Steal Like an Artist

About the Author

Austin Kleon is a writer who draws. His unique blend of words and visuals has captivated a global audience, leading him to be hailed as one of the most innovative voices in creativity today. Kleon’s work is grounded in the belief that creativity is for everyone, and his books are designed to empower readers to explore their own creative potential. His breakthrough came with the book "Steal Like an Artist," a manifesto that encourages aspiring creatives to embrace influence, find inspiration, and cultivate originality by looking at the world around them through a lens of curiosity and openness. Through his writing, art, and talks, Kleon has inspired millions to pursue creative endeavors without fear or hesitation.

In "Steal Like an Artist," Kleon delivers his wisdom in a style that is both accessible and profound. His approach is deeply rooted in the idea that no art is completely original and that creativity comes from synthesizing and transforming existing ideas into something new and personal. This philosophy resonates with many because it demystifies the creative process and makes it approachable for anyone, regardless of their artistic background or experience.

Main Idea

The central theme of "Steal Like an Artist" is that creativity is not about creating something entirely new from scratch but about building upon the ideas that came before you. Kleon argues that all creative work is derivative in some way, and that the most successful artists are those who embrace this reality and learn to draw inspiration from their influences. By "stealing" like an artist, you can collect ideas, techniques, and perspectives from the work of others and use them as raw materials to create something uniquely your own.

Kleon’s book is structured around ten key principles that guide readers through the creative process, from organizing their lives to maximize creativity, to sharing their work with the world. Each principle is designed to help readers overcome common obstacles to creativity, such as the fear of not being original enough or the pressure to conform to traditional expectations. Kleon’s advice is both practical and philosophical, offering concrete strategies alongside deeper insights into the nature of creative work.

Table of Contents

1. Organize Your Life for Maximum Creativity
2. Surround Yourself With Inspiration
3. Start Creating
4. Share Your Work

Organize Your Life for Maximum Creativity

To do your best creative work, you need to set up the rest of your life to support that creativity. Kleon emphasizes the importance of creating a life that nurtures and sustains your creative energy. This means prioritizing financial security, setting aside time for hobbies, and using the right tools to help you stay on track.

Prioritize Financial Security

One of the first steps in organizing your life for creativity is to ensure that your basic needs are met, particularly your financial security. Kleon suggests that financial stress is one of the biggest obstacles to creativity. When you're constantly worried about money, it’s hard to focus on your creative projects. To combat this, Kleon recommends finding a day job that provides stability and frees your mind from financial worries. He notes, "A day job puts you in the path of other human beings and exposes you to new situations and ideas," which can be a fertile ground for creative inspiration.