This Gift Guide is for the creative soul in your life. *Hint* you can be that creative soul and buy a few for yourself. It is Christmas after all.

For the creatives in a rut: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Big Magic made its rounds on Instagram with bloggers and writers alike a few years ago, but I thought I should bring it up again. It’s for a very good reason: Big Magic is by the same author of Eat Pray Love, (i.e., the film in which Julia Roberts eats gelato and finds herself), a good book itself, but Big Magic is the book every creative soul needs, especially if they’re in a rut. It tells us truths on creative living. How hard it can get. But it’s also filled with tips, pep talks to make you feel ready to kick ass. Especially if you overthink and overcomplicate your creative tasks.  It’s a soothing tonic for all creative worries.

For the creatives fearing the future: #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

#GIRLBOSS is a book I recommend to everyone I meet. Written by founder and former CEO of Nasty Gal, #GIRLBOSS brings something extra to the table of your business/start up books. For one, it’s no-bullshit painfully honest. Sophia calls you out on any worry you have. She’s blunt and ballsy and doesn’t muck around. There’s no sugar coating in this book over the future career you’re away to embark on, especially if you’re thinking of starting your own business or being a freelancer. But it also brings you up, similar to how Big Magic does. “You’re going to take over the world, and change it in the process”. Get your best boss on for creative living.

For the creative wanting to try new things: Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

A 1993 non-fiction work of comics by Scott McCloud, an American cartoonist. All different aspects of comics are explored in this book, from the historical development of comics to the fundamental vocabulary (and why it’s fundamental). This book takes you through the formal aspects of comics, as well as having a fascinating discussions on cartoons as an art form. Get doodling.

For the poet: Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

This book is incredible. It details the correspondences of Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke and Franz Xaver Kappus, an officer cadet at the Theresian Military Academy. The letters detail Kappus attempting to have the popular poet review and give advice over his poetry. Kappus attempts to decide between a literary career and a career as an officer. At first, Rilke declines. Later however, Rilke advises Kappus on how a writer should feel, love and seek truth.

For the creative on making money: Little Black Book by Otegha Uwagba

Little Black Book; A Toolkit for Working Women is a book that gives #GIRLBOSS a run for its money with business advice. It has no-bullshit practical advice, fresh ideas and it’s travel-sized! You can carry it anywhere, pull it out in moments you need some help in the workplace. It encourages women to build up a career, as well as everything you’ll need to have a successful and self-made career. A freelancers dream. It doesn’t take you through the clichés of a self-help book, but it does help you negotiate a pay-rise and help with building up confidence in public speaking. I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s also £5 on Amazon. A bargain for every boss. P.S Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has some words of wisdom.

For the stocking filler: Ice Cream For Breakfast by Laura Jane Williams

I call this a stocking filler, but that doesn’t in the slightest take away from how fantastic and heartfelt this book is. Ice Cream For Breakfast is a book on how discovering your inner child can help you become less stressed. As the world is, *ahem*, questionable right now, this book is a helpful hand to declutter the stress. It’s all about examining how we approach things in life in its honest, its enthusiasm and its humour. It also suggests making forts often and laughing loudly. For a stressed friend or family member, this may ease the tension in their shoulders and get them belly laughing.

 

 

 

By Lou Ramsay