Los demonios creativos y cómo acabar con ellos

by Richard Holman

Si alguna vez te has embarcado en un proceso creativo, muy probablemente te hayas topado con dudas, miedo ante la página en blanco, sensación de fracaso, el peso de las convenciones… Se trata de factores tremendamente bloqueantes, forjados y anclados en nuestra mente, que no hacen más que entorpecer nuestro fluir creativo.

A través de distintas anécdotas y experiencias del mundo del arte, la filosofía, la naturaleza y la neurociencia, el experto en creatividad Richard Holman nos ayuda a detectar y entender cada uno de nuestros demonios creativos y a construir una armadura mental para hacerles frente. Leonardo da Vinci, Marina Abramovic, J. K. Rowling, el Dr. Seuss o Herbie Hancock nos acompañan en este camino, un proceso de aprendizaje y autoconocimiento que tiene un solo objetivo: decir adiós a tus demonios.

Genres: Nonfiction, Design, Self Help, Art

148 pages, Hardcover

Published March 17, 2025

Reviews

[Emma Skapetis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really interesting and gave me a new perspective on being creative, particularly when it comes to my writing because I think everything I write is terrible the majority of the time. However I've put a lot of time into writing my first book (which is still incomplete) so I should be thinking about how I haven't given up on it. RTC.

[Blake Lagneaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making art is hard. Creativity requires a certain level of dedication, vulnerability, and patience. So, of course, the journey can be filled with a complex mix of emotions like disappointment, fear, anxiety, and self-doubt (among many others)… This book is a very handy (and funny) field guide on that path. Holman names the demons that come for us all, as we attempt to express our creativity. His writing is clever, yet relatable and grounded — and the book is filled with illuminating stories from creative greats. It’s a very useful reminder that we do not travel alone on this road to self-expression. And one that I’d recommend to anyone undertaking any creative endeavor.

[Simone Heineck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated and written book for anybody questioning their creativity. And if you are not ready to slay your creative demons you can certainly learn to live with them (Personally, i learned to appreciate mine and try and work with them...).

[Liam Dunlea · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I read this book in one sitting. I'm in the midst of beginning a new journey; I'm one month into writing a weekly blog/newsletter called 'Round the Hearth. In such a short time, I've encountered all the creative demons found in this book.

What's surprising is how badly I want to read this book again. I want to go back and examine every reference and note by the author.

Each chapter is full of post it notes! I laughed out loud as I prepared to put a post-it note on the page describing the story of post-it notes.

This book captures the glorious struggle of doing the most creative thing: being human.

[Estela-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect inspiration going into NaNoWriMo 2022!

[Jiske · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very original book—the drawings add a nice touch, and I liked that the different types of fears were separated.

[Sian Atherton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring, witty, encouraging! This is gorgeously written and takes you on a journey of creativity, but even though it focuses of creativity many aspects of the book can just be applied to life as it delves into the human mind and thought process.

Richard Holman introduces us to 10 demons. Demons we all know! Including experiences from renowned figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Dr. Seuss, Alfred Hitchcock, Maurice Sendak, etc. Holman situates us in a place of comfort as he describes relatable experiences where these 10 little demons filter through your mind. Although they are harmless, they can wreck havoc and cause a lot of damage. But although there is comfort in a shared unity of us all encountering demons, there is also something so individually encouraging.

"Remember that no matter how ill at ease you may feel with your own flaws and limitations, you are in a very privileged position. No other writer or artist sees the world as you do, because no other writer or artist is you. As Dr Seuss once sagely wrote, 'Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is youer than you!'"

The artwork throughout was just brilliant. The animated cartoonish pieces are doodled throughout and work well with the almost conversational tone, which is just welcoming and down to earth.

If you just need a bit of inspiration or something uplifting, this book perfectly meets those requirements. Although this book speaks of slaying your creative demons, it also exerts the necessity of harnessing them. For demons like so much, have good and bad, and as one of my favourite points of the book states: "Who's to say what's bad or good?"

For me, this book was just reassuring and relatable. Creative Demons will definitely be a book I'll visit every so often, and many of the words will linger with me for a long time to come. I'll definitely be saying 'hi' to my demons from now on.

[Nicole Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun way to tackle the psychological obstacles we face on the creative path. It was quick, lighthearted and, for me, compulsively readable. It isn’t a super deep dive into each creative “demon” but gives the reader tips on ways to reframe and therefore deal with each creative demon. The examples and research drawn upon are a nice way to visualise the points being made, but it is worth remembering that this book isn’t about the exactness of those examples which I noted were not quite accurate on occasion (and it didn’t happen often as far as I can tell—probably just once or twice). For example, I’m pretty sure the details of Cecilia Giménez’s story as the commonly told version of that humorous story goes (and repeated here) is not exactly what actually happened. But each example served its purpose in this context to drive home the point about how to recognise and confront each creative demon. I think this is a very useful concisely written tool in the creative’s arsenal and would fit well alongside Austin Kleon’s trilogy and Andy J Pizza’s Creative Pep Talk podcast (all of which I’ve enjoyed).

[Alyson Indrunas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of my illustrator research. I loved this book and I laughed out loud several times. Also very much love that anecdote about Hitchcock listening to his wife who saw a flaw in Psycho. Also the demon throwing the typewriter out the window made laugh to tears.

And this, which I fear is where I demon who lives in me:
"If only heaven will give me just another ten years, just another five more years, then I could become a real painter." ~Hokusai

[Oumaïma (readwithmima) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
Nice little book

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greatly enjoyed this! A must read for writers and all creatives!

[perrito lector · Rating 5 out of 5]

Increíble libro de consulta para baches creativos.

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it!
gave me new ideas and motivations to be more creative

[dstrct · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and enjoyable musings on the creative process. Will go back to this one many times.

[Shoug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect encouragement and inspiration for every creative person out there.

It’s nice to be understood.

[Kate Bridie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad your creative demons didn't stop you from writing this book, Richard Holman! I have been reading a chapter each day before I sit down to write and I can't tell you how much it has helped motivate me to push on and find ways to work through all these creative demons that do indeed constantly pop up when I'm sitting at my computer, trying to get my ideas into a story. It is such an inspirational read, especially when you refer to brilliant, successful artists who struggled just as much. I will be re-reading this book many times to remind me I'm not alone in all my doubts and to just keep keeping on! Thank you for writing this book.

[Austra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autors ar smaidu un vienlaikus pavisam nopietni runā par dažādajiem dēmoniem, kas mums traucē paveikt savus darbus, īpaši - radošos. Prokrastinācija, šaubas, kritika, vilšanās un citi jauki zvēri. Tomēr ikvienam no viņiem ir arī noderīgā puse, kuru autors aicina izmantot lietderīgi un pareizajā momentā. Iedvesmojoši un praktiski ar interesantiem piemēriem no reālu cilvēku reālās dzīves. Turklāt ar izcilām Al Murphy ilustrācijām.

“And one of the truths of what it means to be human is that somewhere along the way, on our journey through life, we're bound to lose faith in ourselves.”

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really connected with me, the chapters built up on each other and flowed nicely. The examples of famous figures feeling the exact same way I do makes me feel more connected to the community. The tips and different ways to view our demons is helpful to all creatives at any level. The Epilouge made me smile and appreciate this wonderful creation more. Seriously, with all my heart, this was amazing! <3

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking back I find humor in how long I set this book down for, only to open it again and find myself on the chapter The Demon of Procrastination.

A great read for anyone creative or considering a creative endeavor. Scratch that, a great book full of reminders for anyone struggling to start or continue with something they really want to do, but find themselves in the spinning wheel of death. Fun, informative, relatable.

[Viktoria Foldes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book i read in Spanish (got another one i started some time ago) and i have to say, if you are currently studying, or just want to brush up your skills, look no further.
As for the topics “demons of creativity”, it is also useful, cause some of us just need another perspective at times. A nudge to start creating what we thought about for some time, or to continue.
Good takeaways, fairly easy read.

[Kristie Hoffrichter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randomly found this book displayed at a public library, as someone who loves to write stories and art. I decided to give it a read. It was informative about all sorts of creative demons and fascinating stories about some of the well known creative minds throughout history handled each of the demons. But also useful tips. It was worth reading and highly recommend it to anyone.

[Laiartt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy ameno y útil para recargar pilas en medio de un bloqueo creativo. Habla de los miedos (aka demonios) que pensamos que solo sufrimos nosotros pero que en realidad, todos hemos sentido alguna vez en este camino creativo. Así que te visita alguno de ellos… salúdalos de mi parte :)

Ilustraciones topp y graciosas, y frases subrayadas para releer de vez en cuando!

[Samanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate the reframing of the challenges that comes with creativity. I think everyone deserves to see things from different perspectives for example as portrayed in this book. Definitely worth the read

[Nicolai Schümann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice and entertaining read on how to overcome obstacles when doing creative work. I like that the book is illustrated with nice stories and examples from prominent creators and artists. Entertaining read!

[Rems · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun little book. It doesn’t go too deep but offers a solid overview of common biases and cognitive heuristics that can inhibit a person’s creative potential. A light, accessible read for anyone looking for an introduction to unlocking and promoting their creativity.

[Myles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is something I will return to when I’m having a creative dilemma. Excellent.

[Naomi Rooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, humourous and insightful. Enjoyed it and it did give me some food for thought.

[Dina Habulin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man! This was a fun one!
Thank you for explaining why am I like this. On my way to accepting my creative demons and learning how to dance with them.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful. This book really changes your perspective and understanding of challenges that everyone must overcome and understand

[Huibert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goed, niet geweldig. En enkele demon kende ik nog niet en het inspireert wel. Maar zoals zo vaak: het had dunner gekund. (En goedkoper.) Maar dat is mijn mening. Het is aan de auteur.