36 Nonfiction Books Every Artist Should Read

On Keeping a Sketchbook. Christine Nishiyama, Might Could Studios.

Reading is my weapon of choice when it comes to learning, and I would love to share my favorite books with you! This is my nonfiction list, and I will soon post a list of favorite fiction books as well. All these books are somehow related to making art and living as an artist. I’ve only included books here that have influenced or impacted me in some way. There are a bunch of other books I’ve read that were duds or repetitive, so I’ve weeded those out for you. I’ll also be updating this list as time goes on and more books stand out to me, adding and replacing books as life goes on!

Let me know if there are any books missing here that you’d recommend!



Creativity

Drawing

Writing

Typography

Picture Books

Comics

Storytelling

Business

Psychology

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – W.B. Yeats

Are there any nonfiction books you love or that have impacted you that you’d recommend? Comment below to let me know—I’m always on the lookout for new books! :)

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