6 Important lessons I learned from “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon
Discovering the art of creative borrowing, iteration, and inspiration to propel your creative journey
Introduction
“Steal Like an Artist” is a refreshing self-help book that speaks to the creative soul in all of us. Written by the talented Austin Kleon, this bestseller has touched the hearts and minds of readers worldwide, inspiring them to unlock their creativity and find success in their craft. With practical tips on developing a unique style, discovering inspiration, and nurturing growth as an artist, the book feels like a wise friend guiding you toward your full potential.
In this article, I’ll be sharing with you six lessons from the book that really spoke to me as a designer. So, let’s dive in!
1. There is nothing new under the sun
We all want to be uniquely creative and make things that have not been seen/known to man. But creating from nothing is challenging. We need to remember that almost nothing is purely original. Rather than feeling burdened by the pressure to be original, we should let other people’s work influence us. We should free ourselves to explore and experiment and borrow from the works of others.
We can also take this a notch further and form our own “family tree” that consists of people that inspire us. This can be done by studying one of your heroes, finding who they liked, and studying them too, continuing this eventually forms a lineage of people you can look up to. This will help us develop our own voice in the end.
Creativity is not a solitary pursuit but a collaborative and iterative process that requires openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from others.
2. You are ready. Start Making Stuff.
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Fake it till you make it.” While it may sound like a cliche, there’s actually some truth to it. The reality is that you don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning. Many so-called “experts” are just making it up as they go along, and that’s okay. What sets successful people apart is that they show up every day and do something.
One way to get started is by copying the work of others. Now, before you start worrying about plagiarism, let me clarify: there’s a difference between copying and plagiarism. Plagiarism involves trying to pass off someone else’s work as your own, which is obviously not okay. Copying, on the other hand, involves imitating the work of others as a way to learn and grow.
So, if there’s a project that you’ve been admiring for a while, try reverse engineering it and see if you can create something similar. By studying the work of others and trying to replicate it, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what makes it great. And over time, this imitation will turn into emulation, as you begin to develop your own unique style and approach.
Remember to acknowledge the original creator of the work that inspired you, and use your own skills and creativity to build upon it in new and interesting ways. With time and practice, you’ll be well on your way to finding your own voice and making a name for yourself.
3. Computers make us uptight perfectionists.
Sitting in front of a computer all day is killing you and killing your work. Yes, computers are good for editing ideas and getting ideas ready to be published to the world, but not necessarily for generating ideas.
Using computers makes us uptight perfectionists as it’s so easy to delete and start over, which can cause us to second-guess ourselves and stifle our creativity. Instead, it’s important to seek inspiration from a variety of sources and involve all of our senses in the creative process. For example, reading a real book or spending time in nature can be great ways to spark new ideas. And when it comes to capturing those ideas, using paper, pens, and sketchbooks can offer unique opportunities for experimentation and creativity.
So, while computers certainly have their place in the creative process, it’s important not to rely on them exclusively. By embracing a range of tools and experiences, we can unlock our full creative potential and bring our best ideas to life.
4. Productive Procrastination
It’s really important to recognize the value of the projects we do in our free time, even if it just seems like we’re messing around. Sometimes those are the projects that end up taking off and becoming something really great. Plus, engaging in different projects can serve as a form of productive procrastination, allowing you to switch between projects when you are sick of one.
I think a lot of us tend to choose between things we’re good at, but it’s important to explore all of our interests and passions. Don't throw any of yourself away! You never know how they might intersect and lead to something amazing! Instead of being afraid to pursue all of our interests, we should allow them to inspire one another. By exploring new things and embracing different ideas, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities.
5. Leave Home. Your Brain is Getting too comfortable.
Leaving the comfort of our own surroundings can be a powerful way to stimulate our minds and foster creativity. While it’s easy to get lost in our own worlds, surrounded by familiar objects and routines, it’s important to venture out and spend time with people who have different perspectives and experiences.
This can help us see the world in a new light and spark our creativity in unexpected ways. Whether it’s exploring a new city, joining a new community, or simply trying a new restaurant, exposing ourselves to different environments can be a powerful way to feed our minds and souls. So, make it a priority to seek out places that challenge you creatively, socially, spiritually, and even literally. By doing so, you can unlock new levels of creativity and inspiration.
6. Limitations mean freedom
Are you struggling with creative block? The solution might be simpler than you think. Instead of waiting for the perfect time, space, or materials to create something, start working with what you have now. Write a song during your lunch break, paint with only one color, shoot a movie with your phone, or start a business with no capital. By embracing your limitations, you will actually find the freedom to create.
In the digital age, where we have access to an overwhelming amount of information, it’s crucial to figure out what to leave out and focus on what’s truly important to us. Having limitless possibilities can be overwhelming and even paralyzing. That’s why placing constraints on yourself can be incredibly liberating. Don’t let the idea of having everything hold you back. Instead, embrace your limitations and keep moving forward. By doing so, you’ll be able to concentrate on what really matters and unleash your creativity in ways you never thought possible.
Conclusion
“Steal Like an Artist” is a book that has resonated with creative people all over the world. Its simple yet powerful message has inspired countless artists to find their own voice, to be more productive and creative, and to embrace the idea that there are no original ideas.
Whether you’re a writer, artist, musician, or entrepreneur, this book offers practical advice on how to be more successful and fulfilled in your creative pursuits.
So, go ahead and steal like an artist — and see where it takes you!
Reference
Kleon, Austin. Steal like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. Workman Publishing Company, 2022.
