The Key to Unlocking Your Creative Genius
What if you were told that every great idea you’ve ever had isn’t entirely your own? That’s the audacious premise of Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. At first glance, the title might strike some as controversial or even provocative. But it’s not about plagiarism; it’s about inspiration. It’s about finding your creative spark from the world around you, whether it’s other artists, nature, or life itself. Kleon’s book is a manifesto for the modern creative—someone who thrives on blending influences and carving out a personal style by drawing from the past and present.
This book is both a call to arms and a comforting guide for anyone struggling to find their creative footing. Kleon shatters the myth of originality, revealing that true creativity doesn’t emerge in a vacuum. Instead, it’s about collecting ideas from various sources and making them your own. Throughout the book, Kleon champions the idea that creativity is a skill that can be learned, nurtured, and refined over time. The ideas he presents are simple, yet profound, breaking down barriers that often keep creative minds trapped in self-doubt or artistic paralysis.
In Steal Like an Artist, Kleon doesn’t just theorize about creativity; he offers practical, actionable advice for anyone from painters to entrepreneurs. His advice transcends traditional boundaries and applies to creatives of all types. You might not be an artist in the conventional sense, but his words resonate across disciplines. Whether you’re writing a novel, launching a startup, or simply seeking inspiration in your day-to-day work, this book has something for you.
But what makes this book stand out from other creativity manifestos? It’s the way Kleon blends philosophy with pragmatism, humor with depth. He manages to challenge long-standing notions of artistic integrity while also reassuring readers that it’s okay to borrow ideas—as long as you make them your own. It’s a book that could easily become your creative bible, something you refer back to whenever you hit a creative block.
Book Summary: A Blueprint for Creativity
Kleon begins with a simple yet bold assertion: “Nothing is original.” This is the cornerstone of his philosophy, and it’s a liberating idea. The pressure to be completely original often paralyzes creatives, but Kleon flips the script. He encourages readers to embrace influence, pointing out that every idea is built upon a foundation of previous ideas. He then introduces the concept of “stealing”—not in the sense of plagiarism, but in the way of gathering inspiration from various sources and combining them into something new and unique. The book is structured around ten transformative principles designed to reshape how we approach creativity.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is how Kleon advocates for a playful approach to creativity. He urges readers to treat their creative process as an adventure, filled with exploration and experimentation. Instead of obsessing over originality, Kleon emphasizes the importance of “remixing”—taking pieces from various inspirations and melding them into something that reflects your voice. This doesn’t diminish your creative work; instead, it broadens the scope of what’s possible.
Another important theme throughout the book is the idea of limitations being a catalyst for creativity. Kleon argues that constraints—whether they be time, resources, or medium—actually fuel innovation. By working within boundaries, creatives are forced to think outside the box. He emphasizes the need to embrace restrictions rather than viewing them as obstacles.
Finally, Steal Like an Artist is packed with practical advice that goes beyond the usual self-help platitudes. Kleon provides actionable tips such as maintaining a swipe file, creating side projects, and the importance of showing your work. These are steps that anyone can implement, regardless of their creative field, making the book a pragmatic guide to fostering a sustainable creative practice.
Key Lessons and Insights to Learn from the Book
1. Nothing is Original—And That’s Okay
The book’s first lesson dismantles the myth that originality is the only path to success. Kleon explains that all creative work is built upon what came before. The trick is to embrace influences and remix them into something uniquely yours. He illustrates how great artists like Picasso and Steve Jobs borrowed and improved upon others’ ideas, transforming them into something innovative.
This concept of “stealing” isn’t about copying but rather absorbing and transforming. Kleon encourages readers to constantly collect inspiration from the world around them. In fact, the more varied your influences, the more unique your final product will be. The pressure of trying to create something entirely new is relieved when you realize that creativity is about connectivity—seeing the links between disparate ideas and weaving them into something fresh.
2. Embrace Your Creative DNA
Kleon emphasizes that you should learn from the masters, but not become them. Study the works and lives of those who inspire you, but resist the temptation to mimic them completely. Instead, use their work as a springboard to discover your own voice. He offers practical advice on how to “steal” from many places, ensuring that your influences are diverse enough that your work becomes a reflection of your unique blend of experiences.
He likens this process to genetic inheritance—you don’t inherit a single trait from just one parent, but from many ancestors. Your creative work, similarly, should reflect a blend of influences that combine into something distinctly “you.” This approach ensures that your work is both inspired and authentic, an expression of your personal creative DNA.
3. Side Projects are Vital
Kleon passionately argues that side projects are not distractions—they’re essential. Often, our best work comes not from our main projects but from the little experiments on the side. These projects are where we take risks, play with new ideas, and stumble upon breakthroughs. When we aren’t overly attached to the outcome, creativity flourishes.
He also discusses how these side projects can often evolve into something bigger than you initially imagined. Whether it’s a hobby, an experiment, or a passion project, side work allows you to test new ideas without the fear of failure. Many successful ventures, from Google’s Gmail to Twitter, started as side projects.
4. Show Your Work
One of the most actionable insights from the book is the importance of showing your work, even if it’s unfinished. This process is crucial because it forces you to share your progress, receive feedback, and continue refining your work. Kleon points out that sharing is no longer reserved for the final product; the process itself can be just as valuable to others.
By showing your work in progress, you invite collaboration and input, which can lead to unexpected opportunities. It’s also a way to build an audience and connect with others who are interested in what you’re creating. The fear of judgment or imperfection is what often holds creatives back, but Kleon urges readers to overcome this fear and embrace the process.
5. Creativity is Subtraction
Kleon introduces the idea that sometimes, less is more. Instead of adding more ideas, tools, or techniques, creativity often thrives when we focus on subtraction. By removing distractions or simplifying a concept, we get to the core of our creative vision. This is a particularly liberating idea in an age where creatives are bombarded with endless possibilities and tools.
In practical terms, this could mean limiting yourself to a specific medium or timeframe, which forces you to be resourceful and innovative. Constraints become a driving force for creativity rather than a hindrance. It’s a lesson that resonates with minimalist philosophies in art, design, and even business.
6. Follow Your Curiosity
Kleon encourages creatives to follow their curiosity, even if it leads them in unexpected directions. Creativity is often sparked by our innate desire to explore and question. By pursuing what genuinely interests us, rather than what we think we “should” be doing, we create more authentic and engaging work.
He explains that curiosity-driven exploration often leads to serendipitous discoveries, making the creative process feel more like a journey than a chore. The most innovative ideas often come from unexpected places, and by staying curious, we remain open to new influences and opportunities.
7. Don’t Wait Until You Know Everything
Many people hold off on starting their creative projects because they feel they don’t know enough or aren’t experienced enough. Kleon debunks this notion, encouraging readers to start now and learn as they go. Waiting for the “right” time only delays progress, and the best learning happens through doing.
This lesson resonates particularly in a world where imposter syndrome runs rampant. Kleon advocates for taking action despite your doubts and learning from mistakes along the way. As he puts it, “you start making things, and then you figure out how to make them better.”
8. Build a Creative Community
Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is one of the most effective ways to fuel your creativity. Kleon emphasizes the importance of finding a community where you can exchange ideas, collaborate, and offer mutual support. This doesn’t have to be a physical community—it could be an online network or a group of peers with shared interests.
Being part of a creative community can offer accountability, inspiration, and constructive feedback. It also provides a space where ideas can grow and evolve, creating a synergistic effect. Kleon stresses that creativity is not a solitary act; it thrives in an environment of shared ideas and collaboration.
9. Embrace the Mundane
In a world obsessed with “epic” creativity, Kleon offers a refreshing perspective: embrace the mundane. Daily routines, ordinary experiences, and the small details of life are often the richest sources of inspiration. By paying attention to these moments, we can find beauty and creativity in the everyday.
Kleon also highlights how structure and routine can paradoxically free us up for creativity. Having a daily practice or ritual helps maintain consistency and ensures that we are always in the creative mindset. It’s about showing up every day, even when inspiration feels far away.
10. Stay Playful and Childlike
The final lesson encourages creatives to stay playful and maintain a sense of wonder. Kleon reminds us that creativity is not about taking ourselves too seriously; it’s about exploring, experimenting, and having fun. Children approach the world with curiosity, without the fear of failure or judgment, and this mindset is crucial for any creative endeavor.
When we allow ourselves to play, we open up to new possibilities and unexpected discoveries. Kleon urges readers to never lose that childlike sense of curiosity and excitement about the world, as it is the fuel that keeps creativity alive.
Conclusion: A Manifesto for Every Creator
Steal Like an Artist is more than just a book—it’s a mindset. Kleon’s message is clear: creativity is accessible to everyone, and it’s not about being a genius or coming up with something entirely new. It’s about borrowing, transforming, and building upon what’s already out there. He empowers readers to embrace their influences and use them as tools for creating something personal and unique.
The book challenges conventional wisdom and offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be creative in the modern world. By presenting creativity as a process of remixing and experimenting, Kleon removes the barriers that often hold people back from pursuing their creative passions.
For anyone struggling with creative blocks or the pressure to be original, Steal Like an Artist provides a much-needed dose of inspiration. Its practical advice and relatable tone make it an invaluable resource for artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to add more creativity to their life.
At its core, Kleon’s book is a reminder that creativity is not an elusive gift reserved for a select few. It’s a skill that can be nurtured, developed, and refined by anyone willing to take the leap and “steal like an artist.”
About the Author: Austin Kleon
Austin Kleon is a writer, artist, and speaker known for his insightful takes on creativity in the modern world. With a background in literature and a passion for art, Kleon has carved out a unique space in the creative community, blending his love for writing, drawing, and remix culture. His works, including Show Your Work and Keep Going, have inspired millions of creatives around the world, offering practical wisdom on how to live a more creative life. Kleon’s approachable and humorous style has made him a beloved figure in the realm of creativity, and his books continue to inspire artists, writers, and entrepreneurs alike.
Disclaimer
Note that the ideas and content in the book are solely from the Author of the book and not the LAPMONK Editorial Team. All opinions expressed in this book review are entirely from the LAPMONK Editorial Team. This review may contain affiliate links, meaning LAPMONK may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you.
