Steal Like an Artist is a non-fiction book, written by Austin Kleon. In this book, Kleon discusses how to obtain inspiration from the work of others.
“Steal” is a very polarizing word. Typically, stealing has a somewhat negative connotation associated with it. When you hear the word steal you think of robbing, taking what isn’t yours, or possessing something you don’t have the right to own. However, when Kleon uses the word steal throughout this book the typical definition isn’t what he is referring to. He explains that “stealing” means to draw inspiration from others’ work and eventually add to it. Personally, I love that he used this word throughout this book. It makes the audience feel like they’re in on something the rest of the world isn’t. Kind of like you’re learning trade secrets out in public It’s a strange feeling because you understand that millions of people have read this book but it seems like Austin is writing to you, specifically. He actually mentions this when he discusses how influence is interpreted, “influence is not bestowed upon you by others. Influence is something you take.” While reading the book I felt like I was stealing influence from Austin’s words. I was so grateful because I felt the passion behind his words. Austin clearly wants to help his fellow artists by writing this book. He wants to push prospective creative people in the right direction.
There is so much knowledge to gain from this book. It’s hard to take notes in a book like this because every line is important. The length (page count) allows Austin to keep his ideas pure. There is no clutter in this book at all.
What is so cool about this book and his others is Kelon’s particular artistic style. I think of the artwork displayed in Steal Like an Artist as “Kleon clips.” I thought it sounded funny to say. He demonstrates how to implement his suggestions through artwork. I’m sure Austin would hate what I’m about to say next but I found the artwork very creative. The whole concept, writing, quotes, and artwork are super cool. It is an awesome way to present your work.
I beg you, please read this book. Thanks again Austin, inspiring as always.
Additional thoughts while reading the book:
There is a quote that Austin gives from Tom Gauld that I found particularly inspiring. In this quote, Tom is talking about the difference he feels between his sketchbook and his computer. “Things are on an inevitable path to being finished. Whereas in my sketchbook the possibilities are endless.” This quote reigns true for my experience writing reviews and posting on this blog. I find it extremely difficult to formulate ideas in front of my laptop. However, when I get this huge notepad out I immediately start writing. It’s as if once I see this big sheet of paper the ideas are endless. Once all of my ideas are out, transferring them to my laptop is seamless and it feels natural to edit and finish from there.
Also, a big takeaway I found from the first couple of chapters was to copy all of my favorite writers. Write using their style to create my own story. Reading that blew my mind. It immediately clicked in my mind. It would be so much easier to start if I was trying to emulate someone else rather than creating my own style from scratch. At that point, I decided to write a story based on a book I had just read. It didn’t turn out too bad.
I’ll leave you with some key quotes from Steal Like an Artist here (Sections, where the quotes can be found, are in bold):
Make things, know thyself:
“Ask anybody doing truly creative work, and they’ll tell you the truth: they don’t know where the good stuff comes from. They just show up to do their thing. Every day.”
Get yourself a calendar:
“He suggests that you get a wall calendar that shows you the whole year. Then, you work into daily chunks. Each day, when you’re finished with your work, make a big fat x in the day’s box. Every day, instead of just getting work done, your goal is to just fill a box. “After a few days you’ll have a chain,” Seinfeld says. “Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. You’ll like seeing that chain, especially when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job next is to not break the chain.”
“Get a calendar. Fill the boxes. Don’t break the chain.”
Keep a logbook:
“Just as you need a chart of future events, you also need a chart of past events. A logbook isn’t necessarily a diary or a journal, it’s just a little book in which you list things you do every day.”
“The small details will help you remember the big details.”
Choose what to leave out:
“The way to get over creative block is to simply put some constraints on yourself”
Please go check out Austin’s work:
And go check out his website!
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