Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Last updated: Jul 4, 2023

Summary of Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon is a book that encourages readers to embrace their creativity and find inspiration from the world around them. The author argues that nothing is truly original and that all artists and creators are influenced by the work of others. He suggests that instead of trying to come up with completely new ideas, we should focus on remixing and reimagining existing ideas to create something unique.

Kleon emphasizes the importance of being curious and constantly seeking out new experiences and knowledge. He encourages readers to be open-minded and to explore different fields and disciplines, as this can lead to unexpected connections and ideas. He also emphasizes the importance of stealing ideas from multiple sources, rather than just one, in order to create a more diverse and interesting body of work.

The author also discusses the importance of embracing failure and learning from it. He argues that failure is an essential part of the creative process and that we should not be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Kleon suggests that by embracing failure, we can learn and grow as artists.

In addition, Kleon emphasizes the importance of sharing our work with others. He argues that by putting our work out into the world, we can receive feedback and connect with others who share our interests. He also suggests that by sharing our work, we can inspire and influence others, just as we have been inspired and influenced by the work of others.

The book also includes practical advice and tips for nurturing creativity, such as establishing a daily routine, setting goals, and finding a supportive community. Kleon encourages readers to make time for their creative pursuits and to prioritize their artistic endeavors.

In conclusion, Steal Like an Artist is a book that encourages readers to embrace their creativity, find inspiration from the world around them, and remix and reimagine existing ideas. It emphasizes the importance of curiosity, embracing failure, sharing our work, and nurturing our creative pursuits. By following the advice and principles outlined in the book, readers can unlock their creative potential and find fulfillment in their artistic endeavors.

1. Embrace your influences

In "Steal Like an Artist," Austin Kleon emphasizes the importance of embracing your influences rather than trying to hide or deny them. He argues that all creative work is built on what came before, and that by acknowledging and embracing our influences, we can create more authentic and original work. Kleon encourages readers to study the work of their favorite artists, dissect it, and learn from it. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own creative process and develop our unique voice.

This insight is actionable because it encourages us to actively seek out inspiration and learn from the work of others. It reminds us that creativity is not about starting from scratch, but about building upon what already exists. By embracing our influences, we can tap into a rich source of ideas and techniques that can fuel our own creative endeavors.

2. Share your work openly

Kleon argues that in order to grow as a creative person, it is essential to share your work openly and consistently. He believes that by putting our work out into the world, we can receive valuable feedback, make connections with like-minded individuals, and gain recognition for our efforts. Kleon encourages readers to embrace the concept of "open source creativity," where ideas and work are freely shared and built upon by others.

This insight is profound because it challenges the traditional notion of keeping our work hidden until it is "perfect." Kleon reminds us that sharing our work is not only beneficial for our own growth, but also for the creative community as a whole. By sharing our work openly, we can contribute to a culture of collaboration and inspire others to do the same.

3. Steal like an artist

The title of the book itself is a powerful takeaway from Kleon's work. He encourages readers to "steal like an artist," meaning that we should not be afraid to borrow ideas, techniques, and inspiration from others. Kleon argues that all creative work is essentially a remix of what came before, and that by embracing this idea, we can create something new and unique.

This insight is original to general knowledge because it challenges the notion of originality as something that is completely independent of outside influences. Kleon reminds us that creativity is a process of building upon what already exists, and that by stealing from our influences, we can create something that is uniquely our own.

4. Cultivate a creative routine

Kleon emphasizes the importance of establishing a creative routine in order to consistently produce work. He argues that creativity is not something that happens sporadically, but rather a habit that needs to be cultivated. Kleon suggests setting aside dedicated time for creative work, creating a physical space for creativity, and finding rituals that help get into the creative mindset.

This insight is actionable because it provides practical advice on how to incorporate creativity into our daily lives. By establishing a creative routine, we can overcome the common barriers of procrastination and lack of inspiration, and consistently produce work that reflects our creative vision.

5. Embrace constraints

Kleon argues that constraints can actually be beneficial for creativity. He believes that limitations force us to think more creatively and find innovative solutions. Rather than seeing constraints as obstacles, Kleon encourages readers to embrace them as opportunities for growth and experimentation.

This insight is profound because it challenges the common belief that creativity flourishes in complete freedom. Kleon reminds us that constraints can actually fuel our creativity and push us to think outside the box. By embracing constraints, we can unlock new possibilities and create work that is truly unique.

6. Surround yourself with creative people

Kleon emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with creative people who inspire and challenge us. He argues that our environment plays a significant role in shaping our creative output, and that by surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals, we can tap into a rich source of inspiration and support.

This insight is original to general knowledge because it highlights the importance of community in the creative process. Kleon reminds us that creativity is not a solitary endeavor, but a collaborative and social one. By surrounding ourselves with creative people, we can learn from each other, share ideas, and push each other to new heights.

7. Embrace failure and iteration

Kleon encourages readers to embrace failure as an essential part of the creative process. He argues that failure is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather a stepping stone towards growth and improvement. Kleon also emphasizes the importance of iteration, the process of refining and revising our work over time.

This insight is actionable because it encourages us to adopt a growth mindset and view failure as a learning opportunity. Kleon reminds us that creativity is not about getting it right the first time, but about constantly iterating and improving. By embracing failure and iteration, we can overcome perfectionism and continue to grow as creative individuals.

8. Keep a creative journal

Kleon suggests keeping a creative journal as a way to capture ideas, inspirations, and observations. He argues that a creative journal can serve as a valuable tool for reflection, brainstorming, and generating new ideas. Kleon encourages readers to carry a notebook or use digital tools to document their thoughts and observations.

This insight is profound because it highlights the importance of capturing and preserving our creative thoughts. Kleon reminds us that ideas can be fleeting, and by keeping a creative journal, we can ensure that we don't lose valuable insights. By regularly documenting our thoughts and observations, we can also track our creative progress and gain a deeper understanding of our own creative process.