I love to read, and I probably don’t make as much time for it as I used to, or that I ought to. I have to remind myself that life is very much about balance and while I love a great fiction novel or a trashy romance novel from time to time, I prefer to read books add something to my life. Whether it’s well being, health or in business the best way to be forever learning and adding to our brain bank is to read.
Blogs are a great quick read, and a podcast perfect for those that are either not a word nerd or like to get their info on the go. There are some great ones out there, so familiarise yourself with some, and feel free to share them with me, as I’m always looking to discover other great artists and creatives.
Here are a few books you ought to add to your reading list, that might give you a bit of insight or allow you to free the creative trapped within!
Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon
Everything in life, creativity, business are borrowed or stolen ideas. The difference though is how you can take an original idea and make it new again and make people interested in it. What actually started as a presentation and talk for students has now evolved into one of the best selling books around. Translated into a number of languages globally, this is a must have and read for everyone in business and life really.
Imagine a world where people wake up every day inspired to go to work, feel safe while they are there, and return home at the end of the day feeling fulfilled by the work they do, feeling that they have contributed to something greater than themselves.
Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Sinek teaches leaders and organizations how to inspire people. With a bold goal to help build a world in which the vast majority of people go home everyday feeling fulfilled by their work, Sinek is leading a movement to inspire people to do the things that inspire them. “It doesn’t matter what you do, it matters Why you do it.” With a little discipline, anyone can learn to inspire.
Start With Why offers an unconventional perspective that explains the reasons some leaders and organizations are more innovative, more profitable, command greater loyalties from customers and employees alike and, most importantly, are able to repeat their success over and over.
How do objects summon memories? What do real images feel like? For decades, these types of questions have permeated the pages of Lynda Barry’s compositions, with words attracting pictures and conjuring places through a pen that first and foremost keeps on moving. What It Is demonstrates a tried-and-true creative method that is playful, powerful, and accessible to anyone with an inquisitive wish to write or to remember.
Each page has cool images and drawings to help you engage and actually absorb the content. Think of it as an adults picture book but with lots of great information and motivation! Cool fact, she actually trained with the Simpson’s Matt Groening!
Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Confidence Potential In Us All.
by David and Tom Kelley
Too often, companies and individuals assume that creativity and innovation are the domain of the “creative types.” But two of the leading experts in innovation, design, and creativity on the planet show us that each and every one of us is creative. In an incredibly entertaining and inspiring narrative that draws on countless stories from their work at IDEO, the Stanford d.school, and with many of the world’s top companies, David and Tom Kelley identify the principles and strategies that will allow us to tap into our creative potential in our work lives, and in our personal lives, and allow us to innovate in terms of how we approach and solve problems.
It is a book that will help each of us be more productive and successful in our lives and in our careers. I highly suggest everyone read this. It’s both easy, entertaining and enlightening!
There are loads more out there but these will get you started and give you a great launching off point. If you wind up reading them, I’d love to hear your comments and feedback! OR if you’ve a book you’ve either written which can help anyone else or live by..