10 Best Self-help Books on Boosting Creativity!
Get ready, because it's time to kick your creativity into high gear! We've all had moments when we're sitting at our desks, staring at a blank page, thinking, "I've got nothing." That's when you know it's time to bring in reinforcements. And by that, we mean a top-tier selection of self-help books specifically designed to charge up your creativity!
These books are not your typical self-help yawn fests. No, these are electrifying, thought-provoking game changers that will help you breathe life into your stale ideas and inject some serious zing into your creative process. All backed up by science and sprinkled with anecdotes from history's super-imaginative greats, these masterpieces will show you different ways to tap into your creativity - especially during the times when it seems to be playing hide-and-seek.
These pages are teeming with tools, exercises, and inspiring insights that can help light up your creative spark--whether you're a booming novelist, an aspiring artist, a bathroom singer, or just someone looking to sprinkle some creativity in their everyday life. So brace yourself: it's time to kick-start that incredible brain of yours and make some creativity-shaped waves in the world! These ten self-help books are about to become your new best friends.
『Creative Pep Talk』
Every artist needs a little pep talk now and then. An inspiring tool and beautiful art book in one, Creative Pep Talk offers illustrated words of wisdom from 50 of today's leading creative professionals. With full-color, typographic prints and explanatory statements from a host of creative luminaries—including Aaron James Draplin, Oliver Jeffers, Lisa Congdon, Mike Perry, and many others—this volume encourages artists to stay excited, experiment boldly, and conquer fear. "Create curiosity," "Learn to say no," and "If you can't be good, be different" are just a few of the motivational maxims in this visually rich collection that's perfect for students, designers, artists, and creatives at any stage in their careers.
Author | Andy J. Miller |
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Price | $10.99 |
Publisher | Chronicle Books |
Release Date | Apr 04, 2017 |
Source | Google Books |
『You Are an Artist』
“There are more than 50 creative prompts for the artist (or artist at heart) to explore. Take the title of this book as affirmation, and get started.” —Fast Company More than 50 assignments, ideas, and prompts to expand your world and help you make outstanding new things to put into it Curator Sarah Urist Green left her office in the basement of an art museum to travel and visit a diverse range of artists, asking them to share prompts that relate to their own ways of working. The result is You Are an Artist, a journey of creation through which you'll invent imaginary friends, sort books, declare a cause, construct a landscape, find your band, and become someone else (or at least try). Your challenge is to filter these assignments through the lens of your own experience and make art that reflects the world as you see it. You don't have to know how to draw well, stretch a canvas, or mix a paint color that perfectly matches that of a mountain stream. This book is for anyone who wants to make art, regardless of experience level. The only materials you'll need are what you already have on hand or can source for free. Full of insights, techniques, and inspiration from art history, this book opens up the processes and practices of artists and proves that you, too, have what it takes to call yourself one. You Are an Artist brings together more than 50 assignments gathered from some of the most innovative creators working today, including Sonya Clark, Michelle Grabner, The Guerrilla Girls, Fritz Haeg, Pablo Helguera, Nina Katchadourian, Toyin Ojih Odutola, J. Morgan Puett, Dread Scott, Alec Soth, Gillian Wearing, and many others.
Author | Sarah Urist Green |
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Price | unknown |
Publisher | Penguin |
Release Date | Apr 14, 2020 |
Source | Google Books |
『Think Like Da Vinci: 7 Easy Steps to Boosting Your Everyday Genius』
Ebook edition, including a new introduction by the author, of this inspiring guide to developing your full potential. A perfect buy for the business market as well as those wishing to explore their power of their brain, this book shows you how to imitate Leonardo Da Vinci’s thought processes and so enhance your aptitude in every area of your life.
Author | Michael Gelb |
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Price | unknown |
Publisher | HarperCollins UK |
Release Date | May 16, 2013 |
Source | Google Books |
『Mindwandering』
“One of the pre-eminent cognitive neuroscientists of his generation” explores the proven benefits of letting your mind wander and the positive impact it can have on your mood and creative potential (Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling On Happiness). Our brains are noisy; certain regions are always grinding away at involuntary activities like daydreaming, worrying about the future, and self-chatter, taking up to forty-seven percent of our waking time. This is mindwandering—and while it can tug your attention away from the present and contribute to anxiety and depression, cognitive neuroscientist Moshe Bar is here to tell you about the method behind this apparent madness. Mindwandering is the first popular book to explore this multi-faceted phenomenon of your wandering mind and introduces you to the new, exciting research behind it. Bar combines his decades of research to explain the benefits and the possible cost of mindwandering within the broader context of psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry and philosophy, providing you with practical knowledge that can help you: Develop your sense of self, better relate to others, and make associations that help you understand the world around you Increase your ability to focus by understanding when to wander—and when not to Magnify and enrich your experiences by learning about full immersion Stimulate your creativity by combing through the past and making predictions about the future Boost your mood by unleashing your mind.
Author | Moshe Bar |
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Price | $14.99 |
Publisher | Hachette Go |
Release Date | Feb 08, 2022 |
Source | Google Books |
『Make Your Art No Matter What』
The Artist's Way for the 21st century—from esteemed creative counselor Beth Pickens. If you are an artist, you need to make your art. That's not an overstatement—it's a fact; if you stop doing your creative work, your quality of life is diminished. But what do you do when life gets in the way? In this down-to-earth handbook, experienced artist coach Beth Pickens offers practical advice for developing a lasting and meaningful artistic practice in the face of life's inevitable obstacles and distractions. This thoughtful volume suggests creative ways to address the challenges all artists must overcome—from making decisions about time, money, and education, to grappling with isolation, fear, and anxiety. No matter where you are in your art-making journey, this book will motivate and inspire you. Because not only do you need your art—the world needs it, too. • EXPERT ADVICE: Beth Pickens is an experienced and passionate arts advocate with extensive insight into working through creative obstacles. She has spent the last decade advising artists on everything from financial strategy to coping with grief. • PRACTICAL AND POSITIVE: This book is both a love letter to art and artists and a hands-on guide to approaching the thorniest problems those artists might face. Pickens offers a warm reminder that you are not alone, that what you do matters, and that someone out there wants you to succeed. • TIMELESS TOPIC: Like a trusted advisor, this book is an invaluable resource jam-packed with strategies for building a successful creative practice. From mixing business and friendship to marketing yourself on social media, this book can help. And it will—again and again. Perfect for: • Visual artists and makers • Writers, musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives • Art and design school graduates and grad-gift givers
Author | Beth Pickens |
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Price | $12.99 |
Publisher | Chronicle Books |
Release Date | Apr 06, 2021 |
Source | Google Books |
『Creative Acts for Curious People』
“A delightful, compelling book that offers a dazzling array of practical, thoughtful exercises designed to spark creativity, help solve problems, foster connection, and make our lives better.”—Gretchen Rubin, New York Times bestselling author and host of the Happier podcast In an era of ambiguous, messy problems—as well as extraordinary opportunities for positive change—it’s vital to have both an inquisitive mind and the ability to act with intention. Creative Acts for Curious People is filled with ways to build those skills with resilience, care, and confidence. At Stanford University’s world-renowned Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, aka “the d.school,” students and faculty, experts and seekers bring together diverse perspectives to tackle ambitious projects; this book contains the experiences designed to help them do it. A provocative and highly visual companion, it’s a definitive resource for people who aim to draw on their curiosity and creativity in the face of uncertainty. Teeming with ideas about discovery, learning, and leading the way through unknown creative territory, Creative Acts for Curious People includes memorable stories and more than eighty innovative exercises. Curated by executive director Sarah Stein Greenberg, after being honed in the classrooms of the d.school, these exercises originated in some of the world’s most inventive and unconventional minds, including those of d.school and IDEO founder David M. Kelley, ReadyMade magazine founder Grace Hawthorne, innovative choreographer Aleta Hayes, Google chief innovation evangelist Frederik G. Pferdt, and many more. To bring fresh approaches to any challenge–world changing or close to home–you can draw on exercises such as Expert Eyes to hone observation skills, How to Talk to Strangers to foster understanding, and Designing Tools for Teams to build creative leadership. The activities are at once lighthearted, surprising, tough, and impactful–and reveal how the hidden dynamics of design can drive more vibrant ways of making, feeling, exploring, experimenting, and collaborating at work and in life. This book will help you develop the behaviors and deepen the mindsets that can turn your curiosity into ideas, and your ideas into action.
Author | Sarah Stein Greenberg/Stanford d.school |
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Price | $13.99 |
Publisher | Ten Speed Press |
Release Date | Sep 21, 2021 |
Source | Google Books |
『The Artist's Way』
"With its gentle affirmations, inspirational quotes, fill-in-the-blank lists and tasks — write yourself a thank-you letter, describe yourself at 80, for example — The Artist’s Way proposes an egalitarian view of creativity: Everyone’s got it."—The New York Times "Morning Pages have become a household name, a shorthand for unlocking your creative potential"—Vogue Over four million copies sold! Since its first publication, The Artist's Way phenomena has inspired the genius of Elizabeth Gilbert and millions of readers to embark on a creative journey and find a deeper connection to process and purpose. Julia Cameron's novel approach guides readers in uncovering problems areas and pressure points that may be restricting their creative flow and offers techniques to free up any areas where they might be stuck, opening up opportunities for self-growth and self-discovery. The program begins with Cameron’s most vital tools for creative recovery – The Morning Pages, a daily writing ritual of three pages of stream-of-conscious, and The Artist Date, a dedicated block of time to nurture your inner artist. From there, she shares hundreds of exercises, activities, and prompts to help readers thoroughly explore each chapter. She also offers guidance on starting a “Creative Cluster” of fellow artists who will support you in your creative endeavors. A revolutionary program for personal renewal, The Artist's Way will help get you back on track, rediscover your passions, and take the steps you need to change your life.
Author | Julia Cameron |
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Price | unknown |
Publisher | Penguin |
Release Date | Oct 25, 2016 |
Source | Google Books |
『Big Magic』
The instant #1 NEW YORK TIMES Bestseller "A must read for anyone hoping to live a creative life... I dare you not to be inspired to be brave, to be free, and to be curious.” —PopSugar From the worldwide bestselling author of Eat Pray Love and City of Girls: the path to the vibrant, fulfilling life you’ve dreamed of. Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.
Author | Elizabeth Gilbert |
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Price | unknown |
Publisher | Penguin |
Release Date | Sep 27, 2016 |
Source | Google Books |
『Creative Confidence』
IDEO founder and Stanford d.school creator David Kelley and his brother Tom Kelley, IDEO partner and the author of the bestselling The Art of Innovation, have written a powerful and compelling book on unleashing the creativity that lies within each and every one of us. Too often, companies and individuals assume that creativity and innovation are the domain of the "creative types." But two of the leading experts in innovation, design, and creativity on the planet show us that each and every one of us is creative. In an incredibly entertaining and inspiring narrative that draws on countless stories from their work at IDEO, the Stanford d.school, and with many of the world's top companies, David and Tom Kelley identify the principles and strategies that will allow us to tap into our creative potential in our work lives, and in our personal lives, and allow us to innovate in terms of how we approach and solve problems. It is a book that will help each of us be more productive and successful in our lives and in our careers.
Author | Tom Kelley/David Kelley |
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Price | unknown |
Publisher | Currency |
Release Date | Oct 15, 2013 |
Source | Google Books |
『The Meaning in the Making』
Become inspired, find your voice, and create work that matters. When we experience a great work of art, we are often connecting with a deep and essential truth about life and the way things are. The work resonates with us and with others, and in doing so, it brings us together and comforts us in our shared experience. However, art isn't reserved for the "full time artists." Everyone, in their own way, wants to join in on the act of creation--to become actively involved, become a maker, express one's own truths, and contribute. Sean Tucker has made things since his earliest days. His creative output has taken many shapes over the past 20 years--from musician, to photographer, to filmmaker, to speaker, to writer. Whether professionally or as an amateur, the common thread running through all of his work is a fundamental desire to make, to speak the truth, to contribute, and to connect with others. But what does it mean to make? Why are we driven to do it, and how might you take your first steps on this path to become inspired, find your voice, and create work that matters--first to you, and then, hopefully, to others? In The Meaning in the Making, Sean addresses all of this and more as he shares his own journey of creativity and making, integrating personal stories and examples with discussions about the process of making art, and offering suggestions for how you can go about carving out your own path. In small, accessible chapters and with a friendly and down-to-earth voice, Sean covers topics and ideas such as: -The desire to create order from chaos, which is at the heart of why we make -The need for inspiration--feeding your mind and spending time alone -Determining what to make -Finding your voice and defining your style -The role of ego, and balancing the positive and negative aspects of it -Dealing with the response to your work, and how to handle criticism and feedback -Setting reasonable expectations, packing for the long road, and enjoying the journey The Meaning in the Making will not offer you quick and easy solutions or a list of practice exercises to spark your creativity. What it will do is give you the tools you need to find your own answers and embark upon your own unique journey toward finding your voice and creating work that matters. Table of Contents Chapter 1: Order Chapter 2: Logos Chapter 3: Breath Chapter 4: Voice Chapter 5: Ego Chapter 6: Control Chapter 7: Attention Chapter 8: Envy Chapter 9: Criticism Chapter 10: Shadows Chapter 11: Highlights Chapter 12: Time
Author | Sean Tucker |
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Price | unknown |
Publisher | |
Release Date | Jul 06, 2021 |
Source | Google Books |
To wrap it up, these ten books are handpicked just for you creative minds out there. Great authors, psychologists, and pioneers from diverse fields have dropped some valuable gems of wisdom that are bound to open up new avenues in your quest to boost your creative abilities. There's no definitive hierarchy here as each novel and comic mentioned brings something unique to the table. We've got insightful techniques backed by scientific research, some solid guidelines to develop effective habits, and even a deep dive into the vast ocean of your mind's untapped potential - all wrapped up in compelling narrative style. Whether you're facing a creative block, or just want to further expand your creative horizon, these self-help guides are worth your time. Got your coffee prepared? A comfy nook ready? Dive right into the enriching world of these masterpieces and watch your creativity soar to new heights. Remember folks, infinite creativity is not a gift reserved for the 'chosen few'. It's a muscle waiting to be worked and developed. Happy reading and creating!
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