Creative Quest, by Questlove

Paperback: April 2, 2019 (Hardcover: April 24, 2018).

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.

“[Creative Quest] is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to understand the impulse, psychology and spark behind creative ideas.”
(Rolling Stone)

“Powered by the pistons of Questlove’s ever-curious mind and his decades of experience in varied artistic projects with top entertainers, thinkers and creators, this book feels fresh and personal. Credible research is buttressed by “here’s how it played out for me” stories, and his humor and geniality shine through” (BookPage)

“Creative Quest is a comprehensive, funny, and honest exploration of artistic process. My favorite read this year.” (Donald Glover)

 “I read so many books, and I have time for so few of them. This book paid off every minute: I loved keeping company with Questlove’s agile mind as he worked through the problems and promises of creativity.” (Issa Rae)

 “Creativity presents an opportunity for people from all walks of life to be heard. Questlove brilliantly delivers a must-read guide for all creatives, who desire to define and cultivate their own, unique voice.” (Lena Waithe)

“[Questlove’s] mind is literally a galaxy of stars. In this book, we witness the astronomer mapping the constellations, reminding us to keep our heads to the sky and remember that our greatest gifts are hiding in plain sight.” (Hank Willis Thomas)