Must-read books for artists and creative entrepeneurs
While giving presentations and facilitating workshops for various groups of creatives, artists and entrepreneurs, along with teaching students in creative advertising and design, I often take a moment to share some relevant books.
As a marketing advisor and brand strategist who studied design and built businesses, these books have inspired me along the way. They all have various purposes and takeaways but are really relevant to creatives of all kinds.
Here I’ve made some titles from that list outside of the presentations. Enjoy!
"The Practice"
by Seth Godin
Seth Godin gets right to the core of what creativity is really about: showing up, over and over again. The Practice teaches us that success in creative work isn't about a flash of genius or waiting for inspiration to strike. Instead, it's about consistently honing your craft, focusing on the process, not the outcome. Godin’s big message? Trust the practice, trust yourself, and stop trying to control the results. It’s about making something every day, even when it's hard. What really sticks is how he frames failure—not as a reason to quit, but as a signal to keep going. For anyone trying to build something meaningful, it’s a reminder that dedication and resilience are the key ingredients to progress
"Creative Calling"
by Chase Jarvis
Chase Jarvis invites us into a space that blends creativity with a thriving lifestyle. In Creative Calling, he doesn't just talk about making art or starting a business; he talks about living creatively in every aspect of life. This is a hands-on guide that empowers you to take control of your own story—whether you're starting out or leveling up. Jarvis emphasizes that creativity is a habit and provides practical advice on how to shape your daily life around it. What I appreciate most is his four-step process (Imagine, Design, Execute, Amplify), which breaks down the steps from idea to impact. The book’s a blueprint for people who know they have something special but need the courage and structure to make it happen.
"It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be"
by Paul Arden
Paul Arden’s classic is as punchy as it is inspiring. It’s Not How Good You Are turns conventional wisdom on its head by challenging you to think differently about success. Arden doesn’t sugarcoat anything—he bluntly reminds us that desire and determination can outshine talent any day. His unconventional strategies for achieving success, like embracing mistakes and rejecting fear of failure, speak to the hustle every entrepreneur or creative knows all too well. What I find most impactful is his unapologetic approach to ambition: it's okay to want more, to think bigger. Arden’s advice feels almost like a wake-up call, giving you the permission to push boundaries and dream bolder.
"Make Your Mark: The Creative's Guide to Building a Business with Impact"
This book is a roadmap for creatives who want to do more than just start a business—they want to make a difference. Make Your Mark brings together advice from a lineup of successful entrepreneurs and creative leaders who have managed to build businesses with lasting impact. The standout takeaway here is the balance between creativity and sustainability. It emphasizes that you can make a mark on the world without compromising on your values or vision. For anyone looking to fuse creativity with entrepreneurship, the book provides practical tools and frameworks, from defining your mission to scaling your idea. It’s less about just making money and more about creating something that leaves a lasting legacy.
"Steal Like An Artist"
by Austin Kleon
Austin Kleon’s Steal Like An Artist has become almost a mantra in the creative world. The key idea here is that originality is a myth—everything is a remix of something else. Kleon pushes us to stop worrying about being completely unique and start embracing our influences. By ‘stealing’ ideas and techniques from those who inspire us, we can blend them into our own unique style. I love the way Kleon gives us permission to be inspired by others and see it not as imitation but innovation. He’s reminding creatives that it's okay to learn from the best and use their work as a stepping stone. In a world where people often feel pressured to be radically original, this message is freeing.
"Show Your Work"
by Austin Kleon
In Show Your Work, Kleon extends the conversation he started in Steal Like an Artist. The focus here is on the importance of sharing your creative process, not just the polished end product. He encourages creators to take their audience along for the ride—whether that's through social media, blogs, or other platforms—because the process is often more valuable than the final piece. One of the most powerful takeaways is that you don’t have to be a genius to share; you just have to be willing to put yourself out there. This is something I resonate with, especially when building community through storytelling and transparency. The book is a reminder that connecting with your audience isn't just about selling—it's about letting them see how the work is made.
"Things Are What You Make of Them: Life Advice for Creatives"
by Adam J. Kurtz
Adam JK’s Things Are What You Make of Them is like having a close friend give you the pep talk you didn’t know you needed. It’s funny, relatable, and full of the kind of raw, honest advice that creatives need to hear. Each page is a burst of inspiration, offering insights that get straight to the point. What I find most valuable here is his ability to address the emotional and mental challenges creatives face—like self-doubt, burnout, and fear of failure—and offer encouragement without feeling preachy. The colorful, handwritten style of the book mirrors the realness of his words. It’s the kind of book you can flip through when you need a boost or a reminder that you’re not alone in your creative journey.
Why these books?
Across all of these books, there are a few key themes that stand out: the importance of consistency, the power of creativity, and the need to embrace vulnerability.
Consistency and Practice
Seth Godin's The Practice and Chase Jarvis's Creative Calling both emphasize that creativity isn't a one-time event—it's a lifelong habit. They argue that success comes from showing up and doing the work, day after day, regardless of whether inspiration is there. This theme of persistent effort is echoed in Paul Arden’s It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be, which argues that determination can outweigh talent. Whether you're building a business or improving your craft, these books remind us that consistency is the key to growth.
Embracing Creativity and Influence
Austin Kleon’s books, Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work, dive into the idea that creativity is not about being completely original, but rather about being open to influence. Kleon encourages us to borrow ideas, remix them, and put our own spin on things. This idea of creative borrowing is a liberating concept for many, as it reframes creativity as a collaborative and iterative process. This aligns with the message in Make Your Mark, which encourages creatives to build something meaningful by drawing from their passions and influences, combining them to create a lasting impact.
Sharing and Vulnerability
A strong theme that runs through several of these books—particularly Kleon's Show Your Work and Adam JK’s Things Are What You Make of Them—is the importance of sharing your process and being vulnerable. Creatives often fear judgment, but both authors argue that sharing your work, your struggles, and your journey is what truly connects you with others. This openness helps build a community around your work, creating meaningful relationships and long-term support. Jarvis's Creative Calling also touches on this by stressing the importance of amplifying your creative voice and putting your work out into the world.
Challenging Conventional Thinking
Books like Paul Arden’s It's Not How Good You Are and Adam JK’s Things Are What You Make of Them push readers to think differently about success, fear, and failure. These works remind us that the path to success is often unconventional, and the only real limitations are the ones we place on ourselves. They encourage creatives to break out of their comfort zones, embrace failure as part of the process, and rethink what it means to make progress.
Building a Meaningful Career and Legacy
Finally, many of these books touch on the idea of making an impact beyond just financial success. Whether it’s in Make Your Mark, which focuses on creating a business that contributes to the greater good, or Creative Calling, which advocates for using your creative gifts to shape your lifestyle and career, there’s a recurring message that creativity is not just about personal success. It’s also about leaving a mark on the world, contributing to something bigger than yourself, and finding fulfillment in your work.
Together, these books create a blueprint for anyone looking to live and work creatively. The common thread is that creativity, when coupled with discipline and the courage to share, can lead to both personal fulfillment and professional success.
