Ever felt stuck in a creative rut, unsure where to find inspiration or how to start? “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon might just be the breakthrough you need. This book tackles a common pain point: the myth of originality and the pressure to create something entirely new. Kleon’s central premise is liberating—nothing is original, and all creative work builds on what came before.
Through practical advice and engaging anecdotes, Kleon shows how to unlock your creativity by embracing influence, remixing ideas, and discovering your unique voice.
Whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, or entrepreneur, Steal Like an Artist offers invaluable insights to help you overcome creative blocks and ignite your imagination.
With its straightforward, actionable tips, this book demystifies the creative process, making it accessible to anyone eager to inject more creativity into their life and work. Dive in, and start creating with confidence!
Chapter 1: Steal Like an Artist
Kleon asserts that all creative work builds on what came before, and the key to artistic success is to “steal” ideas from a wide array of sources. This means finding inspiration in the work of others and reimagining it in new ways. He encourages readers to study their artistic heroes, understand what makes their work compelling, and then incorporate those elements into their own creations. By examining and embracing the influences of their predecessors, creators can gather a rich palette of ideas to work from.
Kleon demystifies the concept of creativity, suggesting that it is less about innate genius and more about diligent, thoughtful exploration and synthesis. He advises creators to be voracious in their consumption of art, literature, music, and other forms of expression, always looking for elements that resonate with them. This collected knowledge then becomes the raw material from which they can craft their unique works. The goal is to transform these influences into something new and personal, rather than producing mere imitations.
Key Insights:
- Creativity involves reimagining and remixing ideas from various sources.
- Studying and imitating artistic heroes helps develop a personal style.
- Originality is a myth; innovation comes from recombining existing ideas.
- Embracing influence and inspiration leads to richer creative output.
- Creativity is accessible to everyone, not just a select few with inherent talent.
Chapter 2: Don’t Wait Until You Know Who You Are to Get Started
Kleon argues that waiting for a clear sense of self before beginning creative work is a mistake. Identity, he explains, is not something that preexists creativity but rather something that develops through the act of creating. He encourages readers to start making things immediately, as the process of creation will help them discover and refine their artistic identities. This chapter is particularly empowering, urging readers to take action and embrace the journey of self-discovery through their work.
Creativity is a process of exploration and iteration. Kleon emphasizes that artists often learn who they are by engaging in the creative process, making mistakes, and evolving their work over time. By starting with imitation and gradually moving towards innovation, creators can find their unique voices. Kleon reassures readers that it is normal to feel uncertain and that growth and self-awareness come from doing the work, not waiting for inspiration or self-knowledge to strike.
Key Insights:
- Start creating without waiting for a fully formed sense of identity.
- Identity emerges through the act of creation and exploration.
- Imitation is a starting point for finding one’s unique voice.
- Creative growth involves making mistakes and learning from them.
- Taking action is essential for self-discovery and artistic development.
Chapter 3: Write the Book You Want to Read
Kleon believes that the best creative work stems from personal passion and desire. In this chapter, he advises readers to create the work they wish existed in the world. This means focusing on what genuinely excites and interests them, rather than trying to cater to external expectations or trends. By doing so, creators can produce work that is authentic and resonates deeply with both themselves and their audience.
Kleon emphasizes that creators should trust their instincts and pursue their unique interests, even if they seem niche or unconventional. This approach ensures that the work remains genuine and engaging. He also encourages readers to embrace their individuality, as this uniqueness is what sets their work apart. By focusing on their passions and creating for themselves first, artists can cultivate a body of work that reflects their true selves and stands out in a crowded marketplace.
Key Insights:
- Create work that you are passionate about and wish existed.
- Focus on personal interests rather than external trends.
- Authenticity and passion resonate deeply with audiences.
- Trust your instincts and pursue unique, unconventional ideas.
- Embrace individuality to set your work apart from others.
Chapter 4: Use Your Hands
Kleon advocates for a hands-on approach to creativity, emphasizing the importance of physical engagement in the artistic process. He believes that working with one’s hands can lead to more intuitive and organic creations. This chapter highlights the benefits of stepping away from screens and digital tools, encouraging readers to explore traditional, tactile methods of making art.
Engaging with physical materials can stimulate different parts of the brain and lead to new ideas and insights. Kleon suggests that the act of drawing, writing, or building by hand can be more liberating and less restrictive than working digitally. This hands-on approach can help creators connect more deeply with their work, fostering a sense of play and experimentation that is essential for artistic growth.
Key Insights:
- Physical engagement enhances creativity and intuition.
- Working with hands stimulates different parts of the brain.
- Stepping away from screens encourages play and experimentation.
- Traditional, tactile methods can lead to more organic creations.
- Hands-on work fosters a deeper connection with the creative process.
Chapter 5: Side Projects and Hobbies are Important
Kleon stresses the value of side projects and hobbies in fostering creativity and preventing burnout. He believes that engaging in diverse activities can inspire new ideas and perspectives that enrich one’s primary work. This chapter encourages readers to explore interests outside their main creative focus, as these pursuits can provide a refreshing break and stimulate innovative thinking.
Side projects and hobbies allow creators to experiment without the pressure of expectations or deadlines. They offer a space for play and exploration, where mistakes are not only acceptable but encouraged. Kleon highlights that some of the best ideas often come from these seemingly unrelated activities. By nurturing multiple interests, creators can maintain their enthusiasm and avoid the monotony that can stifle creativity.
Key Insights:
- Side projects and hobbies inspire new ideas and perspectives.
- Diverse activities prevent burnout and stimulate creativity.
- Experimentation in side projects fosters innovation.
- Play and exploration without pressure enhance creative thinking.
- Nurturing multiple interests maintains enthusiasm and freshness.
Chapter 6: THE SECRET: Do Good Work and Share It with People
Kleon reveals that the secret to creative success lies in consistently producing good work and sharing it with others. He emphasizes the importance of developing a strong work ethic and continuously improving one’s craft. This chapter advises readers to focus on the quality of their work and to seek feedback and engagement from their audience.
Sharing work publicly not only helps creators gain visibility but also builds a community around their art. Kleon encourages readers to embrace the vulnerability of showing their work, as this openness can lead to valuable connections and opportunities. By putting their creations out into the world, artists invite collaboration, critique, and support, all of which contribute to their growth and success.
Key Insights:
- Consistently produce and improve the quality of your work.
- Sharing work publicly builds visibility and community.
- Embrace vulnerability to foster connections and opportunities.
- Seek feedback and engagement to enhance growth.
- Collaboration and critique contribute to creative success.
Chapter 7: Geography is No Longer Our Master
Kleon discusses how the digital age has liberated creators from the constraints of physical location. He explains that artists can now connect with like-minded individuals and audiences worldwide, regardless of where they live. This chapter encourages readers to leverage the power of the internet to share their work and collaborate with others.
The democratization of creative platforms means that anyone with an internet connection can reach a global audience. Kleon advises creators to build their own online presence and use social media to network and promote their work. This chapter underscores the idea that geography should not limit one’s creative ambitions, as the world is more connected than ever before.
Key Insights:
- The digital age allows creators to connect globally.
- Physical location is no longer a barrier to creative success.
- Leverage the internet to share work and collaborate.
- Build an online presence to reach a global audience.
- Use social media for networking and promotion.
Chapter 8: Be Nice (The World is a Small Town)
Kleon emphasizes the importance of kindness and generosity in the creative community. He advises readers to be supportive and encouraging to their peers, as positive relationships can lead to collaboration and mutual success. This chapter highlights the value of building a reputation as someone who is approachable and helpful.
Kindness can open doors and create opportunities that might not have been available otherwise. Kleon suggests that being nice is not just about avoiding conflict but about actively fostering a positive and collaborative environment. By treating others with respect and generosity, creators can build a supportive network that enhances their work and career.
Key Insights:
- Kindness and generosity foster positive relationships.
- Supportive peers lead to collaboration and mutual success.
- Building a reputation for approachability opens doors.
- Fostering a positive environment enhances creativity.
- Treating others with respect and generosity builds a strong network.
Chapter 9: Be Boring (It’s the Only Way to Get Work Done)
Kleon argues that maintaining a stable and routine life is essential for sustained creative productivity. He believes that the myth of the chaotic, bohemian artist is detrimental and that real work gets done through discipline and regularity. This chapter encourages readers to establish routines and habits that support their creative practice.
A structured life allows for the consistent output of creative work. Kleon suggests that managing one’s time and energy effectively is crucial for long-term success. By embracing the “boring” aspects of life, such as schedules and organization, creators can ensure they have the mental and physical space needed to produce their best work.
Key Insights:
- Stability and routine support sustained creative productivity.
- The myth of the chaotic artist is detrimental to real work.
- Discipline and regularity are key to creative success.
- Effective time and energy management are crucial.
- Embracing structure ensures space for creative output.
Chapter 10: Creativity is Subtraction
Kleon concludes by highlighting the importance of simplicity and focus in the creative process. He argues that creativity often involves removing the unnecessary to reveal the essence of the work. This chapter advises readers to embrace constraints and limitations, as they can lead to more innovative and refined creations.
By subtracting the extraneous, creators can concentrate on what truly matters in their work. Kleon suggests that constraints can stimulate creativity by forcing artists to think within specific boundaries. This focus on simplicity and clarity helps produce work that is both impactful and enduring.
Key Insights:
- Simplicity and focus are essential in the creative process.
- Creativity involves removing the unnecessary.
- Embrace constraints to stimulate innovation.
- Concentrating on essentials leads to impactful work.
- Limitations can enhance creativity and refinement.
Conclusion
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon is a transformative guide that demystifies creativity and offers practical advice for anyone looking to unleash their artistic potential. Through its ten insightful chapters, Kleon encourages readers to embrace influence, start creating without delay, and consistently produce and share their work.
The book’s emphasis on finding inspiration in everyday life, maintaining discipline, and fostering positive relationships underscores the idea that creativity is accessible to all. By following Kleon’s advice, aspiring artists and creators can cultivate a fulfilling and productive creative practice, ultimately finding their unique voice in the process.
