Ben Rennie, acclaimed writer, creative director, and founder of Reny, is set to release his highly anticipated debut book, Lessons in Creativity, on May 1, 2025. Published globally by Wiley, the book promises to offer a compelling exploration into the importance of creativity in modern life, both in personal and professional contexts.
The book delves into a striking statistic: while 96% of children consider themselves creative, only 26% of adults hold on to that belief. This drastic decline, according to Rennie, speaks to a broader cultural crisis—the loss of creative confidence as we age. Lessons in Creativity aims to bridge that gap, offering a roadmap to reclaiming the creative spark that many feel they’ve lost.
Part memoir, part manifesto, Lessons in Creativity combines Rennie’s personal experiences with insights drawn from his extensive career in leading creative work for some of the world’s most influential brands, including Nike, Patagonia, Chanel, and Dolce & Gabbana. Throughout the book, Rennie reveals how curiosity fuels creative confidence and why it’s no longer optional to reignite this essential skill.
“This isn’t a book about being creative,” Rennie explains. “It’s a book about agency. Creativity is how we make sense of the world, how we connect, adapt, and lead. We’ve outsourced our imagination, and this book is about reclaiming it.”
Rennie’s message is clear: creativity is not an innate trait but a muscle that must be exercised to remain strong. He asserts that when creativity is left untapped, it fades, but when practiced intentionally, it can reshape how we think, feel, lead, and live.
“I wrote this book as a reminder to myself and my three kids,” says Rennie. “We learn the power of creativity early, but as we grow, we can unlearn it just as quickly. Rediscovering creative confidence reshapes our world with intention, integrity, and imagination. Creativity isn’t just what we make—it’s how we take responsibility for what we make next.”
Rennie’s vision has garnered praise from several prominent figures. Tim Ross, comedian and TV presenter, describes the book as “an exceptional work by a bloke who has been waiting for the world to catch up to where his head is at.” New York Times bestselling author Seth Godin also weighed in, noting, “I appreciate the extraordinary work this must have taken.” Meanwhile, storyteller and resilience coach Vashti Whitfield called the book “a wonderful accomplishment, a generous offering, and one juicy read.”
Award-winning film director Luke Shanahan added, “Creativity is a human condition. Books like this matter because they wake us up, and the world could do with a little waking up occasionally.”
Lessons in Creativity is set to become an essential read for anyone seeking to unlock their creative potential and reclaim ownership of their imaginative capabilities in today’s fast-paced world.
