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Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your creative career, there's always more to learn. From brushing up on your marketing skills or learning how to sell your art online, there's no end to the business skills that can help you push your career further. Because, as we all know, it takes more than raw talent to make it as an artist. Ambition, tenacity, and the willingness to grow are just some of the characteristics that will help you build your career.
And while there are no shortage of articles online to help—including our own section of creative career advice—sometimes you just need to pick up a good book. Luckily, there are fantastic resources out there to help you with all aspects of the art business. From learning how to set prices to techniques on how to keep you inspired and productive, there are endless books to help your career survive, and thrive.
Ready to start building your library? Clear some room on the bookshelf for our list of 24 books every artist needs to own.
Looking for inspiration and encouragement?
Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic by Lisa Congdon
The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp
Creative Confidence, Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All by Tom Kelley & David Kelley
Pocket Frida Kahlo Wisdom by Hardie Grant
Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles & Ted Orland
Need business basics for your art career?
Mind Your Business: A Workbook to Grow Your Creative Passion into a Full-Time Gig by Ilana Griffo
How to Build Your Art Business With Limited Time or Energy by Corinna Thurston
Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist by Lisa Congdon
Art/Work: Everything You Need to Know (and Do) As You Pursue Your Art Career by Heather Darcy Bhandari & Jonathan Melber
The Business of Being an Artist by Daniel Grant
Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins
The Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love by Jackie Battenfield
Etsy-preneurship: Everything You Need to Know to Turn Your Handmade Hobby into a Thriving Business by Jason Malinak
Art Money & Success by Maria Trophy
Want to improve your marketing and networking skills?
Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
I'd Rather Be in the Studio: The Artist's No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion by Alyson Stanfield
Art-Write: The Writing Guide for Visual Artists by Vicki Krohn Amorose
Guerrilla Marketing for Artists by Barney Davey
Wish you were better at selling your art?
Selling Fine Art Photography by Nigel Merrick
How to Sell Art: A Systematic Approach to Creating Relationships with Collectors and Closing the Sale by J. Jason Horejs
How to Sell Your Art Online by Cory Huff
Need help with finances and legal matters?
Arts & Numbers: A Financial Guide for Artists, Writers, Performers, and Other Members of the Creative Class by elaine Grogan Luttrull
Don't Panic: A Legal Guide (in plain English) for Small Businesses & Creative Professionals by Art Neill & Terri Karobonik
Business and Legal Forms for Fine Artists by Tad Crawford
Related Articles:
6 Reasons Why Every Artist Should Have Their Own Blog
8 Innovative Ways to Make Money From Your Art
How to Successfully Find Gallery Representation as an Artist
6 Tips for How to Accept Art Commissions and Stay Successful
