3 Essential Creativity Books for Beginners Ready to Start

Discover beginner-friendly Creativity Books recommended by Ryan Carson, tech entrepreneur, and Roberto Blake Awesomesquad, creative entrepreneur and video marketer.

Ryan Carson
Roberto Blake Awesomesquad
Updated on June 28, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

Creativity is a journey anyone can begin, and starting with the right guidance makes all the difference. Whether you're eager to unlock your artistic potential or simply want to spark fresh ideas, creativity is accessible through steady practice and encouragement. Today, creativity matters more than ever as it fuels innovation, personal expression, and problem-solving in daily life.

Two voices stand out in guiding beginners: Ryan Carson, a tech entrepreneur who champions practical approaches to creative skills, and Roberto Blake Awesomesquad, a creative entrepreneur known for mentoring newcomers. Ryan found Creative Calling invaluable for shifting his mindset about creativity as a daily habit rather than a rare talent. Roberto often recommends the same book to beginners, highlighting its approachable methods for building lasting creative habits.

These carefully chosen beginner-friendly books lay strong foundations for your creative journey. If you want content tailored exactly to your learning pace and goals, consider creating a personalized Creativity book that meets you where you are and grows with you.

Best for daily creativity starters
Ryan Carson, a tech entrepreneur known for his work in startup education, shares a quick but enthusiastic endorsement: "My buddy released this awesome book. Go get it!" Carson's recommendation comes from recognizing how Chase Jarvis’s approach makes creativity approachable for newcomers struggling to start. The book helped him see creativity not as a distant talent but as a daily practice anyone can adopt. Alongside Carson, Roberto Blake Awesomesquad, a creative entrepreneur and video marketer, highlights that he recommends this book to many people just beginning their creative journeys, underscoring its value for first-timers eager to build strong creative foundations.
RC

Recommended by Ryan Carson

Tech entrepreneur and founder

My buddy released this awesome book. Go get it! (from X)

2019·304 pages·Creativity, Creative Thinking, Daily Practice, Creative Career, Habit Formation

When Chase Jarvis urges you to rethink creativity as a daily habit rather than a rare gift, he rewires how you approach your own creative potential. Drawing on his experience as a renowned artist and founder of CreativeLive, Jarvis lays out the IDEA system—Imagine, Design, Execute, Amplify—to help you build a sustainable creative practice that fits into everyday life. You’ll find chapters dedicated to creating rituals that fuel your ambitions and cultivating community to expand your impact, making this book suitable for anyone from beginners to seasoned creators. If you want a hands-on guide that treats creativity as an accessible muscle you can strengthen, this book makes that case clearly and persuasively.

Wall Street Journal Bestseller
Los Angeles Times Bestseller
Publishers Weekly Bestseller
View on Amazon
Best for healing through art beginners
Creativity and Gratitude stands out by inviting you to explore creativity not just as an artistic skill but as a lifeline during difficult times. Amy Oestreicher, who endured extensive health challenges, shares a year-long collection of prompts that blend art with gratitude and storytelling, designed to help you navigate stress and find meaning through creative expression. This book is especially inviting to newcomers because it breaks down creative work into weekly, manageable exercises that build emotional resilience and foster a more positive outlook. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, it offers a thoughtful approach to using creativity as a tool for hope and healing.
2021·320 pages·Creativity, Art Therapy, Gratitude, Mindfulness, Resilience

Amy Oestreicher’s Creativity and Gratitude offers a unique entry point for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed by life’s unpredictability. Drawing from her own journey through numerous surgeries and PTSD, Amy turns art into a tool for healing and personal growth, presenting fifty-two weekly prompts that encourage you to express yourself through drawing, writing, collage, and more. The book breaks creativity down into manageable practices tied to hope, gratitude, and storytelling, making it approachable whether you’re new to art or simply seeking a fresh perspective on daily challenges. If you want to develop resilience through creativity and cultivate a positive mindset, this workbook provides a gentle yet structured path to do so.

View on Amazon
Best for personal creativity plans
This AI-created book on creative skills is crafted based on your unique background, skill level, and what aspects of creativity you want to explore. You share your specific goals and interests, and the book is created to match exactly what you need to build your creative habits comfortably. By focusing on your personal learning pace and removing overwhelm, the book offers a gentle introduction that grows with you as you become a confident creator.
2025·50-300 pages·Creativity, Creative Foundations, Skill Building, Habit Formation, Confidence Growth

This personalized book explores the journey of building creative skills and habits tailored specifically to your background and goals. It offers a step-by-step introduction designed to ease beginners into creative practice, focusing on fostering confidence through a learning pace that suits you personally. The content removes overwhelm by concentrating on essential foundations, helping you steadily develop your creative abilities without feeling lost. With a tailored approach, the book matches your interests and comfort level to guide you from novice to confident creator. It reveals practical ways to cultivate creativity as a habit and encourages consistent progress, making the learning experience both enjoyable and effective for your unique journey.

Tailored Handbook
Creative Confidence
3,000+ Books Created
Best for psychology-focused beginners
James C. Kaufman’s Creativity 101 stands out for its accessible approach to a complex subject, making it an excellent starting point if you’re new to creativity studies. The book surveys foundational theories and contemporary research across psychology and related fields, helping you understand creativity from multiple angles—including individual traits, environmental factors, and cultural contexts. It’s designed to demystify creativity, presenting both classic and emerging perspectives while exploring practical ways creativity can be nurtured in diverse settings. Whether you’re studying psychology, education, or business, this text offers a clear framework to begin exploring what creativity means and how it operates.
Creativity 101 (Psych 101 Series) book cover

by James C. Kaufman·You?

2016·368 pages·Creativity, Creative Thinking, Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Educational Psychology

When James C. Kaufman challenges the conventional wisdom that creativity is an elusive trait, he brings a refreshing clarity to the subject. This book unpacks creativity not just as a personal spark but as a phenomenon shaped by psychological, social, and environmental factors. You’ll explore how creativity is defined, measured, and debated across disciplines, with chapters dedicated to its links with mental health, cultural influences, and methods for fostering creativity individually and institutionally. Whether you’re a student, educator, or curious thinker, the book offers you a structured, approachable entry into the psychology behind creative thought and practice.

View on Amazon

Beginner-Friendly Creativity, Tailored

Build confidence with personalized guidance without overwhelming complexity.

Customized learning plans
Focused creativity skills
Flexible pacing options

Many successful professionals started with these foundations

Creativity Starter Blueprint
The Creative Mind Toolkit
30-Day Creativity Kickstart
Confidence in Creation

Conclusion

These three books share a commitment to welcoming newcomers with clear, manageable approaches to creativity. Each offers a distinct angle: Creative Calling guides you in making creativity a daily habit, Creativity and Gratitude uses art and reflection to build resilience, and Creativity 101 provides a solid psychological foundation.

If you’re just starting out, Creative Calling is a perfect first step to build confidence. From there, Creativity and Gratitude can deepen your emotional connection to creative work, while Creativity 101 helps you understand the science behind creativity. This progression supports steady growth without overwhelming.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Creativity book tailored to your unique interests and pace, making your creative learning journey more efficient and enjoyable. Remember, building a strong foundation early sets you up for lasting success and fulfillment in your creative pursuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Creative Calling. It’s designed to make creativity approachable by helping you build daily habits, perfect for easing into your creative journey without pressure.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Creativity?

No, these books are chosen specifically for beginners. They break down creativity into accessible ideas and practices that anyone can follow, regardless of experience.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with Creative Calling to establish daily creative habits, then try Creativity and Gratitude for emotional engagement. Finally, explore Creativity 101 to understand the psychological aspects.

Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?

Not at all. These books assume no prior knowledge and build your understanding from the ground up, making them ideal for first-time learners.

Which book is the most approachable introduction to Creativity?

Creative Calling is the most hands-on and accessible, focusing on practical daily practices that anyone can adopt without feeling overwhelmed.

Can I get a Creativity book tailored exactly to my goals and learning pace?

Yes! While these expert books provide solid foundations, you can also create a personalized Creativity book tailored to your specific interests, learning speed, and creative goals for a customized experience.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!