Recommended Reading

THE AFFLUENT ARTIST
How Creative Could You Be if Money Wasn't an Issue? The Money Book for Creative People

by Rick DiBiasio, CFP |

Written by an art lover and certified financial planner, this book offers business and financial planning wisdom to creative individuals.

 

AGAINST THE STREAM
A Buddhist Manual for Spiritual Revolutionaries

by Noah Levine |

Perhaps not the book you thought I'd add to this list, but I do believe that meditation techniques can not only ground you but bring awareness to your thoughts, a doubting mindset and connect the heart to what you do creatively and in business. Check it out.

 

THE ARTIST'S GUIDE
How to Make a Living Doing What You Love

by Jackie Battenfield |

Packed full of interviews with arts professionals, this is a comprehensive handbook of techniques for developing and sustaining a successful art career. Goes well beyond the average "professional development" artist book.

THE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR
A DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real

by Lisa Sonora Beam |

Although a bit heavy on creative journaling, the self-reflection exercises are great. Overall this is the best book to use if you'd like to develop a marketing action plan on your own.

 

CREATIVELY SELF-EMPLOYED
How Writers and Artists Deal with Career Ups and Downs

by Kristen Fischer

Creative types discuss what life is really like when you take the plunge into creative self-employment. From waiting for clients to pay up and battling the lonelies, to gaining self-assurance and growing your business.

 

CRUSH IT!
Why Now is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion

by Gary Vaynerchuk

Vaynerchuk's lessons on social media, passion, transparency, and reactionary business show readers how to use the power of the Internet to turn their real interests into real businesses.

 

THE ENLIGHTENED ENTREPRENEUR
A Spiritual Approach to Creating and Marketing a Company

by Grace Bulger

In the tradition of The Artist's Way, this book speaks to entrepreneurs who are motivated to bring their highest values to the creation and marketing of a company. Filled with practical exercises and real-life anecdotes.

 

FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY

by Susan Jeffers, PhD |

A great book to help you get unstuck if fear, negative thinking, passivity and fear of failure prevent you from fully living a creative life. It will change your mindset to see possibilities where before you saw problems, and negativity (especially in the thoughts, words and attitudes of those who surround you) will start to feel draining ... as it should.

 

GET CLIENTS NOW!

by CJ Hayden |

CJ Hayden's GetClientsNow site has some of the best sales and marketing articles you will find on the Net. Her book is primarily focused on relationship-based and Internet marketing strategies, includes useful worksheets, and provides simple techniques for overcoming fear, resistance, and procrastination that may be blocking your ability to take effective action.

 

THE HANDMADE MARKETPLACE
How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and Online

by Kari Chapin

Explores indie craft fairs, how Web marketplaces are run, selling to consignment stores, media advice and promotion tips. Many crafters seem to really love this book.

 

THE HOLISTIC PRACTITIONER'S BUSINESS BIBLE

by Polly Baumer

A comprehensive business guide specifically tailored to holistic health business owners who have received training in acupuncture, bodywork, coaching or psychotherapy, but have little experience in setting up an office and managing it effectively.

 

HOW TO FIND THE WORK YOU LOVE

by Laurence G. Boldt |

Technological advances are increasing opportunities for one's passion to become one's "job." By focusing on integrity, service, enjoyment, and excellence, this little book provides a thoughtful context for reflecting on the deeper meaning and purpose of "work."

 

HOW TO SURVIVE AND PROSPER AS AN ARTIST
Selling Yourself Without Selling Your Soul

by Caroll Michels |

A good, all-purpose professional development handbook. Main drawback: Many Web sources listed are now out of date. For artists who treat their practice as a business, I would strongly suggest Alyson B. Stanfield's I'd Rather Be in the Studio! and Jackie Battenfield's The Artist's Guide.

 

I'D RATHER BE IN THE STUDIO!
The Artist's No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion

by Alyson B. Stanfield |

Through sections based on common excuses, Stanfield, an arts consultant, describes how artists can get out of their comfort zone and promote themselves through communicating to others about their work.

 

IGNORE EVERYBODY
And 39 Other Keys to Creativity

by Hugh MacLeod |

A great book from the author/cartoonist of the Gaping Void blog. This inspiring book will change your mindset about business, personal passion, art and marketing, as well as his thoughts on unleashing creativity in a world that often thwarts it. Definitely worth the read.

 

LINCHPIN
Are You Indispensible?

by Seth Godin

By the author's definition, an artist is not just some person who paints. An artist is somebody who does "emotional work": Work that you put your heart and soul into. Work that matters. Work that you gladly sacrifice all other alternatives for.

 

OVERCOMING UNDEREARNING
Overcome Your Money Fears and Earn What You Deserve

by Barbara Stanny |

By using examples from her workshops, and coupled with great journaling exercises, the book explores the many ways in which having a poverty mindset impacts our sense of self-worth, our relationship to money, and the many ways we undervalue (and undercharge for) what we do.

 

THINK AND GROW RICH
A Black Choice

by Dennis Kimbro & Napoleon Hill |

Combining Hill's law of success with Kimbro's vast knowledge of business, contemporary affairs and Black culture, the book is both inspiring and powerful. When I was running my first business in arts publishing, I considered this book my bible because it always kept me motivated, especially during periods of deep insecurity and overwhelm. It's a classic.

 

ZEN AND THE ART OF MAKING A LIVING
A Practical Guide to Creative Career Design

by Laurence G. Boldt

A book that brings creativity, dignity, and meaning to every aspect of the work experience.