A practical guide to "steal like an artist" by Austin Kleon

Published on:

16-October-2024

Written by:

Mohana Prabhakar

Reading time

2 minutes

“Creative people need time to just sit around and do nothing.”

Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon is a quick, inspiring read for anyone seeking a creative boost—from IT developers and content creators to, of course, artists. If you have an hour or two, it's well worth picking up.

This book offers simple yet insightful ideas on fostering creativity. Here are some key takeaways I found particularly resonant.

Note: The book offers much more; these are simply the points that stood out to me.

Originality comes from remixing your inspirations. Don't be afraid to combine and build upon existing ideas.
Make Google your research BFF!
Procrastination is the enemy of creativity. So, don't overthink it—start creating now.
Balance your workspace with both analog and digital tools for a richer creative experience.
Embrace boredom. It's often during moments of downtime that inspiration strikes.
Pursue all your interests and hobbies. They can inform and enrich each other.
Create good work and share it.
Embrace occasional solitude. It's essential for deep thinking and creative exploration.
Step outside your comfort zone daily. Challenge yourself to grow creatively.
Travel when possible. Seek places that nourish you creatively, socially, and spiritually.
If you're the most talented person in the room, find a new one. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.
Channel your emotions, both positive and negative, into your art. Let your feelings fuel your creativity.
Don't seek external validation. Focus on creating and be comfortable with the possibility of being misunderstood.
Keep a collection of positive feedback and fan mails. It can provide a boost during challenging times.
Establish a routine to support your creative process.
Choose your life partner wisely. Strong relationships are crucial for overall well-being and creative fulfilment. (This applies to all significant relationships; choose your connections wisely.)
Creativity is also about subtraction. Embrace limitations and work within them.
Prioritise ruthlessly (quote credit to Vignesh Girishankar, Head of Product, Rocketlane).

All it takes is one idea to change your life forever. Let this be a starting point, good luck!