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With January 1 now past, the mantra “new year, new you” has probably worn out its welcome. But just because that phrase has been on repeat, it doesn’t make it any less inspiring—or true. You might’ve identified your goals for the next 365 days, but there’s a chance you still need help getting started on them. To aid you on this quest, we’ve selected many books that you can listen to in an audiobook format.
Why listen? If you’re someone that wants to make the most of a commute or spends an hour on a treadmill, you probably have a collection of podcasts you already subscribe to. Audiobooks are sure to last longer than a podcast episode and are perfect for binge listening. With a service called Audible, you can download one audiobook a month for $14.95 and get 30% off the price of any additional audiobook purchases. Intrigued? Try Audible for free for 30 days and receive two free audiobooks; it’s a great (and cheap) way to start listening. You can cancel or pause your membership at any time without losing the books you downloaded.
Check out our selection of 10 audiobooks below. While many of the audiobooks fall under the category of career advice, we’ve also selected a couple of books that are great stories about art—including one about an iconic Gustav Klimt painting.
Scroll down for our selection of the best audiobooks for creatives!
You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
If you haven’t listened to this best-selling book, the new year is the perfect time to do so. Organized into 27 short chapters, author Jen Sincero shares “inspiring stories, life-changing insights, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word.” It will help you get out of a rut and improve your life.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
Now a Netflix television show sensation, Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up can help you gain valuable tips for not only decluttering your home but also acquiring a motivated mindset to inspire you in other areas of your life.
Your Inner Critic is a Big Jerk: And Other Truths About Being Creative by Danielle Krysa
Learn to silence your noisy inner critic when you listen to this book. Each chapter explains how to navigate common roadblocks, including the fear of the blank page and the dangers of jealousy.
The Magic of Tiny Business: You Don’t Have to Go Big to Make a Great Living by Sharon Rowe
Many people dream of starting their own business but are hesitant to take the leap. They don’t want to fall into debt, work 80-hour weeks, or be pressured to scale their company. Eco-Bags Products founder Sharon Rowe shares how she built her successful business taking small steps while putting her family first and remaining financially secure.
Art Money Success by Maria Brophy
Why do some artists become wildly successful while others struggle? Author Maria Brophy has dedicated 20 years to researching the strategies that successful artists follow and shares them in Art Money Success.
Your Art Will Save Your Life by Beth Pickens
Beth Pickens wants to empower working artists. Learn how to build a sustainable art practice as you deal with things like getting an MFA, applying for and attending residencies, and gaining institutional funding for your work.
The Lady in Gold: The Extraordinary Tale of Gustav Klimt's Masterpiece by Anne-Marie O’Connor
Artist Gustav Klimt’s 1907 painting Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I was stolen by Nazis during World War II. Afterward, there was a decade-long disagreement between her heirs and the Austrian government. This true story tells of Nazi war crimes and gives a glimpse into the “high-stakes workings of the contemporary art world.”
Seven Days in the Art World by Sarah Thornton
Speaking of the art world, author Sarah Thornton reveals the “inner workings” of the subcultures that comprise the contemporary art world. Her book features day-in-the-life narratives in cities around the world including New York, London, Basel, and Tokyo that all explore the dynamics of this facet of society and culture.
Art-Write: The Writing Guide for Visual Artists by Vicki Krohn Amorose
Aside from honing your artistic skills, it’s vital that you know how to write about your own work. Art-Write is a resource to promote yourself through writing—think artist statements and exercises that help develop what you want to say.
Art Matters: Because Your Imagination Can Change the World by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell
Perhaps you missed this book when it was released last fall, but it’s now available in audiobook form. Hear Gaiman’s “trove of published speeches, poems, and creative manifestos” that will inspire you to produce art and be bold in your creative choices.
Ready to get listening? Join Audible and get two audiobooks for free!
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