Insights from ‘Steal Like an Artist’ by Austin Kleon
Whether you’re a creative soul or a tech enthusiast, you’ve most likely crossed paths with Austin Kleon’s work, “Steal Like an Artist.” Personally, I find Kleon’s works to be invaluable additions to any library. They serve as captivating coffee table companions — ideal for a quick browse-through or a source of instant inspiration whenever creativity calls.
In this article, we are going to discuss some intriguing concepts and quotes from the book and I will give you some of my personal insights and opinions. Enjoy ✨
“It’s one of my theories that when people give you advice, they’re really just talking to themselves in the past.”
To me, this quote captures something profound about the nature of advice-giving. It suggests that when someone offers advice, they’re often drawing from their own past experiences and reflections. It’s like they’re speaking to a younger version of themselves, sharing the wisdom they’ve gained along the way.
I think this quote highlights the personal aspect of advice. It’s not about someone instructing you on what should be done in your current situation, but rather about them offering insights gained from their own life journey.
It’s a reminder that we’re all shaped by our experiences, and when we share advice, we’re sharing a piece of ourselves with others.
The book begins by challenging the traditional notions of originality as you can see from the following quote:
“When people call something ‘original,’ 9 out of 10 times they just don’t know the references or the original source involved.”
This suggests that labeling something as “original” often stems from a lack of awareness or understanding of its influences. Essentially, it highlights a gap in knowledge on the part of consumers or interpreters of art and ideas.
From my perspective, embracing this concept that nothing is truly original liberates the artist from the pressure of creating something entirely new and revolutionary.
“Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But, since no one was listening, everything must be said again”
The truth is, there’s no such thing as pure originality; rather, creativity thrives on the combination and reinterpretation of existing concepts. As expressed in another quote from the book:
“What a good artist understands is that nothing comes from nowhere. All creative work builds on what came before. Nothing is completely original.”
“Every new idea is just a mashup or a remix of one or more previous ideas.”
This points out that your art and ideas are shaped by the existing information you possess and how you choose to combine and reinterpret it.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is the value of expanding our knowledge and exposure to diverse ideas. As the saying goes, “Knowledge is power”. By broadening our intellectual horizons, we enhance our creative potential and pave the way for better outcomes.
Continuing from the idea that expanding our knowledge enhances creative potential, it’s crucial to acknowledge the impact of our surroundings.
“You’re only going to be as good as the stuff you surround yourself with.”
This underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with quality people, content, and ideas.
In line with this, I highly recommend reading the book “Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World.” This book offers invaluable insights into diverse learning approaches, emphasizing how we can leverage ideas, knowledge, and concepts from various interests and activities to enrich our professional lives.
The book further explores the idea of learning from others and embracing diverse influences, as demonstrated by the following quotes:
“if you copy from one author, it’s plagiarism, but if you copy from many, it’s research”
“If you have one person you’re influenced by, everyone will say you’re the next whoever. But if you rip off a hundred people, everyone will say you’re so original!”
These quotes highlight the importance of broadening our horizons and gathering insights from diverse sources. The key takeaway is the recognition that we can take something valuable from everyone we encounter, contributing to the formation of our own individual identities.
Moreover, it’s essential to go beyond surface-level observation and understand the underlying thought processes and approaches of our influences, as expressed in the quote:
“Don’t just steal the style, steal the thinking behind the style.”
This emphasizes the significance of internalizing different perspectives to develop a unique worldview and creative approach.
From this process of research and exploration emerges our own distinctiveness:
“Imitation is about copying. Emulation is when imitation goes one step further, breaking through into our own thing.”
Ultimately, the journey towards finding our style and individuality is encapsulated in the quote:
“What’s in there that makes you different? That’s what you should amplify and transform into your own work.”
This underscores the importance of embracing our unique qualities and infusing them into our creations.
Now, I’d like to share a personal anecdote that speaks to the theme at hand. Lately, as I’ve been reviewing the work of other designers, I find myself thinking about how I would tackle the same challenges and envision alternative designs. Building on this observation, I find it truly fascinating that when presented with the same problem, two designers are likely to reach different solutions. This diversity in approach is not only captivating but also shows the beauty of individual creativity. It serves as a reminder that originality can manifest in every aspect of our work.
Next, the book covers how to gain recognition and establish oneself in your field.
‘In my experience, it’s in the act of making things and doing our work that we figure out who we are.’
It’s a powerful reminder that self-discovery is a gradual process. We don’t necessarily need to have all the answers from the outset; rather, through dedicated effort and perseverance, we gradually uncover our true selves.
Kleon presents a straightforward yet profound formula for success:
“There is only one not-so-secret formula to becoming known: Do good work and share it with people.”
This entails two essential steps:
- Do good work, which involves embracing the challenges, learning from failures, and continuously improving; and
- Put your work stuff on the Internet, a bold yet effective way to showcase one’s talents and creations.
Embracing obscurity, especially in the early stages, can be beneficial, as it allows for focused improvement without the pressure of constant scrutiny. As Kleon suggests:
“Enjoy your obscurity while it lasts — use it — You want attention only when you’re doing really good work.”
While sharing work online may initially seem daunting, it’s important to recognize that the fear of judgment is often unfounded — nobody really cares what you do.
In my own experience, I’ve learned that expertise is not a prerequisite for sharing; there are always individuals who can benefit from insights or perspectives, regardless of where one is on their journey.
Kleon’s insight that “When you open up your process and let people in, you learn” highlights the value of transparency and feedback. By sharing our creative processes and inviting input, we create opportunities for growth and improvement.
Lastly, the reminder that “The best way to get approval is to not need it” emphasizes the importance of self-validation and resilience. Putting our work out into the world inevitably invites various reactions, but ultimately, what matters most is staying true to our vision and purpose.
In conclusion, I highly recommend adding “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon to your book collection. It’s a valuable resource that you’re sure to love and turn to for inspiration time and again.
