3 Books That Actually Inspired My Creative Growth
As a dyslexic girl, I’ve always struggled with reading. Of course, I’ve tried to get through the classics and bestsellers because everyone around me was talking about them, but my slow reading speed made the whole process a real pain in the ass. I pushed myself hard and realized two things: first, life’s too short to waste time on stuff I don’t give a damn about just because it looks cool to a group of people who call themselves intellectuals; and second, I don’t enjoy reading dead authors who are totally disconnected from my life and interests.
So, last year, I decided to switch things up and focus on books that actually help me grow as a creative person, filled with images and content I can really enjoy. The three books I want to mention today are Fuck Perfection, Steal Like an Artist, and The Creative Way of Being. These books completely reshaped how I think about creativity, fear, and the artistic process.
1. "Feck Perfuction" by James Victore
This book was like a breath of fresh air for me. For the longest time, I felt like the things that made me “me” were considered weird by others. Whether it was the way I approached a project or how I changed my career from architecture to illustration and graphic design, there was always someone telling me to "do it the right way." But reading Fuck Perfection was a validation of what I had always thought deep down: there is no "right way" to be creative, and the things that people call mistakes are actually part of your unique path and voice.
For me, this book taught me that I need to trust myself. Victore’s philosophy that being you is the most powerful weapon you have—because no one else has it—was exactly what I needed to hear. It reminded me that the very things others see as imperfections are what make my work and journey my own.
2. "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon
Before reading Steal Like an Artist, I was always terrified of unintentionally copying other artists. There was this constant fear in the back of my mind that I wasn’t creating anything truly original, and that my work would be seen as a rip-off of someone else’s ideas. This book helped me break free from that fear. Austin Kleon makes it clear that nothing is ever truly original, and that’s okay—because what matters is how you take inspiration from others and make it your own.
Thanks to this book, I overcame my fear of being accused of copying, and more importantly, I let go of the pressure to create something completely new from scratch. I learned that creativity isn’t about inventing in a vacuum but about remixing ideas, finding your own spin, and putting your personal touch on what inspires you.
3. "The Creative Way of Being" by Rick Rubin
Rick Rubin isn’t someone you’d normally associate with illustration, but his book The Creative Way of Being is full of wisdom for any type of artist. So often, as illustrators, we get caught up in trying to keep up with the latest trends or doing what we think will sell or get the most likes. But Rubin encourages you to forget all of that and create from a place of curiosity and self-exploration.
This book helped me reconnect with why I started illustrating in the first place. It’s not about following what’s popular or worrying about external validation; it’s about creating because it’s what I need to do as an artist. Being an artist isn’t something you choose—it’s something you just are.
Since reading these books, I’ve learned to stop stressing about perfection, overcome my fear of not being original enough, and trust that my unique voice is valid. If you’re struggling with creative self-doubt or just looking for a fresh perspective, I highly recommend checking out these books. They’re filled with advice that’s practical, but more importantly, they encourage you to embrace who you are as an artist and stop trying to fit into anyone else’s mold.
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