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Austin Kleon's 'Steal Like an Artist' offers ten essential insights on creativity, emphasizing the importance of influence, originality, and the value of side projects. The book encourages readers to embrace their inspirations, start creating without waiting for perfection, and share their work with the world.
Austin Kleon's book, 'Steal Like an Artist', is a powerful manifesto about creativity and the permission to create. It encourages individuals to stop hiding behind their shadows and to start producing work that matters. This post explores the ten key insights from the book that can help anyone tap into their creative potential.
Permission to Create
The core message of 'Steal Like an Artist' is about granting yourself permission to create. This means:
Standing on the shoulders of giants and leveraging their ideas.
Understanding that taking inspiration from others is not stealing; it’s about remixing and making something new.
Key Quotes
"Be regular and orderly in your life so that you may be violent and original in your work." - Gustav Flaubert
"You don’t want to look like your heroes; you want to see like your heroes."
Big Idea #1: Steal Like an Artist
Kleon asserts that everything that needs to be said has already been said, but since no one was listening, it must be said again. Real artists recognize that nothing is truly original; everything builds on what came before.
Actionable Insights
Embrace influence rather than shy away from it. Learn from others and improve upon their ideas.
Carry a notebook to jot down inspirations and maintain a library of books to fuel your curiosity.
Big Idea #2: Start Now
Don’t wait until you know who you are to begin creating. Start right now, even if it means pretending to be something you’re not.
Key Insights
Copy your heroes to learn who you are. This is different from plagiarism; it’s about reverse engineering great work.
Understand the thinking behind your heroes’ styles rather than just mimicking their surface.
Big Idea #3: Write the Book You Want to Read
Instead of writing what you know, write what you like. This principle applies to all aspects of life and work.
Actionable Insights
Reflect on the work of your heroes and consider what they missed or what could be improved.
Imagine collaborating with your dream team of heroes and what you could create together.
Big Idea #4: Use Your Hands
Kleon emphasizes the importance of physical engagement in creative work. Work that comes solely from the head lacks depth.
Actionable Insights
Engage physically with your work. Sketch plans, use whiteboards, or journal on paper to spark creativity.
Big Idea #5: Side Projects Matter
Kleon notes that side projects often lead to significant breakthroughs. Working on multiple projects can refresh your creativity.
Actionable Insights
Embrace productive procrastination by switching between projects when you feel stuck.
Don’t feel pressured to focus on just one passion; explore multiple interests and connect them.
Big Idea #6: Do Good Work and Share It
The formula for becoming known is simple: do good work and share it. Early stages of any endeavor are often filled with mistakes, which is okay.
Actionable Insights
Focus on improving your craft and share your work with others. The internet makes sharing easier than ever.
Big Idea #7: Geography is Obsolete
You can connect with the world from anywhere, thanks to the internet. However, real-world experiences are also essential.
Actionable Insights
Use the internet to find communities that inspire you, but also seek out new experiences in the real world.
Big Idea #8: Write Public Fan Letters
Expressing admiration for others’ work can be fulfilling, even without a response.
Actionable Insights
Write blog posts or create works dedicated to those who inspire you. Keep a praise file to remind yourself of the positive impact of your work.
Big Idea #9: Find a Day Job
While pursuing your passion, a day job can provide financial stability and structure.
Actionable Insights
Look for a day job that allows you to build skills relevant to your passions while providing enough energy to work on your projects.
Big Idea #10: Keep a Calendar and Log Book
Building a career takes time and consistency. Small, regular efforts lead to significant achievements.
Actionable Insights
Use a calendar to plan your work and set measurable goals. Maintain a log book to reflect on your daily activities and successes.
Conclusion
Austin Kleon's 'Steal Like an Artist' is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to enhance their creativity. By embracing influence, starting now, and sharing your work, you can unlock your creative potential and make a meaningful impact in your field. Remember, creativity is not about being original; it’s about remixing and building upon what already exists to create something uniquely yours.
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