I used to think I hated reading. Now that I’m older and my practice as an artist has gone from “just paint as much as you can, get as much work as you can” to a slower, more intentional process, I’d now call myself a devourer of books. I’ve found that my career as a painter and soul as an artist as grown because of these books. Below I have a list of 7 of my most highly recommended books for artists and creative business owners for those of you who are looking to deepen your journey with art and/or grow as a business owner.

Related: My Top 5 Favorite Podcasts for Creative Business Owners

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7 Highly Recommended Books for Artists and Creative Business Owners

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

This is one of the most profound and eye opening books on creativity. Whether you’re a business owner or not, this book will help you discover your own creative blocks and how to work past them. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been focusing on renovating my creative process and connecting not only my mind and heart as a painter, but also integrating it with the soul and this book is incredibly eye opening in that regard. Julia Cameron was recently interviewed by Marie Forleo (who I talk about below!) and it’s such an inspirational video. You have to check it out!

The Work of Art by Alison Gerber

In this book you’ll find a wide range of stories from artists on their discovery to their vocation, what makes up their style and creative calling and more. If you’re looking for a peek inside how professional artists create careers out of what they do and why they do it, this is a great book! 

Palette Perfect by Lauren Wager

You know my love language is color theory, right? Well, one of my favorite inspiration books on color combinations is this one. The examples in this book are mostly pulled from the fashion industry, which is a great way to pull in style elements and inspiration from outside your own style or niche. 

Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

This book is a life changer! At least for me it was. If you’re a sucker for imposter syndrome or feeling like your ideas or desires are impossible, the stories Marie tells in her book are inspiring and eye opening. Whether you’re a creative business owner or just feeling stuck in your creative endeavors, I highly recommend this one!

Building A Brand Story by Donald Miller

This book is for the creative business owners. If you need help sharing your story, selling your product and understanding storytelling and how it affects the marketing of your products or services, this book is awesome. In this book, Miller shares seven pillars to storytelling that will impact your brand and help you become a better marketer and salesperson.

Interaction of Color by Josef Albers

Back to color. I get asked ALL the time how I come up with my color palettes for my paintings. Typically I don’t reference any books or inspiration photos, it’s just a part of my imagination usually, BUT for those of you who struggle with visualization, this book would be an awesome help in grasping a deeper understanding of color theory and relationships! 

The Flower Recipe Book by Alethea Harampolis

This book is for those of you reading who, like me, LOVE to paint flowers. Coming up with ideas for composition in a floral piece can be daunting, so I love referencing this book on floral arranging for ideas on color and composition and shapes of flowers. This is a must have for floral painters!

And the list of books doesn’t stop there! If you’re looking for more life-changing, career changing and art changing books to read, check out my full list in my Amazon shop HERE!