12 Best Books For Creatives That Will Propel You to New Heights
Are you looking for ways to improve your creative career? Then this is the article for you!
In 2022, I read 32 self-help books about creative thinking, entrepreneurship, money, business, mindset, and building a happier life because I love reading and I love learning. In this article, I wanted to share twelve gems I consider a must-read for creatives.
Whether you're just starting or have been working in the creative industry for years, I can guarantee you that these books will give you new perspectives on building a robust foundation for the future that guarantees a successful long-term career.
Table of contents:
1. Side Hustle: Build a Side Business and Make Extra Money – Without Quitting Your Day Job
Many of my blog articles have discussed the importance of diversifying your income streams as a creative person. But absorbing new knowledge and taking action can be two different things if you don’t know where to start.
So, if you're looking for a guide to help you start a side hustle with the plans of turning it into a full-fledged business so you’re no longer dependent on doing client work all the time, look no further than "Side Hustle: Build a Side Business and Make Extra Money – Without Quitting Your Day Job" by Chris Guillebeau—a bestselling author and renowned expert on entrepreneurship.
In this helpful guide, Guillebeau outlines a simple, step-by-step process that anyone can use to validate their side hustle business idea and generate passive income.
The book is packed with case studies and real-world examples from successful creative entrepreneurs who have gone through the same process and made their side hustle ideas a reality.
Whether you're just starting or have been working on your side hustle for a while, this book will surely provide valuable insights and practical inspiration.
2. Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon reveals some of the most important things nobody talks about working in the creative industry—the concept that creativity comes from connecting existing ideas, not from reinventing the wheel.
I think Steal Like An Artist is one of the must-read books on creativity for everyone struggling with creative juices and coming up with new and original creative ideas.
The book provides an enlightening look into the creative process that takes you through ten key lessons in finding your unique style and voice and unlocking your creative potential.
Witty anecdotes and illustrations accompany the wisdom and insight provided by Kleon for a truly enjoyable experience.
A guiding light for any individual, from novice creators to experienced professionals. Please, do your future self a favor and read this one, folks!
3. Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
The next book on this list of best books for creatives is dedicated to money. I know from experience that many creatives don't like to talk about money.
Kind of weird when you think about it because money can buy you time freedom, location freedom, and, most importantly, the opportunity to do what actually makes you happy.
I believe some of the mental resistance against this topic is due to their lack of financial literacy. When it comes to this topic, there is one gem that I advise everyone to read.
Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! is, without a doubt, one of the best financial books of all time and an essential read for anyone who wants to improve their financial situation and build long term wealth.
I wish this book had crossed my path earlier in my life because it holds the lessons and insights we should all be taught during our youth regarding how to make more money, invest wisely, and become financially free.
"Rich Dad, Poor Dad" is based on writer Robert Kiyosaki's personal life experiences and provides valuable lessons about money and financial success.
He shares what he learned from his two dads: his biological father, who was a highly educated man but struggled financially, and his friend's father, who was less formally educated but became a wealthy businessman.
What I like very much about this book is that it's written in a storytelling format instead of a factual, do-this and-do-that style.
As a result of this approach, the lessons and valuable insights he teaches about money and how to build extreme wealth throughout your life are very entertaining.
I advise everyone to read this book (or watch the audible here on YouTube), absorb the accumulated wisdom, and apply it. It will teach you the different methods the rich use to make money and dispels many myths about money perpetuated by the poor and middle class.
Believe me when I say that your time, money, and energy investment will be well worth it in the long run!
4. Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business
In his best-selling book 'Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business,' business consultant and former Inc.500 Executive of the Year Paul Jarvis makes a compelling case for why staying small is the next thing to do for modern-day businesses.
Jarvis argues that the traditional business growth model is no longer sustainable and that the best way to create long-term value is to focus on staying small and delivering quality products and services.
He argues that by staying lean and focused, you can avoid the pitfalls of expanding too quickly and becoming bogged down in bureaucracy. In today's rapidly changing economy, nimble businesses are better equipped to adapt to new opportunities and threats.
Moreover, small businesses are often more intimate and efficient than their larger counterparts, resulting in higher levels of customer satisfaction.
Based on deep research and his experience as a successful entrepreneur, Haden lays out a step-by-step guide for building a sustainable, profitable company without getting too big for your boots.
Whether you're a solo creative entrepreneur or a large video production company, Company of One is essential reading for anyone who wants to stay nimble and focused in today's ever-changing, fast-paced business world.
5. Real Artists Don't Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age
If you're an artist, the last thing you want to hear is that you must starve to succeed. But the sad reality is that many artists struggle to make ends meet.
In his book ‘Real Artists Don't Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age,’ Jeff Goins offers a refreshingly optimistic view of the creative life, sharing timeless strategies to help you thrive in today's ever-changing artistic marketplace.
In his book, he dispels the myth that artists must starve to death to succeed. He provides strategies for how creatives of all types, including painters, musicians, writers, and filmmakers, can make a living while still doing what they love.
One of the most valuable takeaways from the book is that creatives need to think like entrepreneurs, view their art as a business, and themselves as the CEO.
This means being proactive and taking the initiative instead of waiting for someone to "discover" you. In addition, the book contains inspiring stories of successful artists who have overcome difficult odds to achieve their dreams.
In my opinion, the book Real Artists Don't Starve is more than just a how-to guide. It's a loving tribute to the creative life in the digital age. If you're an artist or creative thinker who's feeling lost or struggling to make a living, this book is worth a read!
6. The Unfair Advantage: How You Already Have What It Takes to Succeed
In today's artistic and business world, getting ahead takes more than just hard work and dedication. It takes a little bit of luck and the right skills and experience.
But what if you could level the playing field? What if you could give yourself an unfair advantage over your competitors?
According to business book authors Ash Ali & Hasan Kubba, you can! In their book, ‘The Unfair Advantage: How You Already Have What It Takes to Succeed,’ Ash & Hasan explore the various ways you can use your existing skills and experience to get ahead in business.
They provide specific tips and strategies for using your strengths and God-given talents to your advantage and show how you can turn your weaknesses into strengths.
According to Ash & Hasan, having an unfair advantage is not about being born into a wealthy family or attending an Ivy League school. It's about recognizing that you already have what it takes to succeed, and through a step-by-step process, they help you discover what that is for you.
By far, one of the best books I read in 2022, sharing stories and insights to succeed in business even if you don't have all the cards stacked in your favor.
Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, a corporate executive, or just starting your career, this book will show you how to unleash your creative potential, build creative confidence, and take your success to the next level!
7. The War of Art
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a powerful and inspiring book for anyone seeking to overcome obstacles that prevent them from pursuing their creative endeavors.
Pressfield's writing is direct and to the point, and his message is clear: resistance is the biggest enemy of creative success. He offers practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance and cultivating the discipline and focus required to turn your creative vision into reality.
Whether you are an artist, writer, entrepreneur, or just someone looking to change your life, "The War of Art" is a must-read book that will help you break through the barriers holding you back and unleash your full creative potential.
8. Show Your Work!: 10 Ways To Share Your Creativity And Get Discovered
For a long time, I believed in the myth that people would magically find me if I did great creative work.
I thought that if I just shared my occasional new projects with the world on social media, sent many introduction messages, asked for referrals, went to network events, and drank lots of coffee with potential clients and collaborators, new work would land on my desk automatically.
Unfortunately, this marketing approach wasn’t getting me the result I was hoping for. This self-promotion didn’t work because I fundamentally misunderstood marketing and sales.
I thought this was all about self-promotion, massive amounts of outreach, direct messages, asking for referrals, forcing my offer onto people, and hoping that a small percentage of them would convert into clients. I was completely wrong.
Marketing and sales, at their core, are about earning attention and building trust, and one way to do that is by sharing your creative journey in the way Austin Kleon describes it in his bite-size book Show Your Work!: 10 Ways To Share Your Creativity And Get Discovered.
With ten practical and exciting ways to showcase your creative potential to future prospects, I believe this should be obligatory reading material for every creative entrepreneur as it is one of the best books for creatives ever written!
9. The Win Without Pitching Manifesto
In my opinion, The Win Without Pitching Manifesto is a cure for creative entrepreneurs frustrated with traditional marketing and sales processes.
Written by renowned business coach Blair Enns, this book is guaranteed to make you more successful without being stuck in the relentless pursuit of getting new clients.
From creating a sales pipeline that doesn't require pitching to developing partnerships that make your pitches more attractive, this win without pitching manifesto will show you how to make yourself, and your work stand out from the competition.
10. Superfans: The Easy Way to Stand Out, Grow Your Tribe, and Build a Successful Business
Superfans aren't just a group of megastars and celebrity devotees—they can be powerful allies in launching a successful business!
I believe Pat Flynn's Superfans: The Easy Way to Stand Out, Grow Your Tribe and Build a Successful Business paints a fascinating portrait of how to cultivate passionate customers who become your biggest advocates.
From understanding the psychological reasons why we become Superfans to using community tools to help enhance loyalty, this book promises an eye-opening read for creative entrepreneurs who want to transform their businesses into something truly special.
For anyone looking for an easy way to stand out and build a tribe of superfans, this book is the ultimate guide to help you get there.
11. How To Win Friends & Influence People
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a timeless classic that remains relevant today. It offers practical, actionable advice on improving your communication skills and building better relationships with others. Carnegie's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, and real-life examples and scientific research back his insights.
Whether you want to improve your personal or professional relationships, this book provides valuable tips and techniques to help you build trust, rapport, and credibility with others—a must-read for anyone looking to improve their interpersonal skills and achieve success in their relationships and careers.
12. It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be
It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be by Paul Arden is a thought-provoking and inspiring read for anyone looking to improve their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Arden's unique and often unconventional approach to success and failure will challenge your beliefs and push you to think outside the box.
The book is filled with practical tips and real-life examples that make it easy to apply the lessons learned to your own life. Whether you are an aspiring artist, entrepreneur, or just looking to boost your confidence, this book is definitely worth reading.
Conclusion
In the past, you could get a degree that would serve you for life. That's no longer the case. In today's world, you must be a lifelong learner. The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop making progress.
I believe one of the best ways to acquire new knowledge and learn new skills is by reading books. Books encapsulate all the knowledge from thousands of years, and reading them is a great way to accelerate your learning curve.
So, if you want to improve yourself, your career, or your creative business, add these beautifully written books to your reading list. If you read, apply, progress, and repeat, I can guarantee that you’ll take your creative abilities to the next level in the upcoming twelve months!
