Books for Creatives: Finding Magic Beyond the Screen

In an age of endless scrolling and shrinking attention spans, we seem to have forgotten the simple joy of reading. That eager anticipation of flipping a page, the thrill of a beautiful cover that makes us judge (and sometimes buy) a book, the smell of a well-loved paperback, and the calm of being lost in a good story—these experiences feel increasingly rare.

We used to share books. Now we share bite-sized knowledge on reels and carousels. And while there’s no denying the value in digital content, I find myself retreating to paper books—the kind that don’t need any charging or buffering.

Give me the weight of a book in hand over the convenience of a Kindle. No thumb ever got sore from turning pages, after all.

Book suggestions for Creative Minds

1. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

This is an all-time favorite. A gentle yet powerful reminder to live creatively without fear. Gilbert shares her perspective on inspiration, resistance, and why you don’t need permission to create. It’s not about being fearless—it’s about making peace with fear and doing the work anyway.

2. Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Short, sharp, and full of practical advice. A reminder that nothing is original, and that creativity is really about remixing ideas in your own voice. If you’re a visual thinker or a note-taker, you’ll love the layout. Ideal for beginners and professionals alike.

3. Do Design by Alan Moore

This book gently reminds you that good design is not just functional—it’s emotional, personal, and purposeful. It speaks to designers, makers, and anyone building a thoughtful life; and saying that beauty is key to everything.

4. Damn Good Advice (for People with Talent!) by George Lois

I picked this one up from Moco Musuem in Barcelona. The cover got to me!

Simple, loud, bold truths from a creative advertising legend. It’s more advertising & communication related but has some strong punch paragraphs for any creative individual.

5. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Because creatives need to think about money, too.
Not a finance book in the traditional sense. It’s about your behavior with money—how emotions, habits, and stories shape our financial choices. For artists, freelancers, and anyone who wants to build a sustainable creative life, this book is essential.

Related: Passion to Profession- Steps to Start a Creative Business

Why Creatives Still Need Books

Books offer more than information – they offer depth, stillness, and presence. They don’t ask for likes or shares. They ask for attention and in return, they offer transformation.

If you’ve been feeling disconnected or creatively burnt out, consider picking up one of these books. Let them remind you why you create and why that still matters—even in a digital world.

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Which of these books have you read? Share your recommendations in the comments or pin this post for your next creative block.