5 More Books Every Creative Person Should Read

I’ve previously written about some favorite books of mine. I think reading is one of the best things that you can do, and the right books provide incredible insight into complicated topics and accomplished lives, with oftentimes actionable takeaways. Here are five more books that I’ve found enlightening and above all, helpful.

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull

This is the story of Pixar as told by one of its founders, Ed Catmull. He was a pioneer of computer graphics, was behind the creation of the earliest feature length computer generated movies (Toy Story and the like), and maintained a very close working relationship with Steve Jobs (a major investor in Pixar, he saved the company several times). Catmull not only writes about the history, but the processes and internal culture that helped Pixar become such a creative powerhouse. It’s an excellent read about a company that many of us hold dear in our hearts, and a must for anyone in a creative line of work.

I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons by Kevin Hart and Neil Strauss

Kevin Hart and Neal Strauss (author of The Game) come together to tell the fascinating story of Hart’s life, upbringing, eventual stardom, and the lessons he learned along the way. Hart’s story is truly one of persistence, where he was performing in low-tier comedy clubs across the country for years and years before he started making major breakthroughs. He has a huge amount of forces, both internal and external, that he could have given in to at any time and stopped everything. He didn’t, of course, and became the celebrity we know him today. A great and relevant book on persistence and not backing down.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

The War of Art is Pressfield’s first non-fiction book and talks about the obstacles faced when attempting to reach any kind of major accomplishment, particularly for creatives. He goes over many of the different roadblocks and distractions that anyone will face when they undergo a creative journey. It’s a really short read and has a tone that lights a fire under your ass and gets you to work.

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

This is an excellent and classic book on the psychology of habits, both good and bad. Habits are the key to a tremendous amount of things in life — fitness, knowledge, progress in life and in business, the list goes on. The Power of Habit analyzes the role of habits in many different situations, and shows examples of how these habits can be harnessed, or how they can be exploited by others. One of the top must-reads in this category.

Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World by Tim Ferriss

Tribe of Mentors is essentially a sequel to Ferriss’ 2016 collection Tools of Titans. While Tools is largely a collection of transcribed podcast interviews (not to say that it wasn’t an incredible book), Ferriss found an even more straightforward approach to this one. He reached out to many accomplished figures in every industry and walk of life imaginable, and asked them a specific set of questions. He then put together this list of answers (and some polite rejections) and formed Tribe of Mentors. Whether you agree with the philosophies in Ferriss’ other books or not, it’d be hard to say that all of the featured individuals don’t have anything helpful to say. The book is split up into so many people and chapters that despite its impressive length, it’s actually quite a quick read.

I’m a digital strategist and occasional photographer living in New York City. Follow me at @andreikorchagin on Instagram, or visit me at andreikorchagin.com.