11 Unexpected Books Every Creative Should Read (And They’re Not What You’d Think!)
Ever felt creatively stuck, uninspired, or like your work just isn’t clicking? You’re not alone. Every creative hits roadblocks – whether it’s self-doubt, burnout, imposter syndrome, or just feeling like you’re missing some spark.
One of my favourite ways to break through those moments? Reading.
Books have a way of challenging how we think, sparking fresh ideas, and pushing us to see creativity in new ways. They remind us that creativity isn’t just about talent – it’s about mindset, perspective, and how we navigate the inevitable ups and downs.
Right now, I’m deep into researching the next season of the Following the Creative Spirit Podcast, and these books are all on my reading list. Some of them redefine creativity, some offer practical ways to protect and grow your creative practice, and some will completely shift how you think about your work.
If you’re a multi-passionate creative, small business owner, or artist feeling stuck in a creative rut, this list is for you.
Let’s dive in!
1. Messy: The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives – By Tim Harford
We’re constantly told that organisation, structure, and tidy processes are the key to success. But what if chaos and unpredictability were actually the secret weapons of creativity?
This book dives into how embracing the messiness of life – whether in your creative process, business, or daily routine – can lead to innovation, unexpected breakthroughs, and a more original approach to your work.
If you’ve ever felt guilty for not having the perfect system or workspace, this book will reframe the way you see your creative chaos.
Key Takeaways:
Why rigid structure can stifle creativity.
How to turn unpredictability into a creative advantage.
The unexpected benefits of embracing a little creative chaos.
Perfect For:
Creatives who feel pressured to be more structured but secretly thrive in organised chaos.
2. Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking – By David Bayles & Ted Orland
Ever felt paralysed by creative self-doubt? This book is like a warm, reassuring hug for any creative who struggles with fear, perfectionism, or imposter syndrome.
It unpacks the emotional rollercoaster of making art (or running a creative business) and reminds you that fear is normal – but it doesn’t have to hold you back.
Key Takeaways:
Why fear is a natural part of the creative process.
How to push through self-doubt and keep creating.
Why waiting for confidence won’t get you anywhere.
Perfect For:
Creatives who need a pep talk about pushing past fear and showing up anyway.
3. The Wander Society – By Keri Smith
Most productivity books will tell you to focus, plan, and optimise. This book tells you to go outside and wander.
It’s all about how exploration, curiosity, and stepping into the unknown can open up your creativity in unexpected ways. There’s even an element of mystery – introducing a secret society dedicated to the art of wandering (yes, really).
Key Takeaways:
Why stepping away from work can make you more creative.
The link between curiosity and original ideas.
How to use wandering as a creative practice.
Perfect For:
Creatives who feel stuck in routine and need a fresh, playful approach to inspiration.
4. Creative Confidence – By Tom Kelley & David Kelley
Have you ever thought, “I’m just not that creative”? This book will change your mind.
It argues that creativity isn’t something you’re born with – it’s something you build. The authors (who co-founded IDEO) provide real-world case studies of how creativity can be nurtured, developed, and turned into a powerful business tool.
If you’re struggling with self-doubt or feeling like your creative ideas aren’t "good enough," this book will shift your perspective and help you trust your creative instincts.
Key Takeaways:
How to unlock your natural creativity.
Why creativity is a skill, not a talent.
Practical ways to build creative confidence.
Perfect For:
Creatives who second-guess themselves and need a confidence boost.
5. Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World – By David Epstein
If you’ve ever been told to "pick a niche" and stick with it, this book will be a breath of fresh air.
It explores how broad skills, diverse experiences, and following multiple interests can actually make you more innovative and successful. This is a must-read for multi-passionate creatives who don’t want to be put in a box.
Key Takeaways:
Why being multi-passionate is a strength, not a weakness.
How diverse skills can lead to greater creativity.
Why generalists often outperform specialists.
Perfect For:
Creatives who refuse to pick just one passion and want to embrace their many talents.
6. Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad – By Austin Kleon
Creativity isn’t just about starting – it’s about keeping the momentum even when things feel hard.
This book offers simple, practical ways to stay inspired, avoid burnout, and continue creating even when motivation is low.
Key Takeaways:
Simple ways to protect your creativity from burnout.
How to disconnect from external noise and focus on your work.
Why showing up consistently matters more than waiting for inspiration.
Perfect For:
Creatives who struggle with consistency and need a reminder to keep going.
7. The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice – By Todd Henry
As a creative, you don’t always have the luxury of waiting for inspiration to strike. Whether you're working with clients, running a creative business, or juggling multiple projects, you need to be able to produce great work consistently – without burning out.
This book is all about building a system that supports creativity so you can be at your best, even under pressure. Todd Henry shares practical habits, routines, and mindset shifts to help you generate ideas, stay inspired, and create without feeling drained.
If you ever struggle with last-minute panic, creative blocks, or feeling like your best ideas come when it’s too late, this book will help you build a structure that keeps you consistently creative.
Key Takeaways:
How to structure your day for maximum creative output.
Ways to generate fresh ideas even when you don’t feel inspired.
Why having creative “rituals” helps you avoid burnout.
Perfect For:
Creatives who work with deadlines and need reliable ways to stay creative under pressure.
8. Your Story Matters – By Nikesh Shukla
Every creative has a story to tell, but so many of us hesitate to share it – whether it’s out of fear, self-doubt, or the belief that our story isn’t important enough.
This book is a powerful guide to finding your voice, embracing your experiences, and telling your story with confidence. Nikesh Shukla, a celebrated writer and editor, offers personal insights and practical advice on how to own your perspective and share your work in a way that truly connects with others.
If you’ve ever felt like your voice gets drowned out or questioned whether your story matters, this book will remind you that it absolutely does.
Key Takeaways:
Why your unique voice and experiences are worth sharing.
How to write with authenticity and confidence.
Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome in your creative work.
Perfect For:
Creatives who want to express themselves more freely and share their work with the world – without second-guessing every word.
9. The Creative Act: A Way of Being – By Rick Rubin
This isn’t your typical how-to guide on creativity. Rick Rubin, one of the most influential music producers of all time, takes a completely different approach – one that treats creativity as a way of existing in the world rather than just something you ‘do.’
This book is more about mindset than method, encouraging creatives to step away from external pressures and reconnect with their intuition. Rubin explores how to create from a place of authenticity, embrace stillness, and let ideas flow without forcing them. It’s a meditative, thought-provoking read that challenges the way we think about making art.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or weighed down by the pressure to create ‘perfect’ work, this book offers a refreshing perspective on what it actually means to be creative.
Key Takeaways:
Creativity isn’t about producing—it’s about being open to inspiration.
Why slowing down and listening to yourself leads to more original work.
How to create without fear of judgment or expectation.
Perfect For:
Creatives who want to let go of rigid expectations and rediscover the joy of making something just for the sake of it.
10. The Practice: Shipping Creative Work – By Seth Godin
If you ever find yourself stuck in perfectionism, procrastination, or the fear of putting your work out into the world, this book is for you.
Seth Godin challenges the idea that creativity is about waiting for inspiration to strike. Instead, he argues that showing up consistently and doing the work is what actually leads to creative success.
This book is filled with short, insightful lessons that push you to embrace the process, release self-doubt, and focus on progress over perfection. It’s a much-needed reminder that creativity isn’t about having a ‘gift’ – it’s about committing to your practice and sharing what you make.
If you’ve ever felt paralysed by overthinking, this book will help you push past the fear and start ‘shipping’ your work with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
Creativity is a habit, not a talent.
Why perfectionism holds creatives back more than anything else.
The importance of sharing your work, even when it feels scary.
Perfect For:
Creatives who struggle with finishing projects, second-guess their work, or feel stuck waiting for the ‘right moment’ to put themselves out there.
11. The Creative Habit – By Twyla Tharp
Creativity isn’t just about inspiration – it’s about discipline, routine, and showing up for your work every single day. That’s the philosophy behind this book by legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp, who has spent decades refining her own creative habits.
Unlike books that focus purely on artistic expression, this one is packed with practical exercises designed to help creatives build stronger habits, overcome creative blocks, and develop a process that keeps ideas flowing.
Tharp argues that creativity is a skill you can strengthen – not some magical gift bestowed on a lucky few. If you’ve ever wished for more consistency in your creative work (or struggled to stay inspired), this book will help you develop a repeatable process that works.
Key Takeaways:
Creativity thrives on routine, not just bursts of inspiration.
How to create an environment that supports consistent creative output.
Simple exercises to spark new ideas and stay motivated.
Perfect For:
Creatives who want to take their work more seriously and develop a daily practice that keeps them inspired, productive, and always creating.
Bonus: Big Magic – By Elizabeth Gilbert
Okay, I know – this one isn’t exactly an unexpected recommendation. If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I talk about this book all the time. But there’s a reason for that – it’s genuinely one of the best books on creativity out there.
Elizabeth Gilbert takes a refreshing, almost magical approach to creativity, treating it as a living force that we collaborate with rather than something we have to ‘conquer.’ She encourages creatives to release fear, stop overthinking, and simply make the things that bring them joy.
If you’re feeling stuck, doubting your creative path, or just need a big dose of creative encouragement, this book is like a pep talk from a wise, supportive friend who gets it.
Key Takeaways:
Creativity isn’t something you own – it’s something you nurture.
Why fear and self-doubt are part of the process (and how to work with them).
The importance of creating for yourself rather than external validation.
Perfect For:
Creatives who need a reminder that their work is worth making – even if it’s messy, imperfect, or just for fun.
Final Thoughts: Fuel Your Creativity with the Right Books
Creativity isn’t just about making things – it’s about how you think, how you approach challenges, and how you stay inspired over the long run. And the right book at the right time? It can completely change the way you see your creative process.
These books aren’t just filled with theory – they’re packed with real, practical insights that can help you show up, push through creative blocks, and build a brand (and a life) that feels truly aligned with who you are.
Whether you need a kick of inspiration, a mindset shift, or a practical guide to creative success, there’s something on this list for you.
Ready to Build a Brand That Reflects Your Passion?
And if you’re ready to take your creativity beyond just inspiration and start turning it into a brand that truly reflects who you are? That’s exactly what I help creatives do.
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