5 Book Recommendations for Creatives
Cover image, ‘Bookworm‘ by Cassia Beck
A good book can be a bit like finding buried treasure. Insightful gems and pearls of wisdom can be found hidden in chapters and paragraphs; gems that have the potential to enrich your perspective and enlighten your path.
Artists often have their favorite books to which they refer back to over and over like an old friend. We’ve put together a short list of some recommendations from artists, like yourself, and hope you find a few gems of your own.
Graphic Artists Guild Handbook Pricing and Ethical Guidelines by Artist’s Guild Graphic
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jackie Hurd (aka JMHurd) who recommended this book to artists who are looking to take that leap into the world of freelancing.
'Graphic Artists Guild Handbook Pricing and Ethical Guidelines' by Artist's Guild Graphic
The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice by
Whether you’re sitting in front of a blank canvas, a notepad with pencil poised or looking into the eyes of a boss who wants a brilliant idea yesterday, you’ll find some insightful tips on being the best version of your creative self, every day.
'The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment's Notice' by Todd Henry
Neil Gaiman is easily one of my favorite creatives. I love how he shares the stories behind his own stories and how he weaves tales that wrap around you and pull you in. In 2012, Neil Gaiman gave an inspiring speech to young artists which encouraged them to think outside the box and “make good art”.
'Make Good Art' by Neil Gaiman
‘Show Your Work’ is chock full of stories, illustrations, and quotes. Inside you’ll find 10 rules to help guide you on your artistic journey.
'Show Your Work!' by Austin Kleon
Creative Workshop: 80 Challenges to Sharpen Your Design Skills by David Sherwin.
This book offers you 80 creative challenges and exercises from typeface to a paper robot. Visual solutions and background stories are included from other designers to help offer different perspectives and increase your creativity.
'Creative Workshop: 80 Challenges to Sharpen Your Design Skills' by David Sherwin
Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist by Lisa Congdon
Professional artist, Lisa Congdon’s book gets to the heart of what artists would love to do full-time. Create. In this book, Lisa walks you through the steps of building a successful career and touches on points from bookkeeping, copyright, self-promotion, and setting goals.
'Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist' by Lisa Congdon
Do you have any recommendations you’d like to share? If so, please add them in the comments below.
