- Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull
- Walking on Water by Madeleine L’Engle
- Cultivate Magazine: Volume 4 by Cageless Birds
These are many books out there on creativity but these are just a few of them that I’ve read that have really impacted me. They’ve either left me inspired, gave me freedom in an area, or shifted my perspective in some way.
Steal Like An Artist showed me the importance of inspiration and taught me a good system and a proper outlet for that inspiration. The War of Art helped me with creative ruts and burnout. It taught me the importance of just creating because it’s what I’m called to do. Creativity inc. showed me the importance of intentionality and excellence when it comes to creativity. I think it’s so easy to go completely off of feelings sometimes but there’s so much more to it. Walking on Water helped bring perspective to the idea of being a Christian artist. It brought balance to art making with faith. Lastly, this specific volume (number four) of Cultivate Magazine was all about creativity. It inspired me immensely. It’s something I constantly go back to and so far have bought it for two other creatives.
I believe creativity, like other crafts, is a craft where you really pour out. It can take a lot out of you and become really draining if you aren’t careful or don’t know what it takes for you to fill up.
These books have served as tools to help me on my creative journey in addition to serving the source of creativity, our Creator.
I’m sure over time there will be other books that I feel need to be added to this list but for right now we’ll start with these.
Kayla x