Unlock your creativity, with Austin Kleon’s Steal like an artist. The title of the book perhaps was taken from paraphrased quotes from many artists over the years, including Paul McCartney
Good artists borrow and great artists steal.
As you probably know, I am a fan of Austin Kleon’s books. They are small, and simple to read, and they provide a lot of encouragement and advice to get started and show your work and keep going as an artist. No matter where you are in your journey, Kleon’s words will offer great advice for anyone willing to venture into the world of creativity, whatever that might be.
I think I read the books in the incorrect order, but who cares?
This is his first book, but it acts more like a book for those that are struggling ideas. It is not just about getting started, but also about what to do when you are in a rut and are unsure of how to continue.
The book is split into 10 chapters:
Steal like an artist
This chapter kicks the book off by allowing you, the reader to go out into the world and steal. Not plagiarise, but steal or take inspiration. All the great artists steal, from David Bowie to Pablo Picasso. Artists see something they like and add their own spin to it. A good exercise mentioned is to add images of artists that inspire you to your study or work office, then find three of their inspirations, and keep adding until you have a creative family tree of inspiration.
Another thing the book taught me to do is to create a swipe file. This can be quotes, images, or newspaper clippings. All things to use later.
Don’t wait until you know who are to get started
Basically, just start. Start that book, band whatever. Use the phrase fake it to you make it.
Copy others. All artists do. This chapter allows you to get started, find who want to copy, and then start copying… don’t worry, they’ll want you to copy them. But don’t rip off or plagiarise.
Write the book you want to read
This an interesting chapter that talks about writing about what you like not necessarily what you know. It gives examples of him writing the sequel to the film Jurassic Park and how the band Deerhunter had songs that were written with the intention of what a band Bradford Cox would have liked them to play.
Use your hands
Use your hands…make stuff, create. An excuse to build things and be creative. Try to avoid using computers when you possibly can. Setup digital and analogue workstations.
Side projects and hobbies are important
Again, another excuse to keep creating and the importance of why having a different outlet is healthy.
The secret: Do good work and share it with people
Passion is important. It is important to continue working and your passions and interests, however, share work with people and reap the feedback you receive.
Geography is no longer our master
The world is our oysters, so to speak. Travel makes the brain take in new environments and sparks new ideas. As does each new season. Use these to your advantage.
Be nice (the world is a small town)
Stop trolling people online. Be nice. Keep a file of all the nice things people say about your work, that way when you are feeling down, you have some positive feedback to rely on.
Be boring (it’s the only way to get work done)
This is an important chapter. It teaches us that getting things done does mean we need to be boring sometimes. How can you complete a book if you are out all the time?
Don’t get into debt, cut down on expenses when possible and create a routine that also allows you to meet new and exciting people.
Creativity is subtraction
Talks about creative blocks, and putting some constraints on yourself.
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