Best Books to Improve Creativity
Contents
books about creativity
Seeking fresh inspiration is part of daily life—whether it’s simply strolling around and spotting things to photograph, observing people, heading to art galleries, flipping through publications, and so much more. But books have consistently played a crucial role in this ongoing search to spark the mind. Here are seven books pulled straight from a bookshelf that can support anyone aiming to boost their creative thinking abilities.
1. Make Your Mark by Jocelyn K. Glei
Creative minds constantly generate ideas—many of them entrepreneurial, and some with the potential to genuinely impact the world. For those needing to activate their business instincts to work in harmony with their creative side, this book serves as a solid entry point.
Books to Improve Creativity
2. The 46 Rules Of Genius by Marty Neumeier
Navigating through a maze of ideas can be overwhelming; the real challenge often lies in giving those ideas form and purpose. Inside these pages is a powerful mix of insights and strategies to help move things from concept to execution.
3. Serious Creativity by Edward de Bono
After reading his book Lateral Thinking, everything can shift—guiding how ideas are developed in a creative journey. This book is equally impactful. It illustrates how to generate ideas on demand and proves that creative thinking is a skill that can be acquired.
Best Books to Improve Creativity
4. Rebel Without A Crew by Robert Rodriguez
This book has a way of lighting a creative fire—especially for those exploring filmmaking, directing commercials, or launching personal projects. Rodriguez shares how he started from scratch, with no technical knowledge of cameras or production—but didn’t let that stop him. It’s a bold reminder that when the desire to create is strong enough, nothing should stand in the way.
5. It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be by Paul Arden
Arden, a legendary Creative Director from London, delivers this book in extremely simple ways on how to thrive creatively. While it leans a little toward the advertising world, its insights remain relevant for just about anyone navigating creativity in work or personal life.
6. Think Like A Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Everyone is told to think outside the box—this book goes even further. The authors genuinely offer a fresh angle on thinking differently, revealing tips and perspectives from several unlikely sources. Even the title alone is enough to spark curiosity.
Best Books to Improve Creativity
7. Ignore Everybody by Hugh MacLeod
A refreshing read that cuts straight to the chase without any fluff—it tells things exactly as they are and lays out some of the blunt realities of a creative life. Yet, it does so in a way that motivates and drives action.
8. Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon
This book is a modern classic when it comes to creative thinking. It teaches that originality isn’t about being the first—it’s about how influences are absorbed and remixed. With short chapters and clever visuals, it’s perfect for those who need quick yet insightful inspiration to jumpstart ideas.
9. Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
A follow-up to Steal Like An Artist, this one emphasizes the power of sharing your creative journey. It encourages creators to be open, generous, and visible—not just with finished work, but with the process. It’s a book that helps people build confidence in putting themselves out there.
10. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
One of the most powerful books about overcoming internal resistance. It doesn’t sugarcoat the creative struggle—it identifies it and calls it out. Whether you’re writing, designing, filming, or starting something new, this book pushes readers to break past their own blocks and keep showing up.