The Creative’s Summer Reading List

Jul 24, 2019 | Creative Inspiration

summer books for creatives

Books and I are pretty tight. We have been for many years, but in different ways. I grew up reading for fun, then as an escape, and now as a form of education and inspiration (ok, and still as an escape.) I’ve been trying to read 2 books a month this year, and while I haven’t been successful every single month, I’ve still made a decent dent in my shelf. I’ve got a solid mix of fiction, non-fiction, mysteries, design books, biographies, and self help stuff that is sure you keep you entertained and interested! Check these out and then tell me what your favorites are!

summer books for creatives

 

Big Magic
All makers should read Big Magic. Elizabeth Gilbert nails what it’s like to go through the ups and downs of the creative life, and gives insight on how to navigate self talk through both the good and bad seasons. She reframes how we view ideas and creativity and her thoughts have been really helpful for me during times where I’ve felt like a flop or like I’d run out of ideas. I love the audiobook version of this!

 

 

Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All
This is for anyone who thinks that they can’t be creative. You can!  David and Tom Kelley show how everyone has the ability to be creative, and they show you strategies to tap in to the genius you didn’t know you had!

 

 

Girl, Wash Your Face!
Rachel Hollis is always my go to when I need a reminder that I am the one who gets to decide what my dreams are going to be, and when I need someone to remind me that other people’s opinions don’t need to have an effect on me. If you struggle with taking ownership of your dreams or find yourself too caught up in your insecurities to move forward on your dreams, read this!

A New Brand World

This is hands down the best book on branding that I’ve ever read. Scott Bedbury has worked for the likes of Nike and Starbucks, so it’s safe to say he knows what he’s talking about. I thought I knew and loved branding until I read this, and then it completely transformed my view of brand and made me love it even more. Every business owner, designer, or marketer should read this!

 

 

 

 

Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits

If you love Debbie’s Podcast, you’ll love this book. It’s a collection of interviews with some of the best minds in brand thinking. Debbie is a fantastic interviewer who knows just the right questions to ask the people she talks with. This is full of fun and insightful ideas on what brand is in the modern day marketplace.

 

Tribes by Seth Godin

I’ve been a big fan of Purple Cow (I think most of us are by now!) and Tribes was the perfect follow up afterwards. This is about leadership, but not in a manager-and-employee kind of way. No matter who you are or what you create, you will read this and identify places in your life where you can be a leader, and how to lead effectively and well. It’s a quick, easy read to.  I read it in one afternoon by the pool!

 

The Death of Mrs. Westaway

I had to throw in a good fiction option for you. This is my one for the summer! i’ve really loved all of Ruth Ware’s books, and this one is no exception. It will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat, but it’s also a very enjoyable read!

Free Download

How to Market Yourself as a Maker

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Hey! I’m Moriah– a commercial and editorial food photographer and creative entrepreneur who is perpetually drinking coffee and covered in dog hair. I write this blog from New York City where I run my creative agency, The B Edit. I write this blog in the hopes that you can one day have your creative dream job, too!   

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