No Gatekeeping: The Creativity Books That Actually Helped
At The Light Leaks, we’re always looking for new ways to fuel our creative fire. As filmmakers and artists, we know how important it is to keep our minds open and our perspectives fresh. That’s why we’ve put together this list of books that have really helped us see our work and the world through a new lens. Whether you’re searching for spiritual clarity, trying to find your creative voice, or just navigating the ups and downs of being an artist, these books have something for you.
These are the books we’ve read, marked up, and honestly, worn out, and we want to pass on what they’ve taught us. If you’re looking to expand your creative toolkit, shift your mindset, or just get out of a creative rut, these reads have you covered.
The Artist's Way: 30th Anniversary Edition
A Doechii fav and on our list for good reason! I know you’ve definitely heard of the Artist’s Way, and here’s why— it really works! Julia Cameron first released her twelve-week creative program in the 90s, and it’s helped so many creatives through the years. It’s framed around creative spirituality, but that can really mean whatever you want it to mean! Each week, you’re tasked with reading a chapter and doing themed exercises that connect to what you’ve read. Some weeks, you might clean out your closet or evaluate your finances, and other weeks, you examine the critic within you and why it’s there. You also adopt the habit of morning pages (writing three pages of stream of consciousness every morning when you wake up), and you have one solo artist date a week. Your journey with this book is really what you make it. I know for me, the morning pages allowed me to get out of my head and start the day a little more clearly. The solo artist dates push you to do things alone that you may not try otherwise— they can be as simple as going to the library or as exciting as going to a concert by yourself. Julia Cameron holds a lot of wisdom, and her words helped build my creative confidence back up!
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
This one leans into the very woo-woo side so it might not be for everyone, but stay with us here. Eckhart Tolle's ideas about perception and consciousness might be a challenge at first, but they can truly shift how you see yourself and your work. The crux of the book is this: the things we label "good" or "bad" are all shaped by the stories we tell ourselves. Once you start untangling those narratives, you realize that judgment, including judgment of our creativity, isn’t real. Every thought is a concept we buy into. If you’re open to a mindset reset, The Power of Now can help you let go of the fears that creep into your work and make more from a place of freedom instead of fear. It’s not a quick read, but the ideas stay with you.
The Creative ACT: A Way of Being
Rick Rubin, renowned music producer and co-founder of Def Jam Records, offers a profound exploration of creativity in The Creative Act. Rather than a traditional guide, this book presents 78 meditative reflections that delve into the nature of artistic expression and the importance of being present in the creative process. Rubin emphasizes that creativity is not reserved for the elite but is a fundamental aspect of being human. He encourages readers to transcend self-imposed limitations and reconnect with a state of innocence, allowing the unexpected to emerge. This book serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder that the creative journey is more about the process and less about the outcome.
Unlock Your Aesthetic
If you’re a fan of Chappel Roan, then you’ve absolutely seen Maris Jones’s incredible work - you might see her papier mache-ing a giant prop or painting and photographing an eccentric set that's straight from the 80s. Maris has the talent of not only being a creative herself but also having the ability to share that information and talent with others. In her book, she shares in her own words the steps that anyone can take if they’re seeking to live a more deeply creative life aligned with their aesthetic. If you find yourself trying to define your creative voice, this is perfect for you. This book is a practical and inspiring guide for anyone looking to define or refine their creative voice. Jones shares her process with authenticity, offering exercises, journal prompts, and mindset shifts to help readers align their artistic expression with their personal aesthetic. She emphasizes that aesthetic is not just about visuals but about the worlds we build and the energy we infuse into our creations. It's an invitation to embrace your unique perspective and bring your fullest creative self to the forefront.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Elizabeth Gilbert (yes, Eat Pray Love Elizabeth Gilbert) wrote Big Magic to get real about what it actually takes to live a creative life.One of the best parts? She introduces the idea of the “shit sandwich.” Basically: every dream job, every creative passion comes with its own set of hard, boring, frustrating parts and you have to be willing to eat the "shit sandwich" that comes with yours. You don’t just love writing, or painting, or filmmaking when it’s fun, you love it enough to keep going when it's tedious, scary, or even a little soul-crushing. Gilbert’s voice is funny, wise, and deeply comforting, like a big sister who’s been through the trenches and still believes the struggle is worth it. Big Magic reminds you that fear will always be in the car, it just doesn’t get to drive.
1000 Words: A Writer's Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round
Jami Attenberg founded her writing project “#1000WordsOfSummer” in hopes of invigorating her own creative spirit and building community at the same time. The challenge began as just something she did with a friend, and now it’s become a popular movement online. For two weeks, you write at least 1000 words daily— they don’t have to be good or make sense, just write them. Move the pen, type the keys! This book goes into more detail about how the challenge works and expands on how you can reinvigorate your creativity and find motivation again. Over fifty letters from beloved authors, like Roxane Gay and Carmen Maria Machado, are featured in the book, along with words of encouragement to help you write consistently throughout the year. Thanks to Jami, last year I started my novel through her 1000 words method!
Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Professor
This book looks fun and is so helpful! Lynda Barry is an author who ran a writer’s workshop for non-writers and then made a book of her lesson plans. She believes anyone can be a writer, and this book has opened up creativity to people who never considered themselves creatives. It holds her lessons along with her own “notes to self” and doodles as well. It’s a collection of bits and pieces from what she’s learned and taught through the years. Creativity is practically spilling off the page, and you’re welcome with more advice with each new lesson. Barry emphasizes that writing is a physical act that we must continue to practice consistently in order to feel inspired and grow as writers. Check out her writing exercises because she could help you craft your creative voice!