Artists are loners. If you are an artist and you aren’t a loner, I’m really impressed. But for those of us that hide away in our studies or studios to create something from nothing, it’s not that we hate other people it’s just that we hate other people. I’m kidding. But only kinda.
Books from other creatives written for creatives are perfect for loners and socialites. The loners feel seen and heard and inspired without having to see anybody else. And the unicorn artsy socialites like other people anyway. So it’s a win/win.
Here are my favorite books for creatives. May they inspire you.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert is the wise friend every creative wants to have, right? She believes in inspiration fairies you can blame if your art goes terribly wrong. I think about the part in this book where she talks about being more curious than afraid just about every single hour or so of my life.
On Writing by Stephen King
I always tell people I don’t regret my English degree, and that is not a lie. Except for when I actually think I should have spent the money on this book and a house downpayment instead.
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
Sitting around waiting for a good idea to strike? It won’t. Art is work and choreographer Twyla Tharp shows us how ritual and dedication is the path to artistic success. And honestly–there are so many books by visual artists and writers; it’s refreshing to hear from somebody in performance art.
Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey
This book is like the inside peak Instagram gives you into the daily life of creatives–except more honest. Small entries for artists (Beethoven, Henry James, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Willa Cather, Jane Austen, Henri Matisse, and many many more) show just how mundane and scheduled most artists lives really are. Lightly sprinkled in, of course, are a few eccentricities.
Words Without Music by Philip Glass
I’ve read my fair share of artist memoirs, and I gotta say, Philip Glass’s was a huge surprise. Maybe my favorite. It’s an interesting and raw look at what it means to be a working artist. I found it inspiring and actually couldn’t put it down.
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**These Books for Creatives links are Amazon Associate affiliate links, which means if you buy it after clicking from this website, I may get a small commission at no cost to you. Don’t worry. I only recommend the good stuff.
