i’m always asked what books have shaped my creative thinking, helped me get unstuck, or made me fall back in love with the process. this is that list. there's a little bit of everything.
Sections
4
for inspiration
for creative history
for business
for creative block
for inspiration
these books prioritize inspiration for whatever it is you're working on, or personal inspiration
all logo designers are supposed to own this book
Logo Modernism (Multilingual Edition)
a collection & review of some great branding from small businesses. good for inspiration.
Brand New Brand
if you’re into sneakers & creative process, you’ll like this.
Sneakers: Corral, Rodrigo, French, Alex
very inspiring. flip to any random page on any day.
Art Is the Highest Form of Hope & Quotes
creatives breaking boundaries >
More Than Enough: Claiming Space for You
1
great reference book of color palettes, all separated by mood
Color Collective's Palette Perfect: Color Combos
memoir-style stories & insight from questlove that’ll encourage you to reflect on your own creative journey & processes.
Creative Quest
the importance of music in basquiat's work
Seeing Loud, Basquiat and Music
type inspo across centries
Type: Visual History of Typefaces & Styles
for creative history
books that will give more context to creative industries as a whole
culture + design
The Black Experience in Design – Identity, Expression and Reflection
a collection of essays & client work used to discuss intentional and impactful design in social issues, politics, etc.
CITIZEN FIRST DESIGNER SECOND
women's history in the world of design. this book is very interesting.
Baseline Shift: Untold Stories of Women in Graphic Design History
for business
books that will help you run your creative business
perfect book to help improve communication between clients & freelancers.
Dear Client: This Book Will Teach You How to Get What You Want from ...
the client side of “dear client” so you might as well get both!
You're My Favorite Client: Mike Monteiro
for people with one million ideas and zero organization, this will help you build a system to keep and execute those ideas. perfect for strategists & content creators.
Building a Second Brain: A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential
for creative block
to figure out how to get out of your slump
if you need help showing up creatively.
The War of Art: Break Through Creative Blocks
this book will help you take your creative work less seriously, and get more comfortable with flow.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
the title is quite self-explanatory, but this is basically a book of advice in a fun friendly tone.
Now Try Something Weirder: Creative Ideas Guide
a classic, and a must-have
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things About Creativity
the follow-up to “steal like an artist” but i like this one as a content creator.
Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Creativity
not creativity specific, but this collection of essays is on internet culture, identity, and self-delulu.
