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Books That Shifted My Mindset 📚
16
items Top book recommendations from an art director, producer/ director and writer. Books that tell good stories, inspire creativity and provide value via experience or information.
Sections
6
📚 Creative Reference Books: Fuel Your Imagination & Master Your Craft
🌈 Black Sapphic Books: Love, Life & Joy in Full Color
🖤 Adult Contemporary Books: Stories That Hit Close to Home
🌟 Personal Development Books: Grow, Glow & Level Up
Black Poetry + Essays
🚀 Professional Development Books: Level Up Your Career
📚 Creative Reference Books: Fuel Your Imagination & Master Your Craft
Dive into a curated collection of books designed to spark inspiration, sharpen your skills, and guide your creative journey. From artistic philosophy to practical strategies, each read is a tool to help you create with intention, stay grounded, and l...
This book is for those who are ALWAYS creating and innovating for a living- artist, businessman, whoever. Probably my most referenced book as an Art Director
The Creative Curve: How to Develop the Right Idea, at the Right Time|Hardcover
If you’re a creative who spends your days in your head (or wish you could!), this book is a must-read. Davenport breaks down how knowledge workers—like us—think, work, and get stuff done without burning out. You’ll get tips on: Figuring out your work...
Thinking for a Living: Creating Ideas to Revitalize Business
A must-read for anyone who wants to live a more creative, fearless life. Elizabeth Gilbert shares stories, insights, and practical advice on embracing curiosity, letting go of perfection, and showing up for your creativity—even when fear tries to get...
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
A hilarious, heartfelt story about friendship, social media, and the chaos of growing up. When two best friends navigate high school, family drama, and viral internet fame, they learn what really matters—loyalty, honesty, and finding your own voice. ...
She Memes Well: Essays by Quinta Brunson
🌈 Black Sapphic Books: Love, Life & Joy in Full Color
Celebrate the magic, complexity, and joy of Black queer love and life. This collection highlights authentic stories of Black sapphic women navigating romance, friendship, identity, and self-discovery. These books are bold, heartfelt, and impossible t...
A thrilling, magical adventure that mixes history, mystery, and modern-day life. When Bree discovers a secret society at her university with ties to King Arthur, she’s thrust into a world of magic, danger, and self-discovery. Legendborn blends fantas...
The Legendborn Cycle #1 - Tracy Deonn
🖤 Adult Contemporary Books: Stories That Hit Close to Home
Dive into novels that explore modern life, love, and the messy, beautiful journey of adulthood. These books capture relationships, career struggles, self-discovery, and everything in between—perfect for readers looking for stories that feel real, rel...
A gripping, heartfelt story that blends music, friendship, and justice. When a talented young rapper dies mysteriously, her friends go to great lengths to honor her legacy and share her voice with the world. This novel is full of emotion, suspense, a...
Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D Jackson
A witty, heartfelt, and refreshingly real story about a young Black woman navigating life, love, and everything in between. Queenie grapples with career pressures, dating drama, and mental health while trying to figure out who she really is—and the r...
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
A bold, empowering guide for Black women who are ready to stop burning out and start living fully. Jayne Allen offers unapologetic advice on setting boundaries, protecting your energy, and reclaiming your time—without guilt. It’s part manifesto, part...
Black Girls Must Die Exhausted: Novel
🌟 Personal Development Books: Grow, Glow & Level Up
This is your go-to collection for books that inspire growth, boost confidence, and help you become the best version of yourself. From mindset shifts to practical strategies, each read is packed with insights to help you thrive in life, work, and crea...
A timeless gem for anyone looking for wisdom that speaks to the soul. The Prophet is a collection of poetic essays that touch on love, work, freedom, and the small moments that make life meaningful. Each passage feels like a quiet conversation with a...
The Prophet
A magical, inspiring story about following your dreams and listening to your heart. The Alchemist follows Santiago, a young shepherd, on his journey to discover his personal legend—and along the way, it reminds us that the universe often conspires to...
The Alchemist
This book is a wake-up call for anyone ready to stop letting fear, expectations, or other people’s opinions control their life. Framed as a conversation between a philosopher and a young man, it challenges you to rethink your beliefs, embrace freedom...
Why you’ll love it: Encourages bold self-reflection and personal growth 🌱 Offers practical insights on overcoming fear and self-doubt ✨ Written in a conversational, easy-to-digest style 🗣️ Who it’s for: Anyone ready to break free from limitations, ...
Why you’ll love it: Encourages bold self-reflection and personal growth 🌱 Offers practical insights on overcoming fear and self-doubt ✨ Written in a conversational, easy-to-digest style 🗣️ Who it’s for: Anyone ready to break free from limitations, ...
The Courage to Be Disliked: Japanese Phenomenon
A must-read for anyone looking to turn their goals into reality. Angela Duckworth dives into what really makes people succeed: a mix of passion, persistence, and resilience. This book is packed with research, stories, and practical tips to help you s...
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
A powerful follow-up to The Courage to Be Disliked, this book guides you toward living a life of true contentment and freedom. Through a conversational, philosophical approach, it shows how happiness isn’t something to chase—it’s something you choose...
The Courage to be Happy: True Contentment
This book definitely was perfect to read in my transition into 30 made me feel ok with whatever people felt and really grounded me in facts.
The Let Them Theory: Life-Changing Tool
Black Poetry + Essays
A beautiful collection of Maya Angelou’s thoughts, advice, and reflections that feels like having a heartfelt conversation with a wise, loving mentor. This book blends poetry, personal stories, and life lessons to inspire courage, creativity, and res...
Rainbow in the Cloud: Wisdom & Spirit of Maya Angelou
🚀 Professional Development Books: Level Up Your Career
A curated collection of books designed to help you grow, lead, and succeed in your professional life. From mastering leadership and teamwork to improving productivity and mindset, these reads are your toolkit for career growth and personal excellence...
A game-changing guide for anyone looking to get more done without burning out. This book flips the usual “How do I do it?” question into “Who can help me?” and shows how collaborating with the right people can accelerate your goals and free up your t...
Who Not How: Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals