My Top 5 Books for Artists and Surface Pattern Designers

ARTIST'S MIND

9 Sept

If you’re an artist or/and surface pattern designer, your world is likely a mix of creativity, inspiration and strategy. You’re constantly juggling ideas and deadlines, striving to refine your craft, manage your time, and navigate the complexity of the design world. To support you on this journey, I’d like to share five of my favourite books that I believe will help you fine-tune your habits, master your creative process, and approach the business side of art with confidence. Without further ado and in no particular order, let’s dive in.

1) Atomic Habits by James Clear

If you’ve ever struggled with making consistent progress on your creative projects or maintaining productive habits, Atomic Habits will be your new best friend. This book isn’t just about forming good habits—it’s about understanding how small changes can compound into significant results. The approach is grounded in the idea that tiny improvements, made consistently, can lead to remarkable transformations.

For artists and surface pattern designers, this book offers practical strategies to build a productive routine. You’ll learn how to break down your goals into manageable tasks, create an environment that fosters creativity, and establish systems that support your artistic journey. The principles in Atomic Habits will help you overcome procrastination, set realistic goals, and develop a mindset that embraces growth and continuous improvement.

“The Four Laws of Behavior Change are a simple set of rules we can use to build better habits. They are (1) make it obvious, (2) make it attractive, (3) make it easy, and (4) make it satisfying.”

— James Clear

2) Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear is a captivating exploration of the nature of creativity and how we can all tap into our artistic potential. Gilbert shares her personal experiences and wisdom, offering a refreshing and empowering perspective on living a creatively fulfilled life.

The book invites you to embrace the wonders of creative living, encouraging you to push past fears and self-doubt. Its warm and motivating tone serves as a guide to rediscovering your passion and taking bold steps in your creative journey. For artists and surface pattern designers, this book is a treasure trove of inspiration, providing practical advice on how to unlock your imagination and view challenges as opportunities for artistic growth. Whether you’re battling a creative block or simply seeking to restore your love for your craft, Big Magic is a must-read for anyone eager to enhance their creative expression and live boldly.

“Forget about perfect. You don’t have time for perfect. It’s a myth and a trap and a hamster wheel that will run you to death. Perfectionism is just fear in fancy shoes, pretending to be elegant when actually it’s just terrified. Underneath that shiny veneer is just the deep existential angst that says again and again, ‘I am not good enough and I will never be good enough.’ At some point you have to just finish your work and release it as it is if only so that you can go on to make other things with a glad and determined heart, which is the point, or at least it should be”

— Elizabeth Gilbert

3) How to Make Repeat Patterns: A Guide for Designers, Architects and Artists by Paul Jackson

When it comes to the technical side of surface pattern design, How to Make Repeat Patterns is an invaluable resource. This guide is perfect for those seeking to understand the complexness of crafting repetitive patterns that are visually appealing and functionally robust.

The book provides a step-by-step approach to designing repeat patterns, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, this resource offers clear instructions, practical tips, and a wealth of examples to help you refine your skills. You’ll learn how to create complex Escher-like repeats, how to tile polygons or how to design intricate wallpaper-type patterns that appear to repeat seamlessly. This is the go-to resource for anyone serious about mastering the art of repeat patterns and expanding their design repertoire.

How to Make Repeat Patterns: A Guide for Designers, Architects and Artists by Paul Jackson

4) The Complete Book of Drawing: Essential Skills for Every Artist by Barrington Barber

This amazing book, which provides practical advice and techniques to elevate your drawing skills, should not be missed. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your abilities, this comprehensive guide covers everything from basic principles to advanced techniques.

The book’s clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrative examples make complex concepts accessible, helping you build a strong foundation in drawing. This resource is invaluable for artists and surface pattern designers who want to improve their technical skills and bring more precision and creativity to their work. With The Complete Book of Drawing, you’ll gain the confidence and expertise needed to take your artistic practice to the next level.

“Steady work can accomplish more than talent by itself.”

— Barrington Barber

5) The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines

Navigating the business side of art can be challenging, especially when it comes to pricing your work and understanding industry standards. The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines is a comprehensive guide that provides essential information on these topics.

This handbook covers everything from setting fair rates for your work to understanding copyright laws and negotiating contracts. It offers practical advice and industry benchmarks to help you make informed decisions about pricing and protecting your intellectual property.

The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook is an indispensable resource for artists and designers who want to ensure that they are fairly compensated for their skills and efforts while maintaining ethical standards in their business interactions. The 16th edition represents 48 years of publication, with updated editions published about every three years.

💡 Find out more about The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines HERE.

Do you have a favourite book that has significantly transformed your skills or mindset? I’m always eager to hear about personal recommendations that have made a difference in someone creative journey. Whether it’s a book on developing positive habits, unlocking imagination, mastering design techniques, or offering business tips, your insights could be incredibly valuable to others. Please share your top picks in the comments below. Let’s continue to support and inspire each other. Happy reading!