Best Conceptual Arts Books of 2025

The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step (Woo! Jr. Kids Activities Books) is a children's drawing book that provides step-by-step instructions for drawing 365 different items. This book is perfect for kids who love art and want to improve their skills. It contains a variety of drawing ideas, from animals and plants to musical instruments and sports equipment. The book is easy to follow and provides helpful tips for budding artists. Overall, The Drawing Book for Kids is an excellent resource for children who want to turn their love of drawing into a skill.

The Electric State is a visually stunning, post-apocalyptic science fiction story that follows a teenage girl and her robot on a cross-country journey through a world littered with the ruins of battle drones and the remnants of a high-tech, virtual-reality-obsessed society. The haunting illustrations and emotionally rich storytelling make this a standout addition to any science fiction or art collection. The open-ended conclusion leaves readers with a sense of awe and wonder at the potential for rebirth and renewal in a world that has committed suicide. This book is a unique and captivating read that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Codex Seraphinianus: 40th Anniversary Edition is a beloved cult classic that features a visual encyclopedia of an unknown world written in an unknown language. The book has fueled much debate over its meaning, but its appeal is obvious: it is a most exquisite artifact, blurring the line between art book and art object. The special edition includes a new design, new cover illustration, and 15 never-before-seen drawings. With its surreal illustrations and made-up language, Codex Seraphinianus is the perfect book to drive a reader mad with delight and frustration. It feels like a biology textbook designed by Salvador Dalí on acid. Overall, this book is a must-have for fans and collectors of Luigi Serafini's art.

The Artist's Way Workbook is an essential companion for anyone who has followed the life-changing twelve-week program outlined in the international bestseller, The Artist's Way. This elegantly designed and user-friendly volume includes more than 110 tasks, over 50 check-ins, and new insights into the creative process shared by author Julia Cameron. With its focus on discovering and developing the artist within, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to express their individuality and creativity. Overall, The Artist's Way Workbook is a valuable resource for those looking to pursue their creative dreams and learn to pay attention to their inner artist.

The Shove It Up Your F*cking A**: Adult Coloring Book is a hilarious and irreverent take on the popular adult coloring book trend. This book features swear words and phrases that will make you laugh out loud while coloring. It's perfect for those who need to relax and unwind after a long day. The book is a great gift idea for those with a sense of humor and is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys coloring and a good laugh.

Tales From the Loop is a fascinating narrative artbook that takes readers on an imaginative journey through a fictionalized suburban town in the 1980s. The author, Simon Stålenhag, weaves together strange tales of otherworldly creatures and fantastic machines, all set against the backdrop of the world's largest particle accelerator. The book has been praised for its haunting and sophisticated sci-fi, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. Overall, Tales From the Loop is a beautifully crafted book that transports readers to a dystopian universe filled with mystery, beauty, and wonder.

John Berger's Ways of Seeing is a groundbreaking book that explores how we look at art and the relationship between what we see and what we know. Based on the BBC television series, this book has become one of the most influential works on art in any language. Berger's ability to liberate images and cut through the mystification of professional art critics makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in art history and the media. It is a magic trick that will change the way you look at pictures forever.

Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers is an updated version of a classic volume exploring the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. Leonard Koren, an artist and architect, writes about design and aesthetics, making this book a touchstone for designers of all stripes. The Wall Street Journal praises the book, calling it an explication of the Japanese concept of serendipitous beauty. The book is unique in its approach to design and aesthetics, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in art, photography, or criticism.

The Marvel's Midnight Suns - The Art of the Game is an official art book of the highly anticipated Marvel's Midnight Suns video game. It features exclusive concept art and in-game renderings created by the talented development team, showcasing characters, locations, gadgets, weapons, monsters, enemies, and much more. The book also includes unique insights from the artists and developers behind the game. Author Paul Davies has done an excellent job capturing the creative process of the game in this lush, hardback volume. This book is a must-have for fans of the game and Marvel's universe, as it provides an in-depth look at the art and design behind the game.

The Labyrinth by Simon Stålenhag is a thrilling sci-fi apocalypse tale that takes readers on a journey to a world of ruin and vengeance. The story follows a group of scientists and a young boy named Charlie as they venture to a remote bunker to study world-ending phenomena. As they face isolation and claustrophobia, they must confront their own past and the societal issues that led to the apocalypse. Stålenhag's stunning illustrations add depth to the story, making it a must-read for fans of conceptual arts books.