As a creativity entrepreneur I’m always reading a book that one of my peers has suggested. Building a library of reference materials has been invaluable for me not only as a small business owner but also as a creative person.
If you are like me, you are curious about different art processes, business building tools and stories shared by other artists. I am not one who devours books because my life is so full. I simply nibble at books slowly in the in between times with the goal of finishing a book each month. I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite thought provoking books, many of which I refer back to time and time again. Below you will find 5 of my top favorites. My full library of favorite books can be found here.
A Million Little Ways by Emily P Freeman
Emily’s book is one of my absolute favorites. It explores the idea that everyone has a unique calling and purpose in life, and that our creativity can be a powerful way to express and live out that purpose. Her book encourages us to embrace our creativity, whether that be through writing, painting, cooking, or any other form of self-expression, and to trust that our unique voice and perspective has value and can make a difference in the world. Through inspiring stories and practical tips, Emily invites us to embrace our creative selves and to live our lives as works of art by expressing it in everything we do.
Seeing this bright yellow book cover on my shelf is always a remind to me to Dream Big when I start to hold back. His book encourages us to pursue our biggest dreams and live a life filled with purpose and passion. Using his own experiences and stories, Bob inspires us to overcome our fears, embrace uncertainty, and take bold steps towards our goals. He emphasizes the importance of listening to our own hearts and taking action to make our dreams a reality, rather than letting fear or doubt hold us back. He also encourages us to surround ourselves with people who will support and encourage our dreams and to never give up on our dreams, no matter how big or audacious they may seem.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
I’ve read this book 3 times now and always find something new that I need each time. This book provides guidance and tools for artists and creatives to overcome creative blocks and tap into their inner creativity. It is structured as a 12-week program that includes exercises, writing prompts, and other activities to help you develop a regular creative practice and connect with your artistic impulses. Julia explores the idea of "creative recovery," which involves identifying and overcoming the self-doubt, fear, and other obstacles that can prevent us from expressing ourselves creatively. Personally, this was a tool I used to get out of my post-Covid creative lump.This book explores the science behind the feeling of joy and how to cultivate more joy in our daily lives. Ingrid identifies ten aesthetic elements that bring joy, such as bright colors, round shapes, and symmetry, and provides examples of how these elements can be incorporated into our homes, workplaces, and public spaces to create more joyful environments. I found her book a delightful read and it gave me insight into why certain design elements bring more joy than others.
Building a Brand Story by Donald Miller
This amazing book provides guidance and practical tools for businesses and individuals looking to create a compelling brand story. Miller emphasizes the importance of creating a clear and authentic narrative that connects with customers on an emotional level, and offers a framework for developing a brand story that is both engaging and effective. The book includes exercises and examples to help us identify our brand's unique identity, clarify our message, and create a marketing plan that resonates with our target audience. He also stresses the importance of using storytelling as a tool for building trust and creating a sense of community around our brand. Branding may not feel like something we need to develop as a creative entrepreneur. When I first started my business I didn’t even understand what branding is. Needless to say, it’s very important and whether you understand it or not, all the components of your business are sending a “branding” message to your customers everyday. This book is helping me develop an intentional brand voice.
I believe that reading and learning new things are important regardless of our season of life or the growth stage of our business.
It expands our knowledge of creative opportunities and helps us develop new skills that we may not have even considered.
The books I’ve listed have helped me overcome roadblocks, discover dreams, develop strategies and broaden my perspectives.
My hope is you discover a new favorite book from my list that will help you unleash a bigger dream or gain more confidence along your own creative entrepreneurial journey.
I'll love to hear about the books you have found helpful or inspirational that you think will help others in this community.