In 'Creative Quest,' Questlove invites readers on a journey through the intricate world of creativity, drawing on his experiences as a musician and cultural icon. He explores the ingredients that fuel artistic expression, blending personal anecdotes with insights from other artists. The book challenges conventional notions of creativity, urging readers to embrace their unique paths and inspirations. With thought-provoking exercises and reflections, Questlove encourages a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly creative. This exploration is not just for artists; it's a call to anyone seeking to unlock their inner creativity.
By Questlove
Published: 2019
"Creativity is a journey, not a destination. It blooms from the courage to follow your passions and the willingness to embrace the messiness of life."
NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2018 BY Esquire • PopSugar • The Huffington Post • Buzzfeed • Publishers Weekly A unique new guide to creativity from Questlove—inspirations, stories, and lessons on how to live your best creative life Questlove—musician, bandleader, designer, producer, culinary entrepreneur, professor, and all-around cultural omnivore—shares his wisdom on the topics of inspiration and originality in a one-of-a-kind guide to living your best creative life. In Creative Quest, Questlove synthesizes all the creative philosophies, lessons, and stories he’s heard from the many creators and collaborators in his life, and reflects on his own experience, to advise readers and fans on how to consider creativity and where to find it. He addresses many topics—what it means to be creative, how to find a mentor and serve as an apprentice, the wisdom of maintaining a creative network, coping with critics and the foibles of success, and the specific pitfalls of contemporary culture—all in the service of guiding admirers who have followed his career and newcomers not yet acquainted with his story. Whether discussing his own life or channeling the lessons he’s learned from forefathers such as George Clinton, collaborators like D’Angelo, or like-minded artists including Ava DuVernay, David Byrne, Björk, and others, Questlove speaks with the candor and enthusiasm that fans have come to expect. Creative Quest is many things—above all, a wise and wide-ranging conversation around the eternal mystery of creativity.
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Questlove, born Ahmir Khalib Thompson, is an acclaimed musician, producer, and author best known as the drummer for the Grammy Award-winning band The Roots. In addition to his musical contributions, he has published notable works including "Mo Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove," a memoir that blends personal anecdotes with reflections on music history and culture, and "Creative Quest," which explores the creative process and inspires readers to pursue their artistic passions. Questlove's writing is characterized by its conversational tone, deep insights into the music industry, and a unique blend of humor and intellect.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Showing 8 of 27 similar books
Adam Robinson is a distinguished author, financial advisor, and co-founder of the Princeton Review, which revolutionized the test preparation industry. He is renowned for his best-selling book "Cracking the SAT," which has guided countless students to achieve higher scores. Robinson's expertise extends beyond education into financial markets, where he is a respected global macro advisor. His contributions to literature and finance have earned him a reputation as a thought leader and innovator. Continually sought after for his insights, Robinson remains a pivotal figure in both the educational and financial sectors.
View CollectionAustin Kleon is a bestselling author and artist known for his creative approach to inspiring others to unlock their artistic potential. His book "Steal Like an Artist" became an instant classic for its unique take on creativity, encouraging people to borrow and remix ideas to fuel their work. Kleon is also known for his book "Show Your Work," where he emphasizes the importance of sharing one's creative process with others to build a community and gain recognition. He combines writing, art, and digital tools to offer practical insights into the creative life. His work extends to visual art, particularly in the form of blackout poetry, where he creates new meanings by redacting newspaper text. Kleon is a frequent speaker at conferences, workshops, and universities, where he advocates for creativity as a daily practice. He maintains an active online presence, sharing inspiration and advice with a global audience.
View CollectionAudrey Gelman is an American entrepreneur and writer, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of The Wing, a network of co-working spaces and social clubs designed for women. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to creating supportive environments for professional women, significantly impacting feminist discourse and workplace equality. Gelman has also contributed thought-provoking essays to prominent publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, where she discusses gender, politics, and culture. Her leadership at The Wing has been celebrated for fostering community and collaboration among women. Additionally, Gelman's influence extends to the political sphere, having previously worked as a press aide on several high-profile campaigns.
View CollectionBarack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View CollectionJon Stewart is an American comedian, writer, and former host of The Daily Show, where he gained fame for his satirical take on news and politics. Stewart transformed The Daily Show into a critical voice in American media, blending humor with hard-hitting commentary on political and social issues. After stepping down from the show, Stewart has continued to advocate for causes like 9/11 first responders and veterans' rights. He is also a filmmaker, directing the political satire film Irresistible. Stewart remains a significant figure in American culture, known for his wit, activism, and influence on political discourse.
View CollectionAnya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.
View CollectionAnthony Bourdain was an acclaimed chef, author, and television personality known for his deep exploration of global cuisine and culture. He gained widespread recognition with his 2000 bestseller "Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly," which offered an unvarnished look behind the scenes of the restaurant industry. Bourdain's literary talents extended to several other books, including "A Cook's Tour" and "Medium Raw," further cementing his status as a compelling storyteller. His groundbreaking TV shows such as "No Reservations" and "Parts Unknown" took viewers on culinary adventures around the world, earning him numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards. Bourdain's legacy endures as a pioneer who celebrated the richness of diverse cultures through food.
View CollectionAusten Allred is an influential entrepreneur and author, best known for his contributions to the education technology sector. He co-founded Lambda School, a groundbreaking online coding bootcamp that offers deferred tuition and has revolutionized access to tech education. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Allred is the author of "The Grassfed Startup," which provides insights into building sustainable businesses. His innovative approach to education has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the tech industry. Allred continues to inspire with his commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all.
View CollectionShowing 8 of 11 related collections
“Creativity is a journey, not a destination. It blooms from the courage to follow your passions and the willingness to embrace the messiness of life.”
Creative Quest
By Questlove
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.