Hello, fellow book lover. Let’s talk about creativity. First, a little truth: you are creative. Yes, you. Even if you don’t paint, write, or sing. Creativity isn’t reserved for “artsy” types, it’s in how you solve problems at work, cook a meal from scraps, style your outfit, or find a new route home. Creativity is really just the art of living with imagination.

But here’s the catch: most of us don’t feel creative. We say things like, “I’m not the creative type,” or “I don’t have a creative bone in my body.” Or maybe we once felt creative but somewhere along the way, between deadlines, bills, and life’s responsibilities, we lost that spark.

The good news? Creativity can be rekindled. It’s not gone, it’s just waiting for you to make space, stretch, and play again.

And you know what’s been one of the biggest unlockers of my creativity? Books.

But not just any books. While I love the classics like Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way or Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, you’ve probably already seen those on a hundred other lists. Today, I want to share something different: 5 self-help books that fly under the radar but are seriously powerful when it comes to awakening creativity.

Think of this as a bookish toolkit, each title brings a different key to unlock your imagination, flow, and self-expression. Find more posts on books recommendation here.

Ready to open some doors? Let’s dive in.

Powerful Books that will Awaken your Creativity

1. “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon

Okay, technically, this one is known in creative circles, but hear me out, it’s still underrated outside those circles, and it’s too powerful to leave off the list.

Austin Kleon’s philosophy is beautifully simple: nothing is original, and that’s okay. Every creative act is built from influence, remixing, and reimagining what came before. When you stop trying to be “original” and instead allow yourself to borrow, play, and experiment, you unlock a whole new sense of freedom.

The book itself is short, visual, and full of quirky insights. It reads like advice from a wise, slightly mischievous friend who gives you full permission to just start, no matter how messy.

How it unlocks creativity: It takes the pressure off. Instead of waiting for “pure genius” to strike, you’ll learn to collect ideas like puzzle pieces and trust that your unique perspective is what makes them new.

2. “Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon

Yes, we’re doubling up on Austin Kleon, because this book is the perfect follow-up to Steal Like an Artist. Where the first helps you create, this one helps you share.

So many of us hold back because we’re afraid our work isn’t “good enough.” But Show Your Work! makes the case that you don’t need to be a genius to share, you just need to be open. Share your process, your learning, your small steps, your behind-the-scenes.

It’s not about self-promotion, it’s about connection.

How it unlocks creativity: By giving you the courage to put your creations into the world, even in imperfect form. Creativity grows when it’s expressed, not hidden.

3. “Keep Going” by Austin Kleon

Last in Kleon’s trilogy is Keep Going. And trust me, it’s worth including because this one addresses a pain point every creative faces: burnout.

Maybe you’ve started projects with excitement, only to fizzle out. Or maybe you’ve felt blocked, stuck, and uninspired. Keep Going is the antidote, it’s about building small, nourishing routines that keep your creativity alive day after day.

This isn’t about productivity hacks. It’s about rituals, play, rest, and finding joy in the process.

How it unlocks creativity: It reminds you that creativity is less about one big breakthrough and more about showing up consistently, and finding ways to keep it fun.

4. “Creative Confidence” by Tom Kelley & David Kelley

Written by the founders of IDEO (a design and innovation company), this book is a game-changer for anyone who thinks they’re “not creative.”

The Kelley brothers argue that creativity isn’t just for artists, it’s a skill everyone can develop. Through real-life stories, design thinking principles, and practical exercises, they show how to approach challenges with curiosity instead of fear.

This book isn’t fluffy, it’s full of actionable insights you can use whether you’re working on a passion project, navigating a career change, or just wanting to think differently.

How it unlocks creativity: It helps you stop self-censoring and start experimenting. You’ll learn to see problems as opportunities and failures as stepping stones.

5. “The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life” by Twyla Tharp

Twyla Tharp is a legendary choreographer, and in this book, she pulls back the curtain on her creative process. What’s refreshing about her perspective is that she doesn’t see creativity as a mystical gift. For her, it’s a habit, something you can cultivate through routine, discipline, and structure.

The book is packed with practical exercises (she calls them “creativity workouts”) that challenge you to notice more, think differently, and push boundaries.

How it unlocks creativity: It teaches you to treat creativity like a muscle, one that grows stronger the more you use it intentionally.

Putting It All Together: Building Your Creative Life

So how do you actually use these books to unlock creativity in your life? Here’s a simple roadmap:

1. Start with Permission. (Steal Like an Artist) → Give yourself freedom to borrow, play, and try.
2. Move into Expression. (Show Your Work!) → Begin sharing your process, even imperfectly.
3. Build Consistency. (Keep Going) → Establish rituals that keep your creativity alive.
4. Expand Possibilities. (Creative Confidence) → Reframe challenges as opportunities for innovation.
5. Deepen the Practice. (The Creative Habit) → Commit to exercises and structures that make creativity a natural part of your life.

It’s not about reading them all at once. It’s about layering them into your journey as you grow.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the truth: creativity isn’t something you unlock once and keep forever. It’s a relationship, a practice. Some days it feels easy, some days it feels impossible. But every time you pick up one of these books, you’re feeding that relationship. You’re reminding yourself:

• You are creative.
• Your voice matters.
• And your everyday life can be a canvas.

So next time you feel stuck, uninspired, or doubtful, let one of these books nudge you back into motion.

Because the world doesn’t just need more creatives. The world needs you; living, thinking, and creating with imagination in your own unique way.