Being a creative is a hard thing. Being an entrepreneur is also a hard thing. I have been on this journey for quite some time and I believe information, perspectives, and inspiration completely fuel creativity. These 5 books have elevated so many aspects of my life as an artist and as an entrepreneur. I consider these 5 books for creative entrepreneurs as essential guides to refining artistic processes, thinking differently about how to define success, how a mindset shift is really the first step, and a lot of other practical advice that you may not intentionally think to try or do on your own. Being a successful creative and a successful entrepreneur are one in the same. Creativity is necessary in any industry and everything in these books is easily transferable. I am a visual artist and educator and have recommended these books to my brother as a photographer. Reading and exploring more of others’ thoughts is always a good idea to spark creativity. These are my Top 5 Must-Read Books For Creative Entrepreneurs.
1. The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
I fell into a creativity hole on Youtube one day and kept coming across a man by the name of Rick Rubin. Had no idea he was one of the best and most sought after music producers of our time and that he had a lot of really interesting things to say about his creative process as a music producer. From ideation to collaboration, he covers a lot in regards to what creativity is, what is feels like, and how it is essential to life. It is life, really. “Quote” He has such a vast and unique perspective that even I, as a person who considers themselves “musically illiterate” can connect to these concepts thoroughly. As I’m sure is the case for writers, comedians, fashion designers, great leaders. The book is broken down into very digestible chapters each with it’s own concepts centered around creativity and how to engage with the world.Â
2. Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain
This may have been the book that sparked it all for me. Made me aware of my patterns of thinking that weren’t conducive to my process. Gave me strategies to think differently, and most importantly gave me actionable items and assignments to actually put the notions into practice in a guided and safe way. As someone who journals, I love me a little interactive book.This book is really the step by step guide to what it looks like and what it really means to be able to bring your thoughts into fruition and why it works. She talks about not only how it works, but how using your imagination is the natural order of things. This book really gave me new ways of thinking about my creative power. I will also say that because it is an interactive book it is a pretty easy read. She has a really good way of taking abstract thoughts and making them simpler to think about. More “matter of fact” explanations that lead to an in depth understanding of the power of your creative mind and ideas.
3. Your First Million by Arlan Hamiliton
Discovered this one from a clip on the Tam’ron Hall Show sent to me by my mom. Arlan’s story is really incredible and her book is one of the best business books I’ve listened to. Any aspiring entrepreneur could learn a lot from Arlan’s story. Her inclusion of personal experiences makes her book relatable and practical. In her entrepreneurship journey, she has started multiple successful companies with no resources, just confidence, time, and collaboration. She is a huge philanthropist in the business world and is really one of very few business leaders who identifies as a queer, black, woman. She talks about common business challenges, ways to overcome them, and different ways to diversify funds for a profitable business. Her bestselling book includes small actions to put into practice that grow you and your business over time. One of the first black women on the cover of the Financial Times, she has funded many successful businesses led by marginalized people through her venture capitalism. Arlan talks a lot about how people of all backgrounds have good ideas and they simply have to be fairly considered in who deserves capital behind their ideas. She aspires to level the playing field, by investing in the success of the right people building small businesses that cater to their communities over large corporations and unicorn companies. Arlan’s book was especially great to me because she talks a lot about the importance of community and collaboration. Two things I never consciously prioritized in my artistic practice, but since implementing have vastly impacted my creative process and success as an artist. Her book fueled my desire and plan to meet more artists organically and spend more intentional time around the people who do what I do. Her advice will completely shift how you show up for yourself and how you’re always carving YOUR lane. From small business owners to CEOs of large companies, Arlan has created a guide on how to grow rich in all aspects of life.Â
4. Atomic Habits by James Clear
The very popular New York Times bestseller. The classic book that has influenced people to take note of all of the small changes they can make to reach big goals. This book gives a different perspective to what change really looks like. I believe the book is so popular because it is so digestible and easy to take on in chunks. I will say the most influential part of the book for me was Clear talking about the importance of your work environment in building habits. Just this simple idea from one part of the book was a tipping point for me. My space has to be designed in a way that is conducive to my productivity and the habits I would like to build. I will say I took this concept to an extreme level, by throwing away half of my things and moving into a tiny 500 square foot box that is essentially my art studio that I also happen to eat and sleep in. This one change catapulted my creativity and time management. I would say I am close to 100% more productive (true stat) in my new environment. Whether your goal is a 4-hour workweek, a startup idea, or to grow on social media this book will help you organize your actions to get there. Maybe you’ll take other new skills away from the book, but regardless, I think anyone can find something they need in this book.Â
5. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
This is the one right here. Another very interactive book as well. A book that talks a lot about the importance of emotional intelligence in regards to art and your creative process. How things like rage and fear can easily waive your artistic journey. Now this book is the most interactive. With ongoing tasks and homework between chapters. Going through the book the way I did first wasn’t the best way to consume it as I feel each chapter is a very important component of being an artist. I feel it is important to really sit with each chapter and get comfortable with the practices that feel natural to you before moving to the next chapter. It is a great read, but I think to really apply the book it is great to take it chapter by chapter. She includes the personal lives of different types of artist and ways they navigate their process. It is a really great book for elevating holistically as an artist. Spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, it covers it all. I have also seen a lot of my favorite creators in different industries reading, sharing, and talking about this book.Â
Really hope you check out one (or all) of the books mentioned. You being here in the first place is amazing. These and other books will present in your life at the right time. All of the great things these books talk about make me feel indebted to them in some way and I aspire to make people feel the same in my work. These are some of the best books for anyone looking to elevate as a creative entrepreneur. I’m an audiobook girl and all of these books are on Audible. Sign up here and let’s be book buddies! Good luck on all of your endeavors and please share if these or any other books helped you along your creative journey. We love all the success stories!