Steal Like an Artist
Stop waiting for original ideas and start stealing like an artist! This guide shows you how to remix your influences into something unique. Learn to use analog tools, embrace the power of routine, and share your work with the world. It’s time to unlock your creative genius today!
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Who it is for
Ideal for creators and professionals who feel paralyzed by the need for originality and want a practical, liberating path to start making art.
About the Author
Austin Kleon is a New York Times bestselling author with three books in his arsenal: Steal Like An Artist, Newspaper Blackout and Show Your Work! His work has been translated into more than twenty languages and has been featured in NPR's Morning Edition, PBS Newshour, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. The New York Magazine described his work "brilliant," and he has been labeled as one of the most exciting people on the Internet.
View author profileLessons
- Curate your influences carefully; your output is only as good as the ideas you consume.
- Treat your workplace like a stage and act like the artist you want to become until you are.
- Step away from digital distractions to rest your brain and find inspiration in the real world.
- Financial stability protects your creativity; keep your day job while building your art.
- Be kind to others and ignore the critics; your focus should always be on the work itself.
Key Takeaways
- Nothing is 100% original; creativity is the art of selecting and remixing existing ideas.
- Study your heroes' mentors to understand the roots of their style and build your own foundation.
- Use analog tools to engage your brain; physical work sparks ideas that digital screens often stifle.
- Don't wait to find your identity; start working now and your true self will emerge over time.
- Share your work online to build a community and use the internet as a creative incubator.
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