Thoughts on Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon 💭

What is it about?

This book is similar to Austin’s other book (called Show Your Work!). See write up I did recently for my thoughts on that book. Another quick read. This one provides short and sweet recommendations for struggling artists or anyone with creative interests. The book builds on the idea that nothing is original.

What did I get out of it?

Austin Kleon offers some advice that I haven’t heard elsewhere. For example, he recommends having two desks — one that is analog for idea generation and another that is digital for editing/publishing. He also advises folks maintain a praise file (to document times where folks praise you) and a daily logbook to capture what you accomplished (the best things you did).

Who should read it?

As I mentioned before, it’s a short book. I would recommend it to anyone embarking on any kind of creative pursuit. Check out his TEDx talk if you don’t have the time or money to read his book.

*WARNING: Spoilers below*

What are my favorite parts?

• Nothing comes from nowhere or is completely original. All creative work build on previous work. So, embrace influence. Don’t run away from influence.
• Hoarders collect indiscriminately, artists collect selectively. Don’t be a hoarder. Collect good ideas. The more good ideas you collect, the more you have to choose from.
• Practice not plagiarism. Don’t pass off someone else’s work as your own. Be influenced by many.
• Write what you like. Write the kind of story you like best — what you want to read. Build the products you want to use. Do the work you want to see done.
• We don’t get our ideas from our laptops. Bring your body into your work. Computer is great to editing and publishing ideas. It’s not good for generating ideas. It makes folks into uptight perfectionists when you use it for idea generation.
• Have two desks — one that is analog for idea generation and one that is digital for editing/publishing.
• What you do while procrastinating is probably the work you should do for the rest of your life. Side projects really take off.
• Have many projects so when you get sick of one you move to another.
• Keep all your passions alive. Have a creative hobby that is just for you. Not for money or fame or making anyone else happy.
• Most of the world is too busy, it doesn’t care about what you think. You should want attention only for doing really good work. Enjoy the freedom of being unknown. More pressure when you get attention.
• Be more open with your passions. This allows people to get closer to your work.
• Be kind. Surround yourself with smarter, better or more talented people. Hang out with smart, talented people.
• Build a praise file.
• Keep a logbook. Ask yourself what was the best thing that happened today?
• Limitless possibilities can be paralyzing and terrifying. Place constraints and embrace the creativity that comes along with it. Art is a struggle against limitations (based on quote from Saul Steinberg). What artists leave out is what makes art interesting.