4 Books on My Bedside Table (And How They’re Inspiring My Next Patterns)
If you’ve ever scrolled Pinterest or stared at your sketchbook thinking, “I want to make something—but I don’t know where to start,” this post is for you.
Sometimes, the best place to begin isn’t a blank canvas—it’s a sentence that stirs you, a quote that makes you pause, or a story that reshapes the way you see yourself.
That’s why I’ve been drawing with one ear in a book and one hand in a sketch this season.
These four books aren’t “design books” per se—but they’re absolutely shaping my next pattern collections. And more importantly? They’re helping me become the kind of artist (and woman) I want to be.
Let me show you how.
Inspiration Doesn’t Have to Be Original—It Just Has to Be Yours
Let’s bust this myth right away: You don’t have to be completely original to be creative.
You just have to be honest.
Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
This book reminded me that creativity isn’t about being first or flashy—it’s about trusting your curiosity.
When I read it (well—listened while folding laundry), I was struck by the way she describes ideas as visitors: they tap you on the shoulder and ask, “Want to make something with me?”
Here’s how it shifted my process:
I stopped waiting for “the perfect idea” and started sketching the imperfect ones.
I realized repetition is not failure—it’s a part of finding your style.
I gave myself permission to draw just for me, even if no one saw it.
You don’t need a museum-worthy concept. You just need a tiny spark and the willingness to follow it.
Small Habits Create Big Momentum
I used to think I needed a full afternoon or a silent house to be creative. Spoiler: I’m a mom of two. That’s… not my life.
Book: Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
This book helped me rewire the way I approached creativity.
Instead of “when I have time, I’ll make art,” I now think:
“What’s the smallest creative act I can do today?”
That changed everything.
Here’s what my habit looks like:
I write 3 pattern ideas in my phone while making tea.
I sketch for 5 minutes while my toddler builds a block tower.
I listen to audiobooks while drawing or driving—and jot inspiration in Trello when I can.
These micro-moments add up. And suddenly, I’ve created a full collection.
Creativity doesn’t need hours. It needs a home in your daily rhythm.
You’re Allowed to Create Without Explaining Yourself
As a mom, I’ve had to learn this over and over: not everyone will get what you do. And that’s okay.
Book: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Mel’s book reminded me: Let them.
Let them scroll. Let them judge. Let them not understand.
Here’s what I’ve been doing instead:
Focusing inward—What do I want to say?
Creating with joy instead of overthinking every post.
Letting go of validation from strangers and leaning into the small, trusted circle that cheers me on.
This shift helped me make patterns that feel more me—like my blue tiger, or a sleepy afternoon floral.
Let them think what they will.
You? Just keep making what lights you up.
The Book That Grounded It All
Book: The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom
This one reframed how I measure success.
It reminded me that time, health, and creative freedom are wealth.
After reading, I asked myself:
What kind of life do I want to build through art?
What does success look like for me?
And the answer wasn’t a follower count or viral post.
It was being able to create beside my children, at my pace, in a home filled with little drawings, big ideas, and a lot of love.
Future You Is Already Creating
You don’t need to wait until you’re “original” or “ready” or “successful.”
You just need to begin.
If you're feeling that quiet nudge to make something—even if it's imperfect, even if it's inspired by a book or a walk or your toddler's scribbles—I want to invite you to join me.
🎁 Here’s your next step:
📚 Reflect on your current reads
🎨 Turn one spark into a simple sketch
👣 And then let’s turn that into a real, repeat-ready pattern together
👉 [Join my free seamless pattern course here]
Even 30 minutes a week is enough to create something beautiful.
