My Favourite Books To Ignite Creativity
Here are some of my all-time favourite books that have fuelled my passion for design and helped me pursue a life of creativity and curiosity.
Quick Links
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be by Paul Arden
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
The Practice by Seth Godin
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
1. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
The Artist’s Way is the first book about creativity that had a significant impact on me. I’m sure many of you may have already read it – after all, it’s been translated into 40 languages and sold more than 5 million copies since it was first published in 1992.
I came across this book when I was working at Real Living magazine. It had been recommended by one of my colleagues. And it was a book that kept on popping up on my radar.
The Artist’s Way really opened my eyes to creativity as an act, and as an identity. And it really gave me permission to embrace and dedicate myself to my passion.
Favourite Julia Cameron Quotes:
"No matter what your age or your life path, whether making art is your career or your hobby or your dream, it is not too late or too egotistical or too selfish or too silly to work on your creativity."
“We like to focus on having learned a skill or on having made an artwork. This attention to final form ignores the fact that creativity lies not in the done, but in the doing.”
“Big changes happen with small steps.”
“Give yourself permission to be a beginner.”
– Julia Cameron
2. It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be by Paul Arden
This is a small book that has had a big impact on my understanding of the creative process. I first read it about eight years ago, and read it at least once a year.
Paul Arden worked in Saatchi and Saatchi for 15 years as creative director. The book is written through the lens of working at an advertising agency.
Some of the big takeaways for me when I first read this book was the importance of vision. Up until that point, I had never thought of the idea of creating a vision for myself and my work.
Favourite Paul Arden Quotes:
“Your vision of where or who you want to be is the greatest asset you have.”
“Do not seek praise, seek criticism.”
“Do not covet your ideas. Give away everything you know and more will come back to you.”
“Don’t look for the next opportunity. The one you have in your hand is the opportunity.”
– Paul Arden
3. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Another easy read, and a great one if you struggle with procrastination or perfectionism.
Steven Pressfield names “Resistance” as the force that keeps us stuck — and then provides ideas on how to overcome it.
This book is an honest, tough love approach to get you to sit down, do the work and trust the process.
Favourite Steven Pressfield Quotes:
“What I know, there’s a secret that real writers know that wannabe writers don’t. And the secret is this. It’s not the writing that’s hard. What’s hard is sitting down to write. What keeps us from sitting down is Resistance.”
“Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will perjure, fabricate, and seduce. Resistance will pledge anything to get you to stop doing your work.”
“The most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.”
– Steven Pressfield
4. The Practice by Seth Godin
This book is based on the idea of the subtitle: shipping creative work. Seth Godin writes about the idea that we have to get our work out into the world. He starts the book with this idea: “The magic of the creative process is that there is no magic.”
Throughout the book he shares ways you can engage with the creative practice, and most importantly, ship your work.
Favourite Seth Godin Quotes:
“Creativity is a choice. It’s not a bolt of lightning from somewhere else.” "Skill is not the same as talent. The practice is about embracing the process of becoming skilled, not waiting for the talent to arrive."
"You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be good enough to show up, and then good enough to ship. And then good enough to do it again."
– Seth Godin
5. The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
A book about creativity that has a beautiful cover. I’m sure you’ve seen this one styled beautifully in people’s homes.
It’s not just a good-looking book though. There are many words of wisdom from this esteemed record producer.
Favourite Rick Rubin Quotes:
“Being an artist is not about having talent. It’s about having a vision, the courage to pursue it, and the willingness to see it through.”
“The best work arises from an alignment of the head, the heart, and the hand. If one is missing, the work falls flat.”
“The best art divides the audience. Half will love it. Half will hate it. If it’s watered down to please everyone, it doesn’t move anyone.”
“The process is the point. We are not creating to produce a perfect result; we are creating to deepen our connection to the world and ourselves.”
– Rick Rubin
On My Wishlist
Here are five creative books on my wishlist:
Arranging Things by Colin King
Redefining Comfort by Jake Arnold
Soft Minimal by Norm Architects
Stillness: An Exploration of Japanese Aesthetics in Architecture and Design by Norm Architects
Flamingo Estate: The Guide To Becoming Alive by Richard Christiansen
What are your favourite books about creativity? Which ones should I add to my wishlist?
Let me know below or on Instagram @nataliewalton.
Go Deeper
Join A New Interior Styling Training: Learn how to style like an expert | Sign up here
Design & Grow Your Creative Business: Get the strategies, systems and support to reach your goals | Start here
Work With Me 1:1: Need clarity and guidance on your interiors or creative project? Get help here
Get The Books: Insights and inspiration to design a home & life you love. | Buy signed copies here