The Ultimate Inspiring Books List for Creatives is something I’ve been going through and building for a while. It is definitely one that will never be complete or comprehensive, but it is a list of books that have inspired me and refreshed my creative spirit, and I hope they will help you too.
There are so many great books out there worth reading that cover the topic of the creative act, whether it’s your side hustle or in specific creative fields, creative living requires us to be intentional with where we put our time. Something creative professionals struggle with on a daily basis.
A creative habit, whether you’re a writer, artist, photographer, musician, etc., is essential to being the creative person God has called you to be. The best work we do is often accompanied by periods of everyday life that inspire something within us, but sometimes we’re too busy to take those creative ideas in. So, in order to have a more creative life and come up with new ideas, it is very important to do the hard work of taking a step back and being at rest, even though it’s not often in an artist’s way to stop for a moment.
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A Creatives Book List Table of Contents
- Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L’Engle
- Art and Faith: A Theology of Making by Makoto Fujimura
- The Creative Call: Exploring God’s Invitation to Create by Janice Elsheimer
- Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God by Margaret Feinberg
- Let There Be Art: The Pleasure and Purpose of Unleashing the Creativity within You by Rachel Marie Kang
- Art and the Bible by Francis A. Schaeffer
- Grace over Grind by Shae Bynes
- Slow Burn: The Work and Wonder of the Wait by Dawnchere Wilkerson
- Discovering Joy in Your Creativity: You Are Made in the Image of a Creative God
- Created to Thrive: An Artist’s Guide To Living In Divine Abundance by Matt Tommey
- Becoming an Artist: How to Make Art Like a Human by Embracing Failure, Discovering Your Creative Voice & Finding Joy in the Process by Scott Christian Sava
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Here is a list of the best books I’ve found so far on inspiring a creatives mind
#1 Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L’Engle
Madeleine L’Engle’s Walking on Water is an exploration that lovingly bridges the worlds of faith and creativity. She invites readers to dive into the mysterious space where God’s presence meets artistic expression, showing that creating is a deeply spiritual act. This book doesn’t just speak to artists but to everyone curious about how creativity can enrich their faith journey. L’Engle reminds us that struggling with creativity (and creative blocks) is part of the process, and that there’s grace in that struggle. If you’ve ever felt stuck or doubtful about your creative gifts, this book offers both encouragement and a gentle nudge forward.
About the Book:
In this classic book, Madeleine L’Engle addresses the question, What makes art Christian? What does it mean to be a Christian artist? What is the relationship between faith and art? Through L’Engle’s beautiful and insightful essay, readers will find themselves called to what the author views as the prime tasks of an artist: to listen, to remain aware, and to respond to creation through one’s own art.
#2 Art and Faith: A Theology of Making by Makoto Fujimura – A creative career professional
In Art and Faith, Makoto Fujimura explores the creative process through the lens of theology with a nuanced, scholarly touch that remains approachable. The book offers a practical guide by grounding artistic creation in deep biblical traditions while inviting readers to contemplate beauty as part of God’s redemptive story. Fujimura’s poetic prose is a welcome invitation to creative thinkers who want to explore the spiritual implications of their craft. If theology and art feel like distant worlds to you, this book is a bridge that makes their connection inspiring and palpable.
About the Book:
From a world-renowned painter, an exploration of creativity’s quintessential—and often overlooked—role in the spiritual life
“Makoto Fujimura’s art and writings have been a true inspiration to me. In this luminous book, he addresses the question of art and faith and their reconciliation with a quiet and moving eloquence.”—Martin Scorsese
“[An] elegant treatise. . . . Fujimura’s sensitive, evocative theology will appeal to believers interested in the role religion can play in the creation of art.”—Publishers Weekly
Conceived over thirty years of painting and creating in his studio, this book is Makoto Fujimura’s broad and deep exploration of creativity and the spiritual aspects of “making.” What he does in the studio is theological work as much as it is aesthetic work. In between pouring precious, pulverized minerals onto handmade paper to create the prismatic, refractive surfaces of his art, he comes into the quiet space in the studio in a discipline of awareness, waiting, prayer, and praise.
Ranging from the Bible to T. S. Eliot, Mark Rothko, and the Japanese Kintsugi technique, he shows how, unless we are making something, we cannot know the depth of God’s being and God’s grace permeating our lives. This poignant and beautiful book offers the perspective of, in Christian Wiman’s words, an “accidental theologian,” one who comes to spiritual questions always through the prism of art.
Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub.
#3 The Creative Call: Exploring God’s Invitation to Create by Janice Elsheimer
Janice Elsheimer’s The Creative Call is a heartfelt exploration that views creativity as an invitation from God rather than an optional pastime. It resonates with anyone wondering if their creative impulses hold spiritual significance, reminding us that God’s calling can come through our gifts and passions. Elsheimer’s warm tone and practical insights make this work especially encouraging for emerging and experienced creative people. The book invites you to listen closely to God’s voice in your creative practice and to embrace the uniquely good ideas only you can contribute.
About the book:
Perhaps you’re a “closet writer” who’s been scribbling in journals for years. Maybe you once had a passion for playing the piano or violin–a passion that is still flickering somewhere deep inside you. You may have a knack for photography, drawing, gardening, cooking, or some other creative gift. Or you may long to express yourself creatively, but have yet to discover your unique talents.
Your creativity was meant to be used. Whether you are an artist who has already identified your gifts or you believe that you have artistic talent that has never been developed, working through this book will help you grow closer to becoming the person God has designed you to be.
- LEARN TO CALL ON THE HOLY SPIRIT AS YOUR SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
- EXERCISE YOUR ARTISTIC GIFT REGULARLY AND BEGIN TO THINK OF YOURSELF AS AN ARTIST.
- DEVELOP THE HABIT OF JOURNALING AS A WAY TO REALIZE UNLOCKED CREATIVITY
- AN EIGHT-WEEK PROGRAM FOR FULLY DEVELOPING YOUR ARTISTIC GIFTS AND ENTERING INTO A CLOSER UNION WITH GOD. INCLUDES A RETREAT GUIDE.
Find it on Goodreads and Amazon.
#4 Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God by Margaret Feinberg
Margaret Feinberg’s Wonderstruck invites readers to rediscover the everyday awe that vanishes when life gets hectic. Though not an art book explicitly, it beautifully ties into creativity by encouraging a perspective shift: to see the world through the eyes of wonder, which fuels all creative pursuits. Feinberg’s inviting style helps you slow down and catch glimpses of God’s presence in the little details that inspire fresh ideas and deeper faith. If this topic seems overwhelming at first, don’t worry—you’re definitely not alone; her words feel like a warm hand guiding you back to curiosity and joy.
About the book:
Let’s be honest: it’s far too easy to go through day-to-day life without a sense of the mystery, the marvel, or the awe of God’s presence. Have you ever felt your relationship with God isn’t as vibrant as you want it to be? Have you ever felt like God seemed far away — even in the midst of devotions, prayer, and church? We Were Created for wonder. You were created and designed to experience wonder. Woven into the fabric of our humanity is an innate ability and desire for the wonder of God. It’s felt in the moments when you watch the sun melt behind the horizon, when you reach out to cradle a baby and smell the sweet scent of new life, when you can’t help but smile as you witness two wrinkled souls renew their vows to each other. Such moments remind us we were made for something more than deadlines and debt, carpools and coffee breaks. Yet despite such wondrous moments, we can still find ourselves going through the motions of faith.
Whether you’re: A long time follower of Jesus or still figuring Him outUnemployed, overly-employed, or an entrepreneurA creator, innovator, or conformistGrumpy, ebullient, grey-haired or bed-headAn average Joe or have-a-gym-membership-but-never-goA superhero (of any era), supermom, superdad, super grand, super great grand, or don’t feel particularly super at allNo matter who you are or where you’ve been — if you’ve lived a life where you’ve seen it all, done it all, or feel like you’re past it all — God still longs to take your breath away. Isaiah 29:4 records God’s desire for you: “Therefore, once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder.” Do you see it? God is busting at the seams to display His glory, power, and might in your life. And He wants to give you the greatest gift of all — Himself. Yet why do we pass by the wonder of God unaware?
Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub.
#5 Let There Be Art: The Pleasure and Purpose of Unleashing the Creativity within You by Rachel Marie Kang – A good book, and one of my favorites, with personal stories woven throughout. Great for creatives who need more joy in the art of creation.
Rachel Marie Kang’s Let There Be Art is an inviting celebration of creativity as both a joyful human experience and a purposeful spiritual gift. Kang blends personal storytelling with biblical reflection to help readers discover the delight and deeper meaning in making art. Her writing is accessible and refreshing, encouraging you to embrace creativity fully without guilt or perfectionism. It’s a wonderful reminder that creativity is meant to be freeing and pleasurable, not just a “task” to check off.
About the book:
Perhaps in no other way do we more vibrantly reflect our creator than with our creativity. Whether through music, writing, baking, painting, posting on social media, dancing, or any other form of artistic expression within our grasp, we were created to create. Yet, there are times we may be unsure about our art, times when our creating and making doesn’t feel possible or purposeful or practical. Rachel Marie Kang wants you to know that your art is not peripheral to life–it is at the very heart of why you exist and what you have to offer to yourself and to the world.
In Let There Be Art, she gives you permission to embrace the peace, pleasure, and purpose inherent in your art and in the process of making it. This passionate, creative, and cathartic journey invites you to create truthfully out of the broken and beautiful pieces
Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub.
#6 Art and the Bible by Francis A. Schaeffer
Francis Schaeffer’s Art and the Bible offers a foundational Christian perspective on how art relates to scripture and human creatives. Written for both thinkers and practitioners, this work connects biblical truths with artistic expression in a way that challenges and refreshes. Schaeffer argues that art is not just decoration but a powerful language that speaks to the human experience shaped by God’s image. His reflections help you see that your creativity ties into a larger narrative, one that honors God’s creative heart.
About the Book:
“The lordship of Christ should include an interest in the arts,” writes Francis Schaeffer. “A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God, not just as tracts, mind you, but as things of beauty to the praise of God.”
Many Christians, wary of creating graven images, have steered clear of artistic creativity. But the Bible offers a robust affirmation of the arts. The human impulse to create reflects our being created in the image of a creator God. Art and the Bible has been a foundational work for generations of Christians in the arts. In this book’s classic essays, Francis Schaeffer first examines the scriptural record of the use of various art forms, and then establishes a Christian perspective on art. With clarity and vigor, Schaeffer explains why “the Christian is the one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars.”
Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub.
#7 Grace over Grind by Shae Bynes – this one is more about successful business, but it does it with the creatives community in mind.
Shae Bynes’ Grace over Grind is a refreshing counterpoint to the hustle culture that often plagues creative communities. It’s an invitation to embrace rest, trust, and God’s grace rather than relentless effort or self-exertion. For Christian creatives tired of feeling like they have to “earn” their worth or success, this book offers gentle encouragement to work wholeheartedly but without exhaustion or anxiety. Bynes’ authentic voice warmly reminds you that grace changes everything in the creative journey.
About the Book:
In the world of entrepreneurship, hustling and grinding will earn you a badge of honor. In the Kingdom of God, it is an inferior substitute for working by the infinite power of God’s grace.
For the past five years, Christ-centered entrepreneurs have turned to this celebrated guide to grow in the Biblical truth of God’s empowering grace in business. In these pages, you’ll discover how to eliminate the burdens of the grind and embrace the gifts of God’s grace to experience:
- Transcendent Peace
- Abundant Rest
- Sustainable Rhythms
- Faithful Collaboration
- Divine Favor
- Kingdom Impact
Find it on Goodreads and Amazon.
#8 Slow Burn: The Work and Wonder of the Wait by Dawnchere Wilkerson – The first book I’ve read by her, and boy was it a great book that I think creatives will benefit from.
In Slow Burn, Dawnchere Wilkerson explores the mysterious and often frustrating “waiting” seasons that many creatives experience. This book is a heartfelt companion for those wrestling with patience and purpose when progress feels halted or unseen. Wilkerson reframes waiting as a sacred, active process where God is shaping your heart and work behind the scenes. Her words reassure you that creativity doesn’t always mean visible output; sometimes it means growing quietly.
About The Book:
Waiting isn’t a season. Waiting is life. The question is, Will you live in the wait?
We don’t ever graduate from waiting. After one prayer is answered, a new one begins, putting us back in the “space between.” Are you hoping for an illness to subside, a job to open up, a relationship to develop, or some other heartfelt transformation? This slow burn is the human experience—and the greatest invitation to become intimately acquainted with a faithful God.
Waiting is hard, but it’s not a punishment; it’s a process. God is not delaying; He’s developing. He is not leaving you; He’s loving you. He’s saying, Come closer. Let me lead you into wonder and show you how you can live wholeheartedly right here, right now.
DawnCheré Wilkerson will speak strength to your soul and give you tools to
- live confidently that God is working more powerfully than you know;
- wrestle with the question, What if what I hope for doesn’t happen?;
- Find the purpose and life-giving moments he has for you now, and
- view all of life as a joyful, soul-deepening, intimacy-building wait.
More strength, expectation, and patience are within your reach, even amid uncertainty and suffering. Lean into the work of the wait—the constant, steady, slow burn of faith and surrender to your ultimate source. And you’ll discover the wonder of the wait—glimpses of heaven, a perfect love that changes you, and each step celebrated along the way.
Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, Bookbub, and Barnes & Noble.
#9 Discovering Joy in Your Creativity: You Are Made in the Image of a Creative God
This book reflects a foundational truth that many books touch on: you are created in God’s image, and that includes His creativity. Recognizing this truth invites you to discover joy in making, not just accomplishment. When creativity flows from this identity, it transforms from a chore or talent into a delightful expression of who you are.
About the book:
Rediscover the joy God intended us to have by being creative.
Do-it-yourself arts, crafts, and home projects are more popular than ever. Websites and TV shows are drawing people in as many of us, especially women, seek to express their creative sides and be more economical.
Too often the demands of life don’t encourage an expression of creativity. But that’s not how God intended us to live. He gave us each a unique, fulfilling, creative streak that He wants us to tap into.
Whether trying to save money by mastering DIY projects, seeking to start a small arts-and-crafts business on such sites as etsy.com, or simply looking for a way to express God-given creativity, Discovering Your Creativity encourages women to rediscover the joy God intended us to have by being creative.
Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub.
#10 Created to Thrive: An Artist’s Guide To Living In Divine Abundance by Matt Tommey – I like the foundations of this book, while a bit superficial for some creatives, he has some good points, though he does try to sell you on a course. (Insert eye roll here.)
Matt Tommey’s Created to Thrive is a practical and inspiring guide that encourages artists to live in the fullness of God’s provision. Tommey blends creative strategies with faith principles, inviting you to see abundance as your spiritual inheritance, not just a distant dream. The book offers tangible advice on navigating the challenges of creative work while trusting God to provide resources, opportunities, and encouragement. It helps creatives balance ambition with gratitude, crafting a life that flourishes spiritually and artistically.
About the Book:
Imagine just for a moment, life the way you have always dreamed it could be. Feeling connected to God and hearing His voice, creating with the Holy Spirit, following His lead as you share your art and see it transform people’s lives. Imagine a world where artists are free to thrive spiritually, artistically, and financially in everything they do. Imagine a life where your mind is clear, renewed, and focused on God’s purposes for your life and art; no longer struggling with negative patterns of thinking that have held you back for years.
My friend, this is not some pie in the sky dream that will never come true. This is the way God designed life to be lived in His Kingdom. This can be your story, fully alive and thriving in everything you do. In Created to Thrive, you’ll learn how to start living life from a new blueprint based on God’s Word and His divine design for your life as an artist in His Kingdom. You’ll begin to see your life without limits as you learn to align with Him and cooperate with the Holy Spirit to create new patterns of living. Your mind will be renewed, your heart will be unlocked, and your imagination will be set free to resonate with the Kingdom that’s already living inside of you. You were made to be more than just a frustrated artist, struggling to make sense of your life and art. Get ready to become the artist you were created to be, get ready to thrive!
Find it on Goodreads and Amazon.
#11 Becoming an Artist: How to Make Art Like a Human by Embracing Failure, Discovering Your Creative Voice & Finding Joy in the Process by Scott Christian Sava
Scott Christian Sava is an artist I admire who has a book coming out in 2025, Becoming an Artist, with practical tips and new ways for creatives to overcome self-doubt from a unique perspective. It is one of my must-read books for 2025, based on the artist and synopsis. I’m hoping it will have some great ideas to help get my creative juices flowing when I’m stumped.
About the Book:
Join renowned artist Scott Christian Sava in a humorous, inspiring journey that guides artists of all levels to embrace failure, overcome self-doubt, and rediscover the joy of creating art.
Join Scott Christian Sava, a beloved artist and social media star, as he delivers a refreshingly honest guide to navigating the emotional and creative complexities of being an artist. Known for his down-to-earth wisdom and warm, irreverent tone, Sava encourages artists to embrace imperfection, push through self-doubt, and just start making art, no matter the obstacles. This book is filled with practical advice and answers to the burning questions every artist faces, from overcoming creative block to knowing when a piece is truly done. Sava’s message is clear: there’s no “cheating” in art, and every mistake is a stepping stone to finding your unique creative voice.
Featuring 50-75 original black-and-white drawings, the book offers readers a comforting reminder that the messy, frustrating process of making art is what makes it meaningful. Sava’s humorous and inspiring approach tackles the emotional struggles all creatives share—imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and fear of failure—while encouraging artists to get out of their own way and rediscover the joy in creating. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this book serves as both a companion and a guide, helping you turn blank pages into worlds of possibility.
In this book, Sava offers readers:
- 50-75 original black-and-white drawings for inspiration
- Guidance on overcoming impostor syndrome and creative block
- Encouragement to embrace imperfection and experiment with different styles
- Insight on managing the emotional ups and downs of being an artist
Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub.
#12 Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert – This book offers valuable takeaways for a wide range of creatives. However, I do NOT agree with everything Elizabeth says; she does have quite a few excellent motivational talking points for writers and other creatives as well.
About the book
From the worldwide bestselling author of Eat Pray Love and City of Girls: the path to the vibrant, fulfilling life you’ve dreamed of.
Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges
Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub.
Creatives need to be replenished, to continue reaching their creative potential; I, myself, included, hence the reason I’ve been quieter lately. The best way I know to do that, to overcome the impostor syndrome, the doubts, the comparison, is to gain creative confidence through the experience of others and biblical reference. I’ve seen so many people in the last few years get creative burnout due to the constant pressure to create new content. So, I think it’s always a good idea to go back to the basics and remember the reasons we started creating in the first place.
If you know of other books for creatives I should check out, let me know. They can be a bit hard to find.
