A voracious reader and lifelong learner, I have several books that have been invaluable in growing and honing my creative practice and my creative bookshelf is something I keep adding to.
I tend to visualise a story whilst I am reading and am always interested in honing my skills. These books have helped me and perhaps they might help you? I will keep adding more here over time. These are non-fiction and I will create another page for fiction recommendations.
If you’ve got a suggestion for a book, let me know- I’m a voracious reader and would love your recommendations for new additions to my creative bookshelf.
- Show Your Work – Austin Kleon. It’s just written in such an easily digestible way and full of practical steps and advice. I don’t want my work to exist hidden and in a vacuum. I create as a means of opening dialogue and narrating a story – therefore I am inherently keen on showing work. It encouraged me to keep going and making the work I wanted to.
- The Creative Act: A Way Of Being by Rick Rubin – I use this as a meditation reading one short chapter or section daily as a means of replenishing my creative well. I found it helps to inspire and keeps me going forward, pursuing my dreams and vision.
- The Diary of a CEO – Steven Bartlett – again written in such an accessible way and , for me, doing things better and learning is a default setting. This definitely one of my go tos. I’d recommend reading this one slowly over several weeks or months with a pen and journal handy which is what I did. Note down thoughts and ideas that resonate and put them into action. I think it’s pointless to read a book on how to improve like one would a fiction novel and one away saying ‘ it was great’ if you don’t take away and implement at least a couple of ideas.
- Artists and illustrators Magazine – sign up with one their subscription specials so you can try it out. It showcases so many artists and their working methods – I find this fascinating. I want to know what other creatives are doing and making. I find people’s stories and their creative ethos fascinating. Also this magazine delves into techniques too. I look forward to it every month.