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

Let’s delve into a summary of “Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative” by Austin Kleon. This inspiring guide to creativity in the digital age offers transformative principles for discovering your artistic side and building a more creative life.

Introduction

In this manifesto for the modern era, Austin Kleon delivers a powerful message: creativity is not reserved for geniuses; it’s accessible to everyone. The book encourages readers to embrace their creative potential and recognize that originality often emerges from a blend of influences and inspirations.

Main Characters

While “Steal Like an Artist” isn’t a traditional novel with characters, the central figure is you—the reader. Kleon invites you to explore your creativity, learn from others, and find your unique path. The motivation lies in the belief that creativity is a universal human trait waiting to be unlocked.

Plot

The book doesn’t follow a linear plot, but its central conflict revolves around the misconception that creativity requires absolute originality. Kleon challenges this notion, asserting that nothing is truly original. Instead, he encourages readers to embrace influence from various sources, study the work of others, and remix ideas to create something new. The resolution lies in understanding that creativity thrives when we build upon existing foundations.

Setting

“Steal Like an Artist” doesn’t adhere to a specific time or place. However, its setting is the digital age, where information flows freely, and creative inspiration can be found everywhere. The book acknowledges that our interconnected world allows us to draw from a vast pool of influences, whether through books, art, music, or online content. This setting influences the characters (readers) by emphasizing the democratization of creativity.

Themes

Several underlying ideas and messages permeate the book:

Embrace Influence: Kleon urges readers to actively seek out inspiration from other artists, writers, and thinkers. By studying their work, we can learn, adapt, and incorporate their ideas into our own creative endeavors.
Remix and Reimagine: Originality doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Kleon advocates for remixing existing material, combining elements, and putting our unique spin on things. Creativity thrives when we borrow, transform, and reimagine.
Creativity as a Process: The book emphasizes that creativity isn’t a magical moment but a continuous process. It involves consistent effort, practice, and iteration. Kleon encourages readers to show up, work consistently, and let creativity evolve over time.
Share Your Work: Don’t hoard your creations; share them with the world. Kleon promotes openness, vulnerability, and the idea that sharing our work—whether imperfect or unfinished—leads to growth and connection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Steal Like an Artist” invites us to shed the fear of imitation and embrace our creative instincts. By acknowledging that nothing is entirely original, we can liberate ourselves to create authentically. So go ahead—steal like an artist, remix, and reimagine. Your unique voice awaits discovery!

Feel free to explore the book further—it’s a delightful read for anyone seeking to unlock their creative potential!

Read full book here…