of supporting our goal to continue making information more accessible to emerging creatives.
THE ARTIST’S WAY
Author: JULIA CAMERON
Synopsis: A self-help book and spiritual path to higher creativity written to help people with artistic creative recovery. It teaches techniques and exercises to assist people in gaining self-confidence in harnessing their creative talents and skills.
STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST
Author: AUSTIN KLEON
Synopsis: “Equal parts manifesto and how-to, Steal Like An Artist aims to introduce readers to the idea that all creative work is iterative, no idea is original and all creators and their output are a sum of inspirations and heroes…”
—Forbes
SHOW YOUR WORK
Author: AUSTIN KLEON
Synopsis: Filled with illustrations, quotes, stories, and examples, Show Your Work! offers ten transformative rules for being open, generous, brave, and productive as a creative.
DAMN GOOD ADVICE
Author: GEORGE LOIS
Synopsis: Offering indispensable lessons, practical advice, facts, anecdotes and inspiration, this book is a timeless creative bible for all those looking to succeed in life, business and creativity. These are key lessons derived from the incomparable life of 'Master Communicator' George Lois, the original Mad Man of Madison Avenue.
POCKET FULL OF DO
Author: CHRIS DO
Synopsis: “Pocket Full of Do” encapsulates over two decades of reflections and observations on entrepreneurship, creativity, philosophy, and more. You'll get a retrospective glimpse into the life of creative business owner Chris Do, and the lessons he learned along his more than 20 years of business experience.
THE CREATIVE CAREER PATH
Author: ANDY J. PIZZA
Synopsis: A 7-step illustrated guide for creatives. How to balance making living and making great, authentic work.
Want to 'do what you love' for a living? Here's how! This little book is full of strategy and self exploration prompts.
TRIBES
Author: SETH GODIN
Synopsis: “Tribes” is a motivational book that ultimately attempts to encourage its readers to be the leaders they were born to be. If you need to rally fellow employees, customers, investors, believers, hobbyists, or readers around an idea, this book will demystify the process.
NAVIGATING THE ART WORLD
Author: BENJAMIN MURPHY & NICK JS THOMPSON, DELPHIAN
Synopsis: This business book is aimed at early career artists and helps to equip them with the practical tools needed to approach their careers, shining light upon some things that are often hidden from view.
101 THINGS I LEARNED IN BUSINESS SCHOOL
Author: MICHAEL W. PREIS WITH MATTHEW FREDERICK
Synopsis: Covers a wide range of lessons that are basic enough for the novice business student as well as inspiring to the experienced practitioner.
→ More from Matthew Frederick
THE BRAND THERAPY BOOK
Author: FABIAN GEYRHALTER
Synopsis: A collection of swift and actionable thoughts on branding that any entrepreneur or marketer can use to craft better brands. From strategy and naming guidance to directions on how to gain visual and verbal brand clarity, acclaimed brand strategist Fabian Geyrhalter invites readers to pick up this small book that's big on bite-size advice to gain and hold onto brand focus.
ART IS THE HIGHEST FORM OF HOPE
Editor: SARA BADER, PHAIDON
Synopsis: Featuring the most inspirational and insightful collection of quotes by artists through the ages and across the globe, this exquisite keepsake is the ideal book for artists, collectors, and armchair enthusiasts. As painters, sculptors, photographers, and other visual artists see and experience the world through a unique lens, Art Is the Highest Form of Hope & Other Quotes by Artists shows that their life lessons, private revelations, and frank, often irreverent, opinions can guide us all.
THE PRACTICE
Author: SETH GODIN
Synopsis: “The Practice” will help you get unstuck and find the courage to make and share creative work. Godin insists that writer's block is a myth, that consistency is far more important than authenticity, and that experiencing the imposter syndrome is a sign that you're a well-adjusted human. Most of all, he shows you what it takes to turn your passion from a private distraction to a productive contribution, the one you've been seeking to share all along.
STARTING A BUSINESS
Author: WALTER GRANT
Synopsis: If you're an absolute business novice and don't know the first thing about what it takes to launch your own startup, then this book is for you. With straightforward guidance, clear instructions, and a checklist to assist you every step of the way, becoming a business owner is not far from your reach with this book.
THE MEANING IN THE MAKING
Author: Sean Tucker
Synopsis: Become inspired, find your voice, and create work that matters. This little book is filled with tremendous insight into not only finding/making meaning in photography and other art, but in uncovering meaning in your life.
