8 Underrated Books Every Creative Person Should Read

While many turn to well-known titles, the real gold often lies buried in lesser-known works. These underrated books carry the potential to unlock deeper inspiration, redefine creative processes, and push boundaries. Here you can find a list of 8 underrated books every creative person should read.

1. Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie

This book is a brilliant and humorous exploration of maintaining creativity within the rigid structure of corporate life. Gordon MacKenzie, who worked at Hallmark for 30 years, presents personal stories and visual metaphors to emphasize the danger of becoming entangled in bureaucratic “hairballs.” He encourages creatives to orbit these constraints — staying close enough to understand them but far enough to maintain originality. With charming illustrations and memorable anecdotes, this is more than a business book; it's a deeply spiritual guide to staying wild and inspired while working in conventional environments. Ideal for professionals feeling stifled by corporate expectations.

2. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art is a bold, straight-talking guide to battling the internal resistance that prevents us from achieving creative greatness. Resistance, according to Pressfield, is the ultimate enemy — manifesting as procrastination, fear, and doubt. With military precision, he delivers a three-part structure that outlines what Resistance is, how to overcome it, and how to live as a professional creator.

3. Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky

Scott Belsky, founder of Behance, understands that the biggest challenge for most creatives isn't generating ideas — it's executing them. With insights from leading creatives and entrepreneurs, Belsky emphasizes organization, prioritization, and the importance of pushing past the “idea phase.” The book breaks down actionable strategies, such as the Action Method, for managing tasks and projects. It’s especially valuable for creatives who start many projects but finish few.

4. The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry

Todd Henry explains how creative professionals often operate in high-demand environments with tight deadlines — and without proper systems, burnout is inevitable. This book teaches methods for managing energy, sharpening focus, and creating space for innovation. His concepts of “creative rhythms,” “idea-time,” and “personal bandwidth” are practical and immediately applicable. Whether you're in design, marketing, writing, or entrepreneurship, this book offers a roadmap to remain inspired and productive without sacrificing well-being. It’s an essential read for any creative trying to thrive in a fast-paced world.

5. The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

Twyla Tharp, an award-winning choreographer, makes a compelling argument that creativity is a habit — not a lightning bolt. In The Creative Habit, she shares her disciplined approach to nurturing inspiration, with practical exercises that help creatives build rituals, overcome fear, and push through creative blocks. Drawing on decades of experience, Tharp illustrates how commitment, routine, and structure can actually enhance creative freedom. This book is a powerful resource for those who want to move from spontaneous bursts of creativity to consistent, repeatable innovation. Her insights are applicable to any medium — from dance and music to writing and business.

6. The Gift by Lewis Hyde

The Gift is a lyrical and philosophical examination of art, generosity, and the tension between creative integrity and commercialism. Lewis Hyde explores how true art is often a “gift” — something given freely, not solely for monetary gain. Through historical, anthropological, and literary examples, he argues that creative work gains value through sharing, connection, and cultural exchange. This book resonates deeply with artists struggling with monetization or feeling disillusioned by the demands of the market. It’s a thought-provoking read that challenges readers to redefine value, purpose, and meaning in their creative practice.

7. Lateral Thinking by Edward de Bono

Edward de Bono’s Lateral Thinking is a transformative book on problem-solving and creativity. Unlike traditional “vertical” thinking — linear, logical, and step-by-step — de Bono introduces lateral thinking, which seeks to disrupt patterns and generate new perspectives. With practical techniques and real-world examples, he teaches how to unlock new ideas and challenge assumptions. This book is essential for creatives working in innovation, design, business, or any field where fresh thinking is necessary. It arms readers with tools to break free from habitual thought processes and encourages a more agile, imaginative way of approaching complex problems and creative blocks.

8. Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon

In Show Your Work!, Austin Kleon expands on the ideas from his previous book by encouraging creators to become more transparent in their process. He argues that sharing the journey — including mistakes, experiments, and unfinished work — not only builds trust but also helps establish an audience. The book is full of bite-sized tips, illustrations, and actionable strategies to help artists, writers, and creatives stay visible in an increasingly noisy digital world. It's a manual for authentic self-promotion without feeling like you're selling out. Perfect for introverts and creators unsure of how to market themselves meaningfully.

Conclusion: Fuel Your Creative Engine with the Right Reading

Great creative minds are forged in the fire of struggle, reflection, and experimentation. These underrated books for creatives offer tools, philosophies, and practices to deepen your creative well and sharpen your edge. Whether you're a writer, designer, entrepreneur, or artist, the insights found within these pages can redefine your journey.