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“Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative” by Austin Kleon is a practical and inspiring guide to unlocking creativity. Drawing on the idea that all art builds on what came before, Kleon encourages readers to embrace influence, experiment, and cultivate their unique artistic voice.
Key Themes
- Creativity is Borrowing
- Nothing is entirely original; great art and ideas are built on the inspiration of others.
- The key is to “steal” wisely: study, remix, and transform influences into something uniquely yours.
- Embrace Process Over Perfection
- Creativity thrives in experimentation and iteration.
- Focus on doing the work rather than aiming for instant mastery or originality.
- Work with What You Have
- Limitations—whether time, resources, or tools—can spark ingenuity.
- Use constraints to your advantage and create with what’s accessible.
The 10 Key Principles
- Steal Like an Artist
- Learn from those you admire and let their work inspire you.
- Don’t plagiarize; instead, absorb influences and reimagine them in your own way.
- Don’t Wait Until You Know Who You Are to Get Started
- Creativity is an ongoing journey of self-discovery.
- Start creating now, and your identity as an artist will emerge through the process.
- Write the Book You Want to Read
- Create what you’d love to see, hear, or experience in the world.
- Use Your Hands
- Engage in physical, tactile work to stimulate creativity and reduce digital distractions.
- Side Projects and Hobbies Are Important
- Pursue interests outside your main work to keep your creativity fresh and inspired.
- The Secret: Do Good Work and Share It
- Focus on producing quality work and share it openly to attract opportunities and collaborators.
- Geography is No Longer Our Master
- The internet provides limitless opportunities for connection and inspiration.
- You can find your tribe and audience from anywhere.
- Be Nice (The World is a Small Town)
- Cultivate relationships and treat others kindly; your reputation matters.
- Be Boring (It’s the Only Way to Get Work Done)
- Build routines and manage your time well to sustain creative output.
- Discipline and consistency are essential for long-term success.
- Creativity is Subtraction
- Simplicity fosters focus. Eliminate unnecessary distractions and overcomplications.
Practical Advice
- Keep a Swipe File
- Collect ideas, quotes, and inspiration from various sources for future use.
- Carry a Notebook
- Always have a place to jot down thoughts and ideas as they come to you.
- Imitate, Then Innovate
- Start by copying the techniques of those you admire, then adapt them into something original.
- Create a “Creative Family Tree”
- Map out the influences that inspire you and dig deeper into their work.
Tone and Style
- The book is concise, visually engaging, and conversational, making it easy to read and digest.
- It includes illustrations, quotes, and examples to reinforce the lessons.
Conclusion
“Steal Like an Artist” is a refreshing and empowering guide for anyone looking to cultivate their creativity. Austin Kleon emphasizes that creativity isn’t about being original but about curating, remixing, and building on what inspires you. By adopting a playful, curious, and open approach to art and work, readers can unlock their creative potential and share it with the world.
