Team SchlickArt shares the books they love for both personal and professional development.
At SchlickArt, we’re all a bunch of lifelong learners, which means we love reading!
In fact, we read books together as a team, as well as apart.
Some of us listen to audiobooks. Some of us check out library books. And we all discuss what we’re reading and loving in our team meetings.
We may read differently – and prefer different subjects – but we all love a good story with an even better life lesson.
So here are some of the books we’re loving right now, for both professional development and a little bit of fun.
Team SchlickArt Shares The Books They Love
Professional Development
These are the books we love and recommend for anyone who’s interested in professional development – especially small business owners and personal brands.
Lindsay
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
“As a small business owner, it’s so easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day. When an issue arises, it can be really hard to find the time and energy to address it and figure it out – without making a rash decision. This book helps you strategize ways to take a beat, move past the block, and find a solution to keep things moving in the right direction.
I think it’s an excellent book for new business owners trying to find the confidence to make decisions, especially when they’re facing the new or unfamiliar situations that come up when you’re just getting started.”
Brian
Rehumanize Your Business by Ethan Beute and Stephen Pacinelli
“In today’s world, so much of our interactions are text-based and digital. This book explores the value of video in business and sales because it’s not a faceless form of digital communication. Rehumanize Your Business explains how to create more meaningful relationships with your clients through video communication, especially when creating an authentic and engaging digital brand.
If you want to build trust in your audience and level-up your sales process, this book will give you the push you need to grow your business with video. (And when you’re ready to start, we’re here to help!)”
Sonja
Atomic Habits by James Clear
“The habits we follow in our daily lives impact the habits in our professional lives, and this book helped me take a fresh look at both. Not only does it teach you how habits are formed, but it also teaches you how to optimize them with simple strategies that make a big impact. I loved taking the insights in this book and applying them in my everyday life – and seeing how it helped me grow in every area.
This book could be a major lifeline for anyone who’s struggling to keep up with the hustle and bustle of their life, but I really think it’s a great read for anyone looking to create a better life or business.”
Kirsten
The E-myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
“Many people who start businesses are specialists first and entrepreneurs second. For example, a photographer decides to start a photography business, or a personal trainer decides to open a gym. But Gerber asserts that being skilled doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got the experience and knowledge to run a business. This book teaches specialists-turned-business-owners the principles they need to grow as entrepreneurs.
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to start running their small business – instead of letting their business run them.”
Just For Fun
Looking for something fun, inspiring or just plain interesting? Check out the books we loved reading just because.
Lindsay
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
“Being creative is like playing for adults. As children we are very creative and imaginative, but as adults, we often forget to tap into those parts of ourselves. Doing so allows us to be more open and able to find success in the most important parts of our lives. That’s exactly what Big Magic was written to do – help you tap into your creative side with newfound confidence and passion.
This book is perfect for anyone in a creative field or anyone who’s not in a creative field but is in need of a little inspiration.”
Brian
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino
“I chose this book because I wanted something interesting to help me unplug before bed, and it did just that. Set in Hollywood in the late 1960s, Tarantino’s first work of fiction references old TV shows and films and had me researching more about the characters and culture of the time. It also gave me some great talking points with Ed Masterson, who is the biggest movie aficionado I know!
This book is great for anyone who loves Quentin Tarantino movies or other films in that style.”
Sonja
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
“When we’re young, we lead with curiosity and take leaps of faith without the fear of failing or being judged. As we get older, that curiosity and fearlessness often fades. This book reminded me that what we put out in the universe comes back to us, so if we want to take a leap of faith, we have to trust that it’s achievable. We have to believe in ourselves and feel the support all around us.
This book is a dose of positivity for anyone who may be scared to step outside their comfort zone, or for anyone who just needs a little reminder that, on the other side of scary, lies something very rewarding.”
Kirsten
“Sometimes figuring out what you want can feel just as difficult as actually achieving it. Burnett and Evans, who are professors at Stanford University’s design school, have learned to approach life’s successes, problems, and goals from a designer’s perspective. In this book, they use their unique system to help you design a life you love. It begins with an inventory of your beliefs, provides tools to explore what they mean, and gives you all the resources you need to turn insight into action.
This book is perfect for anyone who is looking to get clear on their purpose in life – and create a clear and actionable plan to find fulfillment in that purpose.”
What Are You Reading?
We’d love to hear about what you’re reading, too! Send us your favorite book recommendations, or share your thoughts about the books we mentioned above. Let us know what you want us to read next!
Visual Marketing Education
At SchlickArt, we know your marketing visuals are only effective if you actually use them. That’s why we help you create powerful photography and video – and then we teach you how to share it. With each session, we’ll give you our best tips based on your specific marketing goals. We provide the education and resources you need to brand your content, integrate it into your marketing strategy, post it with intention, and maximize engagement along the way.
If you want even more tips and resources, we have an educational blog, newsletter and video channel to help you dive deeper, as well as professional presentations, workshops, and coaching sessions if you’re ready to take action and level-up your marketing now.
About SchlickArt Photography and Video
SchlickArt, a boutique photo and video studio in Santa Clarita, started in March 2012 with the simple idea that empowerment creates a kind of beauty and authenticity that shines through every camera lens. Built on a philosophy — rather than a product, service or person — SchlickArt has rapidly evolved, meeting professional portraiture, business photo and business video needs as diverse as the community we capture. It’s the desire to take care of you, the client, that drives us at SchlickArt.