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The reading corner | artists & creators edition 🖌️
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items For creators and artists chasing their spark — this list is for you. These books go deep, help break through blocks, and get you back in touch with your raw, authentic creative energy. No fluff — just pages that push you closer to your core.
Sections
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Art Reads I’ve Loved
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Waiting on My Shelf
Art Reads I’ve Loved
A curated collection of books that have shaped my creative journey—insightful, inspiring, and full of lessons that continue to influence how I create and think as an artist.
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The Artist's Way helped me recognize and understand the roots of my creative blocks, many of which were deeply tied to past experiences and limiting beliefs. The journey was painful and challenging, but each breakthrough brought with it a new piece o...
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, 30th Anniversary ...
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Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act is a powerful guide that goes beyond just making art — it teaches you how creativity can shape your whole life by letting go of ego and fear.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being - Rick Rubin
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The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* helped me break through my creative blocks by teaching me to stop overthinking and just focus on what truly matters. It gave me the courage to create authentically, without chasing perfection or approval. This book...
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
Waiting on My Shelf
Books I’m eager to dive into—promising new perspectives, tools, and inspiration to help me grow and break through creative blocks.
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A book I’ve been meaning to read for a long time. It explores the daily routines of 160+ creatives—how they worked, what kept them going, and the little rituals that shaped their process. As an artist myself, I’m hoping it will help me reflect on my ...
Daily Rituals: How Artists Work | Mason Currey
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This book is a classic for anyone who creates. It dives into the state of flow—that zone where creativity and focus come together effortlessly. It’s packed with insights on how to find and stay in that sweet spot, which is something every artist want...
Flow | Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
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Sharing your art can feel scary and vulnerable—I totally get it. This book promises practical, down-to-earth advice on how to open up and share your creativity without getting overwhelmed by fear or self-doubt. I hope it’ll make the process easier fo...
Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered | Austin Kleon
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Creativity doesn’t have to be intimidating or mysterious. This book breaks down the process in a simple, fun way, reminding us that all artists borrow, remix, and build on what’s already out there. I’m excited to dive in and learn how to embrace infl...
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You about Being Creative | Austin Kleon
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Creative blocks can feel like a real battle, and this book is all about facing that resistance head-on. I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve heard it’s a powerful motivator for anyone struggling to push past self-doubt and distractions. I’m looking forwar...
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles | Steven Pressfield
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I’ve heard this book offers an inspiring and uplifting view on creativity, inviting artists to embrace curiosity and courage in their work. It’s often recommended for those wanting to move past fear and rediscover the joy and magic in the creative pr...
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear | Elizabeth Gilbert
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A heartfelt and funny guide to the creative process, this book offers honest advice on overcoming self-doubt, perfectionism, and fear. Anne Lamott’s stories and practical tips encourage artists to take small steps, embrace imperfection, and find joy ...
Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing & Life
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Written by one of Pixar’s co-founders, this book gives a rare look into how to build and keep a creative culture alive. I want to read it to learn how to balance freedom and structure, encourage honest feedback, and manage risks in creative work. Eve...
Creativity, Inc. | Ed Catmull