If you want to boost your creativity and innovation skills, these four books are absolute must-reads. They approach creativity from different angles—learning from others, overcoming fear, building confidence, and battling resistance. I’ve read them all and highly recommend them.
A brief but insightful guide that challenges the myth of originality. Kleon shows that creativity isn’t about inventing from scratch—it’s about studying, remixing, and transforming the work of others. The book grew from a speech he gave, and it’s packed with practical wisdom like “use your hands,” “side projects are important,” and “creativity is subtraction.” Perfect for artists, designers, or anyone feeling stuck in their creative process.
The author of Eat, Pray, Love turns her attention to creativity itself. Gilbert argues that creative living is for everyone—not just “artists”—and that fear and perfectionism are the main obstacles standing in our way. She divides the book into courage, enchantment, permission, persistence, trust, and divinity, offering practical advice on how to collaborate with your ideas instead of fighting them. A warm, encouraging read for procrastinators and perfectionists alike.
From the founders of IDEO, the legendary design and innovation consultancy, comes a book that argues creative confidence isn’t talent—it’s a mindset that can be developed. The Kelley brothers share stories and frameworks from their decades of design thinking work, showing how anyone—from students to executives—can unlock their creative potential. Essential reading for product managers, team leaders, and anyone who believes “I’m just not the creative type.”
Pressfield identifies the invisible enemy that stops every creative endeavor: resistance. Self-doubt, procrastination, and fear aren’t personal failures—they’re universal forces that show up whenever you try to do something meaningful. His solution? Show up every day, do the work, and act like a professional. Short, punchy chapters make this an excellent companion for writers, entrepreneurs, and anyone struggling to start.
Quick Comparison
| Book | Best For | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Steal Like an Artist | Beginners, designers | Creative methods & workflow |
| Big Magic | Perfectionists | Overcoming fear |
| Creative Confidence | Teams, leaders | Design thinking & confidence |
| The War of Art | Blocked creatives | Beating resistance |
These four books complement each other beautifully. Start with Steal Like an Artist for practical methods, then Big Magic to address the mental blocks, follow with Creative Confidence for collaborative innovation, and finish with The War of Art when resistance strikes.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” — Steve Jobs
Start your creative journey with one of these books today.