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Art Books That Inspire My Creativity
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items A hand-picked collection of inspiring books for artists, designers, and curious thinkers. From unlocking your creativity to exploring architecture, nature, and even true crime, these books spark ideas, fuel imagination, and open new ways of seeing th...
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
I first read this in a 90s drawing class, where it was our textbook. It helped us let go of the idea that drawings must be “perfect.” Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is a classic for beginners, especially analytical thinkers. More than a how-t...
The Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Starter Kit|Paperback
This book seriously called me out. It made me realize I’d been letting fear and procrastination win for too long (mostly procrastination). Now I just sit down and do the work—especially when I don’t feel like it.
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles|Paperback
At times I’ve been stuck in self-doubt. Art & Fear showed me that making bad art is part of making any art. It freed me to create without obsessing over perfection—and that shift helped me become the artist I am today.
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking|Paperback
This book reminded me that creativity isn’t about big breakthroughs—it’s about showing up every day, even when you’re tired, burned out, or full of doubt.
Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad|Paperback
A gentle reminder that fear doesn’t have to rule creativity—this book helped me approach art with more curiosity and less pressure.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear|Paperback
Kahlo’s art has an almost mythical pull, and this book gathers every one of her paintings in a single, stunning volume. A perfect gift for art lovers and dreamers alike
Frida Kahlo. The Complete Paintings
For artists seeking new perspectives, this book offers a world of visual reference. The landscapes and details captured here can ignite creativity in palettes, compositions, and storytelling
Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places|Hardcover
Backed by neuroscience, this book shows how art isn’t just decoration—it’s a force that shapes our emotions, health, and connections. A must-read for anyone who wants to live more creatively.
Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us|Paperback
Amy Tan, bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club, quietly joined a community art class in her 60s where no one recognized her. What began as a private joy in painting birds blossomed into this luminous collection of postcards.
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.
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