Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Austin Kleon

3.96(310424 readers)
You don’t need to be a genius, you just need to be yourself. That’s the message from Austin Kleon, a young writer and artist who knows that creativity is everywhere, creativity is for everyone. A manifesto for the digital age, Steal Like an Artist is a guide whose positive message, graphic look and illustrations, exercises, and examples will put readers directly in touch with their artistic side.

Publisher

Workman Publishing Company

Publication Date

2/28/2012

ISBN

9780761169253

Pages

160

Categories

Arts

About the Author

Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon

I’m a writer who draws. I make art with words and books with pictures. Author of Steal Like An Artist and other bestsellers. Visit my website: http://austinkleon.com/

Questions & Answers

The concept of 'stealing like an artist' redefines originality and creativity by emphasizing the idea that all creative work is built upon existing influences and inspirations. It challenges the traditional notion that originality is about being completely unique or unconnected to the past. Instead, it suggests that creativity is a process of combining, transforming, and reinterpreting existing ideas. This approach allows for a more inclusive and collaborative view of creativity, where artists are seen as collectors and selectors of ideas, rather than lone geniuses. It also encourages a mindset of curiosity and learning, where artists are encouraged to study and be influenced by a wide range of sources, leading to a richer and more diverse creative output. In everyday life, this concept promotes the idea that everyone can be creative by drawing inspiration from their surroundings and experiences, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.

According to the author, influences and inspirations play a crucial role in the development of one's unique style and voice. The author emphasizes that creativity is not about being completely original but rather about building upon what came before. Influences are like a genealogy of ideas, where one's choices in what to let into their life shape their creative identity. The author suggests collecting good ideas, studying favorite artists, and copying their heroes to understand their way of seeing the world. This process of imitation and emulation helps in internalizing these influences and eventually leads to the emergence of one's own unique style and voice. The key is to learn from the influences, adapt them to fit one's own perspective, and add something new to the world.

The author advocates for integrating analog and digital tools in the creative process by emphasizing the importance of physical engagement with materials. They suggest setting up separate workstations—one analog and one digital—to foster different stages of creativity. The analog station is for generating ideas and engaging multiple senses, using tools like paper, pens, and markers. The digital station is for refining and publishing work. This approach offers benefits such as fostering a more tangible connection to the creative process, reducing the pressure of perfectionism, and allowing for a more organic development of ideas. It also encourages a balance between the intuitive and the structured, leading to more diverse and innovative outcomes.

The author suggests several strategies for managing the challenges of obscurity, impostor syndrome, and the pressure to be original:

  1. Embrace Obscurity: Use the freedom of being unknown to experiment and develop your craft without external pressure. Focus on improving your work rather than seeking validation.

  2. Understand Impostor Syndrome: Recognize that feeling like a phony is common among creative people. Instead of worrying about being discovered as a fraud, focus on the work itself.

  3. Copy and Transform: Copy your heroes to learn and develop your own style. Transform their work into something unique that reflects your perspective.

  4. Write What You Like: Instead of writing what you know, write what you like. Create the kind of work you would enjoy, and let your passion guide your creativity.

  5. Use Your Hands: Engage with your work physically to make the process more tangible and enjoyable. Combine analog and digital tools to spark creativity.

  6. Side Projects and Hobbies: Keep exploring different interests and hobbies. They can provide new perspectives and inspiration for your main creative work.

  7. Share Your Work: Share your work online to connect with others and receive feedback. This can also help you refine your ideas and find your voice.

  8. Focus on Process Over Product: Enjoy the process of creating and learning. Don't worry about the end result or how others will perceive it.

  9. Set Constraints: Limitations can lead to more creative work. Embrace constraints to focus on what's truly important to you.

  10. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and challenge you. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

The author argues that geography is no longer a limiting factor for creativity by emphasizing the power of the internet and digital platforms. He notes that many of his mentors and peers are not local but found through online connections. This allows creators to connect with a global community, offering several benefits. Firstly, it expands the pool of influences and ideas, as creators can access diverse perspectives and styles from around the world. Secondly, it fosters collaboration and learning opportunities, as creators can interact with peers and experts regardless of physical location. Lastly, it provides a platform for sharing work and receiving feedback, which can be crucial for growth and development. This interconnectedness allows creators to transcend geographical boundaries and tap into a vast, diverse network of inspiration and support.

Reader Reviews

Loading comments...