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Art Books That Inspire My Creativity
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items A collection of captivating and inspiring books for artists, designers, and creative thinkers. From unlocking your creative potential to exploring the worlds of architecture, nature, and true crime, these books offer fresh perspectives, spark curiosi...
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Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use or recommend.
Sections
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Art Books
Videos
Art Books
I'm always thinking about how other people see my artwork. This book covers the design of things we use and interact with.
The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition|Paperback
Miyazaki is one of my favorites. The legendary artist behind Totoro and Howl's Moving Castle. This book is filled with beautiful illustrations .
Hayao Miyazaki|Hardcover
Wes Anderson has such a recognizable style. His films make me think about creating recognizable color palettes. It's a master class in sticking out from the pack. Don't do what every other artist is doing
Wes Anderson: The Iconic Filmmaker and his Work|Hardcover
The first time I read this book was in a drawing class I took in the 90s. The teacher selected it as the textbook. This was a beginning level class and we went through many of the lessons in this book to break us out of the feeling that the drawings must be perfect. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is a classic book used in art classes. It's especially helpful for people who are analytical. This is not just a how-to, but also a shift in thinking about seeing and making
The Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Starter Kit|Paperback
This book seriously called me out. It made me realize that I had been letting fear and procrastination win for way too long (but mostly procrastination). Now I just sit down and do the work—even when I don’t feel like it
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles|Paperback
At various times, I've been stuck in self-doubt, Art & Fear helped me see that making bad art was part of making any art. It freed me to create without obsessing over perfection. That mindset shift helped me become the artist I am today.
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking|Paperback
Focuses on how to stay creative, especially during burnout or doubt
Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad|Paperback
Encouraging and accessible look at creative living beyond fear.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear|Paperback
All of Frida Kahlo's painting in one book!
Frida Kahlo. The Complete Paintings|Other Format
Photo book of spectacular locations around the world from National Geographic photographers
Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places|Hardcover
Encouraging and accessible look at creative living beyond fear.
Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us|Paperback
Amy Tan decided to learn to paint and it's beautiful
The Backyard Bird Chronicles: 50 Postcards|Other Format
A gripping true story that weaves together the creation of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the chilling crimes of a serial killer operating in its shadow
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America|Paperback
A stunning celebration of 100 years of Architectural Digest, showcasing iconic homes, legendary designers, and the evolution of interior style. Ask ChatGPT
Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style|Hardcover
An awe-inspiring journey into the mysterious world of octopuses, revealing their intelligence, adaptability, and astonishing behaviors
Secrets of the Octopus|Hardcover
Short, visual, and practical book on how to find your voice and borrow like a pro.
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative|Paperback
Companion book to “Steal Like an Artist”
Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered|Paperback
Fascinating glimpses into the daily routines of famous artists and thinkers.
Daily Rituals: How Artists Work|Hardcover
Videos
This video shows some of the classic scenes from Wes Anderson movies and shows the symmetry of the composition
The symmetry of Wes Anderson
A rare and mesmerizing look at the nearly transparent glass octopus, captured by deep-sea explorers. It’s like watching a living work of art drift through the ocean
Masterminds: Secrets of the Octopus (Full Episode) | National Geographic
A beautifully told story of Frida Kahlo’s life, art, and lasting impact—exploring how her bold, personal work continues to inspire artists around the world
Frida Kahlo: The woman behind the legend - Iseult Gillespie