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InspirationJul 31, 2025

Resource List: Books for design leaders to support them in moments of burnout

Written by Sara Loos RGD, HarperCollins Canada

In a post-pandemic world, creatives need to prioritize their mental health. We are constantly hearing about "burnout" which is something that greatly impacts people in creative industries. We need to be innovative, work on tight deadlines and pivot quickly when the client doesn’t like our initial ideas. This can take a toll on us, which is why we need resources that will help support us during these moments. 

Here are some books that provide practical advice and strategies to tackle burnout.

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life 

by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

This book aims to give the reader the same tools and strategies that designers use to build and support a joyful life. The author states that everything in life was designed to solve a problem and these same tools can be used to create and sustain an interesting career, a loving relationship and a hobby that adds to the overall well-being of an individual. Designers may already know these tools, but this book offers a reframe to better support their life outside of work and be able to thrive.

Make Your Art No Matter What: Moving Beyond Creative Hurdles

by Beth Pickens

This book helps support creatives when they reach obstacles in their work. It stresses the importance of continuing to create even when life gets in the way because when designers don’t create, it can have a negative impact on all aspects of their life. This book offers solutions to the many challenges we may face including managing time, money and our education as well as dealing with isolation, fear and anxiety. It will inspire you to continue to create because the world needs your art.

Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World 

by Eve Rodsky

This book claims that creativity is an essential part of life. After conducting research into gender equality in the home, the author realized that people still needed something more. Creativity lead to a more satisfying life and the author puts forward a path to reclaim your own creative ‘Unicorn Space’ in your busy life. This book gives you full permission to share your special gifts and talents with the world because it is beneficial for everyone.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us 

by Daniel H. Pink

This book helps us to understand what exactly motivates us in life. When we are feeling burnt out, this book brings us back to the basics to encourage us to continue. The author suggests that the secret to excelling in work and life is our need to direct our own lives, to learn and create and to do better for ourselves and our world. This book will inspire your inner drive and allow you to unlock new levels in your work.

Finding Flow: The Psychology Of Engagement With Everyday Life 

by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

This book offers us a simple solution to our anxiety and stresses of work. It asks us to find our state of flow. The author studied thousands of people and realized that they were the happiest when they tackled a new skill that required commitment to learn and was undertaken for their own enjoyment. It put them in a state of flow which gave them a sense of purpose and accomplishment. In moments of burnout, it is helpful to return to these skills to offer a new outlet for your creativity and allow time for your mind to inspire new results.


Sara Loos RGD

HarperCollins Canada

Toronto-based designer who specializes in book design and print materials with almost 10 years of experience in the publishing and nonprofit industries. Sara completed a Master’s of Book Design at the University of Reading in 2015 and began her career at House of Anansi Press as a Design Assistant working on both the adult and children's books. She worked in-house at Simon and Schuster Canada as a cover designer and YWCA Toronto as the Senior Design and Production Coordinator supporting the women, girls and gender diverse people of Toronto. In 2025 she returned to the publishing industry and joined HarperCollins Canada as an Art Director. She joined the RGD community first as an Associate RGD member and then a Certified RGD member in 2022. Her work has been recognized by the RGD community, winning an Award of Merit in the 2021 In-House Design Awards.

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