In 2018, I’ve been reading with a focus on creativity, productivity and entrepreneurship. In my eyes, these are the topics every artist should keep reading about. The books below have been incredibly valuable to me as an artist, creative thinker and marketer.

As you may make plans already for 2019 on how to broaden your skill set, reading is an invaluable source of knowledge. Have I mentioned that one of my friends read over 100 books this year? That’s an achievement!

This year, I wanted to learn more about the connection between neuropsychology and art, about artist’s backgrounds and how I can push myself further as an artist and creative contributor in general. I’d like to grow not only as an artist and marketer but also as an “artpreneur”. That’s why you will find quite a mix of books below.

I’d like to recommend these books which I believe are worth reading if you want to know if creative talent is given or can be learnt, how creativity is and will be a big part of team work and future businesses. Also, if you like to know how you can be more successful as an artist, no matter if you’re a starter, full-time or part-time one; how you can use strategies, structures and discipline to push yourself further, then this is the right article for you! Here we go!

#1 PICASSO’S BRAIN by Christine Temple

It’s for: Everyone who wants to know where creativity comes from and why some people are more creative than others!
It’s about: A study by a neuropsychologist who explores factors that contribute to creative genius using the example of Pablo Picasso. This study delivers key factors that matter and that don’t matter to become truly creative. Ah and by the way, Picasso’s visual memory has been amazing! How is yours?

#2 CREATIVE COURAGE by Welby Altidor

It’s for: Everyone who wants to become a catalyst for bigger and better things in your personal life or at work!
It’s about: '“Leveraging Imagination, Collaboration, and Innovation to Create Success Beyond Your Wildest Dreams”, says the subtitle. When I was reading this book I felt like Welby Altidor is speaking my mind. He’s confirming everything I found out in the past few years, combining my professional job experience with my passion for art and creativity. Most people think that creativity is not part of the daily work they do. This book will challenge your perspectives and open your eyes. I loved it! Creative Courage is indeed more than a strategy, it's a way of life. Think different, think free, challenge others!

#3 REAL ARTIST DON’T STARVE by Jeff Goins

It’s for: Every creative who needs some motivation to keep creating and finding opportunities to monetise outcomes.
It’s about: “Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age”, according to the subtitle. The book is about 12 strategies to create, promote and sell your art. It’s relatively brief and you can easily read it over a weekend, if not in one day. It’s encouraging to keep creating or picking up your creative passion again and finding sustainable ways to live from your art. However, it’s also realistic when giving practical tips for those who still have day jobs.

#4 KEY PERSON OF INFLUENCE by Daniel Priestley

It’s for: Achievers!
It’s about: This book is a formular to become a key person of influence in only 5 steps, no matter what industry you are in or what expertise you are focusing on. As an artist this will give you concrete instructions on how to define your niche, write about your passion, monetise your products and services, how to stand out in a crowd, and how to partner with the right people. Are you curious? Well, this is an absolute must read!
1. Pitch 2. Publish 3. Productise 4. Profile 5. Partnerships - voilà!

#5 THE ONE THING by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

It’s for: Achievers again I must admit :-)!
It’s about: What's the ONE Thing you can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary? What else do you need to increase your focus and productivity? However you measure your personal or professional progress, you will be made aware that only the ability to dismiss distractions and concentrate on your ONE Thing stands between you and your goals. Do you want to get extraordinary results in every situation? That’s the book for you then!