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Many years ago, the rise of digital technology had people everywhere exclaiming that print is dead. But time has proven otherwise; books are doing well! Every week there are new releases for you to peruse. With the seemingly endless selection, how do you choose? We’re here to offer some guidance with our picks of top creative books for this month.
Some of the best design, photography, and art books will inspire you to try something new. If you’re feeling apprehensive, however, let author Nancy Hillis’ book The Artist’s Journey help you beat self-doubt. Then, look to publications like Block Print Magic or Paint Pouring or Stitchcraft. They are designed as essential guides to these techniques and will get you well on your way to starting a new hobby. All you have to do is crack open the book of your choice.
Scroll down for our suggestions. And if you have a Kindle device, you’re in luck—many of these books are available through the e-reader, too. Through Kindle Unlimited, you have unlimited access to reading over a million ebooks that can be read on any device.
Looking for a creative book? Here are our 10 picks for February 2019.
The Artist’s Journey: Bold Strokes To Spark Creativity by Nancy Hillis
Taking on self-doubt, fear, and that nagging negative inner voice, author Nancy Hillis has created a guide for artists who need some help finding their way.
Find Momo across Europe: Another Hide-and-Seek Photography Book by Andrew Knapp
This book invites you to “play hide-and-seek” with Momo, a border collie who loves to conceal himself in photos taken by his human, Andrew Knapp. Here, the two are trekking across Europe and visiting beautiful cities and landmarks along the way.
Block Print Magic: The Essential Guide to Designing, Carving, and Taking Your Artwork Further with Relief Printing by Emily Louise Howard
Want to try block printing? Emily Louise Howard’s Block Print Magic is an essential guide. It features 17 step-by-step projects that provide instructions as well as inspiration.
Paint Pouring: Mastering Fluid Art by Rick Cheadle
Become a paint pouring master with the help of this book. It takes you from a studio set up to mixing ratios to achieving the perfect paint density.
Stitchcraft: An Embroidery Book of Simple Stitches and Peculiar Patterns by Gayla Patridge
Drawing upon her knowledge of anatomy, floral designs, and esoteric symbolism, Gayla Patridge creates unique embroidery art. Stitchcraft will inspire you to follow her exclusive design and create your own.
30,000 Years of Art: The Story of Human Creativity Across Time and Space by Phaidon
Publishing company Phaidon has recently revised and re-released their groundbreaking book 30,000 Years of Art. It features a comprehensive look at human artistry from 28,000 BCE to today.
Bauhaus: Updated Edition by Magdalena Droste
Learn about the history of Bauhaus, a German school of art and design that existed between the two world wars. This book includes documents, studies, and more than 250 photos, sketches, plans, and models of works from this period of time.
Just Because I’m Doodling Doesn’t Mean I’m Not Working: Take Notes and Doodle in the Margins by Chronicle Books
Doodling is good for your brain because it relieves stress and improves your memory and focus. Just Because I’m Doodling… is a journal that’s meant for these types of drawings. It has oversized margins and starter shapes to get you drawing while on a conference call or lecture.
How Was Your Day? A Journal for Everyday Wonders by Bridget Watson Payne
Author Bridget Watson Payne helps you celebrate the world around you with 50 thought-provoking prompts that are meant to help you capture a unique detail from your day. With plenty of space to record and reflect, it’s a great way to creatively document your life.
Distinctly Modern Interiors by Emily Summers
Pairing a variety of architecture and artworks, Emily Summers provides inspiration for interior decor while also demonstrating the building blocks for how to decorate a house in the Modernist tradition.
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