Steal Like an Artist Summary (Austin Kleon)

We will learn how to navigate the creative process and discover that there is no shame in stealing inspiration from those who came before us.

In a world where creativity is often hidden, Austin Kleon’s book ‘Steal Like an Artist’ provides a new and practical view of how to be creative.

Instead of feeding the myth that great artists operate in ingenious isolation, he breaks down how creativity has always been involved through remix, mutation, and creative theft from what came before.

Alert: This book isn’t about plagiarism. It’s about being open to new ideas and finding your own way in the creative world.

Steal Like an Artist

“Where do you get your ideas?” And the honest answer? Steal them.

Nothing is completely original. All creative work builds on what came before. Great artists understand this and embrace it rather than trying to be completely novel.

Every idea is a remix or a mashup of the previous ones. Let’s understand this by a good example of your genetics. You have a biological mother and a biological father. You possess characteristics from both of them, but the sum of you is greater than the sum of their parts. Likewise, you’re a remix of your mom, dad, and ancestors.

How To Steal Like an Artist in Real Life

Think of a hip-hop DJ creating a new track. They don’t just start from scratch. Instead, they dig through crates of old records, sampling beats, melodies, and vocals from different sources. They might take a drum brake from a 70s funk song, a vocal sample from a soul record, and a bassline from an 80s electro track.

These elements aren’t original to the DJ, but the way they’re combined and turned into a new song is. In the process, the DJ is creating something fresh and unique by stealing bits and pieces of existing music.

Similarly, your ideas are influenced by the books you read, the music you listen to, and the people you like and follow. And then you will be greater than the sum of their ideas and influences.

So, it is important that you don’t hoard every random piece of information you come across. Be like an artist and only select ideas that truly resonate with you.

If you want to make something interesting, you must always be curious, read anything that interests you, and read more than you think you need for any given project. Your next great idea could be found in a dusty book or a random Google search.

Remember, your education doesn’t end when you leave school. It is always your job to get yourself an education.

Whether I went to school or not, I would always study.” —RZA

Want to know a new way of thinking about mornings that has made people’s lives better worldwide? Then Read Miracle Morning Book.

Don’t Wait Until You Know Who You Are to Get Started

It is often the fear that prevents us from starting our creative journeys. Many people feel like they’re not qualified or that they’re unable to do the work assigned to them. However, it is more important to begin creative work immediately than to wait for a perfect condition. The act of creation often leads to self-discovery and authentic expression.

Start learning by copying our heroes, such as musicians, writers, painters, and any others you want to follow. This isn’t about plagiarism. But don’t just copy their style; try to understand the thinking behind it. Look for the deeper meaning and internalize their way of seeing the world.

Fake it ’till you make it.

It means pretending to be something until you become it, and pretending to create something until you actually do it.

Steve Jobs was a great example of “Fake it till you make it.” In Apple’s early days, Jobs often exuded confidence and a visionary attitude even when the company faced challenges and uncertainties.

His ability to convince people of his ideas helped Apple get significant investments and partnerships. Jobs used design ideas from other areas to create new products like the iPhone and Mac.

Start copying what you love. Copy copy copy copy. At the end of the copy you will find your self.”—Yohji Yamamoto

Write the Book You Want to Read

“What should I create?” The typical advice is, “Write what you know,”. But Kleon suggests an effective and better approach: write the story you want to read.

Take some time to reflect on your favorite books, movies, music, or any other form of art that you love. What would you add to them? What sequels or spin-offs would you create? Write them down, sketch them out, or start creating them in whatever feels right.

Remember, the best way to find your creative voice is to start by creating the things you want to experience. So go out there and write the book you want to read, make the music you wish to hear and build the products you would like to use.

Let’s understand it with an example. As a young writer, J. K. Rowling was passionate about fantasy stories and envisioned a world of magic and adventure. She didn’t just write what she knew, she wrote the kind of book she wanted to read, resulting in the adored “Harry Potter” series that touched the hearts of millions around the globe.

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Use Your Hands

In our digital age, it’s easy to forget the power of physical creation. Computers are useful, but they can sometimes make us feel disconnected from what we are doing. They make the creative process feel abstract and intangible.

That’s why we must use our hands in the creative process. Our brains and bodies are interconnected, and movement stimulates our thinking and leads to new ideas.

To balance the digital and the analog, Kleon describes his workspace setup. He has two desks:

• one for analog activities, equipped with markers, pens, pencils, paper, and index cards;
• and one for digital tasks, with his laptop and other electronic tools.

Children’s play is inherently hands-on and creative. Whether p; playing with building blocks, drawing with crayons, or playing to pretend, children instinctively use their hands to explore the world and express their imaginations.

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Side Projects and Hobbies Are Important

Often, the work we consider just “messing around” turns out to be the most creative and impactful. Sometimes, side projects that start as playful experiments can lead to significant breakthroughs.

You shouldn’t feel like you have to pick just one thing to focus on. You can do many creative things. When you get sick of one project, move over to another, and when you’re sick of that one, move back to the project you left. Practice productive procrastination.

And One MORE important thing.

Don’t be afraid of boredom. It is essential for creativity. In our busy lives, we rarely have time to be bored, but this is when the best ideas come to mind. Some time spent doing and engaging in boring activities, such as washing dishes or taking long walks, can free your mind to wander and explore new ideas.

The Secret: Do Good Work and Share It with People

The common question many creatives ask is, “How do I get discovered?”

In school, professors are paid, and classmates pay to listen to their professors’ ideas. However, in the real world, people are busy with their lives.

This obscurity is not a curse but a blessing. When you are unknown, you have the freedom to experiment, fail, and improve without the pressure of maintaining a public image or meeting expectations. This period is great for working on your craft without being distracted.

“Enjoy your obscurity while it lasts. Use it

The simple formula for getting known.

• Do good work.
• Share it with people.

While simple in theory, executing these steps is challenging.

• The first step, “do good work,” requires consistent effort and acceptance of failure as part of the learning process.
• The second step, “share it with people,” is not just about gaining an audience; it’s also a learning process. Engaging with others online can provide feedback, inspiration, and new ideas.

For Example, Early Days Beatles. When The Beatles started playing small clubs in Liverpool, they were an unknown band. This obscurity allowed them to experiment with different sounds and styles, leading to their iconic sound that revolutionized music.

Learn to connect with people and become a master influencer. Dive into our summary of “How to Win Friends and Influence People.

Geography Is No Longer Our Master

The physical location is no longer a barrier to connecting with the creative world.

Even if you feel stuck in a place that doesn’t quite fit your creative spirit, you can build your own world around you. Surround yourself with the things you love – books, art, music – and create a space that nourishes your creativity.

“It isn’t necessary that you leave home. Sit at your desk and listen. Don’t even listen, just wait. Don’t wait, be still and alone. The whole world will offer itself to you.”― Franz Kafka

While geography isn’t everything, Kleon still encourages us to leave home when possible. ‘Travel’ even to a neighboring town or state can broaden our perspectives and expose us to new ways of thinking and creating.

Many artists, writers, and entrepreneurs now embrace a nomadic lifestyle, working remotely and traveling the world while staying connected to their online communities.

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Be Nice. (The World Is a Small Town)

The golden rule is to treat others as you want to be treated. Being kind and saying positive things about others not only fosters goodwill but also helps build valuable connections.

To be a better version of yourself, surround yourself with people who inspire you. Follow those who are smarter and more talented than you. By listening to their work, conversations, and shared links, you can improve your own creative practice. Always try to find the most talented person in the room and try to learn from them. This strategy applies well in virtual spaces.

We all get angry sometimes, and that’s okay. Instead of getting angry, use that energy to do something productive. Use it as fuel to create something meaningful and impactful.

Be Boring. (It’s the Only Way to Get Work Done)

“Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.” —Gustave Flaubert

Kleon describes his own mundane lifestyle, including a steady job, a quiet neighborhood, and a simple routine. The romanticized image of the tortured artist fueled by chaos and excess is not only unrealistic but also detrimental.

Creativity requires energy, and a balanced, healthy life is important for maximizing that energy. He says eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep is essential.

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Creativity Is Subtraction

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the options available to you? This overwhelming idea of limitless possibilities can be paralyzing.

To overcome this creative paralysis, you need to accept limitations. That’s right, limitations can set your creativity free.

According to Jack White, having unlimited time, money, or resources can stifle creativity. The struggle with limitations often leads to more innovative solutions and compelling art.

These constraints, while seemingly restrictive, force us to think outside the box, to innovate, to make the most of what we have right now

Picture this:

• A songwriter challenged to craft a melody during their lunch break.
• An artist tasked with creating a masterpiece using a single color.
• An entrepreneur launching a business with zero capital.