Creativity-Boosting Books + Tools

JOHN SINGER SARGENT + PORTRAIT OF MADAME X

Welcome to the latest edition of Collide Press, a newsletter spotlighting both the old and the new in Art + Creativity + Design + More.

In this issue, I offer a list of a few of the books and tools that help keep my creative sparks burning bright:

RECOMMENDED READING

• "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron 
  A timeless classic for unlocking your creative potential, filled with exercises and quotes that resonate with artists of all kinds and levels.

• "Show Your Work!" by Austin Kleon
  Perfect for visual artists, designers, and photographers, this book provides valuable tips on promoting your work and building a creative community.

• "The Creative Habit" by Twyla Tharp
  This dance legend's creative process will likely inspire your own.

• "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King
  A must-read for writers, King shares his personal writing journey and imparts practical advice for aspiring authors.

• "Do the Work" by Steven Pressfield
  Short, simple, and to-the-point. Mr. Pressfield is as clear, direct, and precise as anyone we've read.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

For artists, designers, photographers, and writers, having the right tools is essential. Here are 5 creativity apps that cater to various aspects of the creative process:

• Procreate (iOS)
  An advanced digital painting app for iPad, offering a wide range of brushes and tools to create stunning artwork.

• Canva (iOS/Android/Desktop/Web)
  An easy-to-use graphic design app with templates for social media, presentations, posters, and more.

• Scrivener (iOS/Android/Desktop)
  A writing app that helps authors organize their thoughts, research, and drafts in one place.

• Evernote (iOS/Android/Desktop)
  A versatile note-taking app that allows you to capture ideas, organize research, and sync across devices.

• CapCut (iOS/Android/Mac/Web)
  A user-friendly video editing app designed for by the company behind TikTok. Makes video accessible and can handle projects big and small.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• The Creative’s Toolbox Gets An AI Upgrade (Wired)

• 10 Fun Illustration Challenges (Creative Boom)

• Balancing Technical Skills and Creativity in Photography (Fstoppers)

• 13-Year-Old Designer = Louis Vuitton Intern (Creative Bloq)

• 20 Easy Ways To Be Much More Creative (The Guardian)

WORDS OF WISDOM

“A creative life is an amplified life. It's a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life.”
Elizabeth Gilbert

Creativity knows no bounds. And Collide Press is here (and queer) to cheer you and your artistic pursuits on. Keep creating, inspiring, and celebrating the full spectrum of creativity.

Thanks for reading!
Clint

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