There’s still more to learn, regardless if you’re a seasoned pro or a new artist. Whether you’re starting or have already been in the industry for a while, there are still plenty of skills that you can use to improve your business. One of the most critical factors you can consider when building your career is the willingness to grow.
While there are tons of resources online to help you with your career in the creative industry, sometimes it’s necessary to pick up a book to help you succeed. A variety of books will teach you everything from how to set prices to how to keep your mind focused on your work.
Far From Respectable: Dave Hickey and his Art by Daniel Oppenheimer
Dave Hickey became known for his critically acclaimed 1993 book, The Invisible Dragon. He was an iconoclastic critic who took a swipe at the art establishment. His controversial views on taste and beauty inspired his new book, which features a comprehensive history of his work.
Art Fundamentals
Art Fundamentals is ideal for anyone who’s a beginner in the art industry, regardless of their preferred discipline. It will teach you everything you need to know to develop a deeper understanding of the various skills you can use in your work. Having a good understanding of these skills can help you build confidence in your creative process.
This book is designed to help you learn the ins and outs of art. It features a section that focuses on the divine proportion and the rule of thirds, as well as a guide on using various elements such as light, shade, and anatomy.
The Gilded Edge: Two Audacious Women and the Cyanide Love Triangle That Shook America by Catherine Prendergast
In her novel, Catherine Predergast explores the history of the artist colony at the heart of California’s Monterey Peninsula in the Gilded Age. She also features the story of Nora May French, a talented poet unfairly forgotten in U.S. literature history.
Mastering Composition: Techniques and Principles to Dramatically Improve Your Painting
One of the most important factors that a successful painting requires is planning and composition. Having the skills to create a well-rounded composition can help you achieve a more expressive and realistic painting. This book features five step-by-step demonstrations that will help you improve your skills.
The Ultimate Art Museum by Ferren Gipson
In Ferren Gipson’s book, The Ultimate Art Museum, children can explore a collection of over 40,000 years worth of art in an imaginary museum. He is a museum tour guide who walks the reader through a series of galleries, rooms, and three wings, and he features interactive elements such as maps and boxes.