02 May Book Review of Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About B…
Unlocking Creativity with Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist
I stumbled upon Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative while navigating the vast realms of the internet, drawn in by a blog that resonated with my own quirky creative process. Initially skeptical, I wondered if this pocket-sized gem, filled with encouragement for artists of every stripe, could offer anything new. After all, many self-help books seem to regurgitate wisdom we already know but have yet to embrace.
Here are Kleon’s ten pivotal points, succinctly unpacked: 1) Steal like an artist; 2) Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started; 3) Write the book you want to read; 4) Use your hands; 5) Side projects and hobbies are important; 6) Do good work and share it; 7) Geography is no longer our master; 8) Be nice (the world is a small town); 9) Be boring (it’s the only way to get work done); 10) Creativity is subtraction.
What struck me most was how Kleon reframed familiar concepts, turning reminders into thoughtful, actionable insights. He bravely asserts that there is no such thing as originality—your ideas are derivatives of what you’ve absorbed throughout your life. This honest admission allowed me to cheer for him rather than critique what could’ve felt like hypocritical advice. I appreciated that he didn’t shy away from acknowledging the existing wisdom around creativity, even if it sometimes felt like patting the reader on the back for what they already know.
I found the brevity and simplicity of Kleon’s prose refreshing. He avoids pretentious language while making his points accessible. The pacing was snappy, making it a fast read perfect for an afternoon coffee break or a cozy night in bed. Yet, as tempting as it is to breeze through this little book, I felt compelled to pause and reflect on its insights. Kleon’s emphasis on side projects (#5) particularly resonated with me. I frequently juggle a slew of hobbies, yet somehow, by the end of a long 9-to-5 workday, I often feel drained. It’s easy to allow exhaustion to stifle creativity. While Kleon encourages the pursuit of side projects, I was hoping for some practical energy-management tips for balancing it all.
Perhaps my cynical tendencies loom large while engaging with self-help literature, but I sincerely appreciate that Kleon’s work stands out in a saturated genre. He makes a strong case for journaling and its power to unlock creativity, which I can wholeheartedly endorse. My journal, filled with musings, doodles, and stark confessions, serves as my creative lifeline. He advocates for letting your thoughts flow freely, noting that you don’t have to hold back just because your ideas might seem peculiar.
In conclusion, Steal Like an Artist is a delightful little companion for those navigating their creative journeys. If you’re a Millennial or Gen Z exploring your identity—or anyone in between—this book could be the spark you need. While it may not cover new ground for everyone, it serves as an intentional reminder to embrace your creativity in whatever form it takes. As for me, it encouraged reflection and reminded me to keep nurturing the creative aspects of my day-to-day life. After all, creativity isn’t just a rare moment of inspiration; it’s in the everyday choices we make.
Whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply someone looking to inject a bit of creativity into a monotonous routine, Kleon’s words may just provide the inspiration you didn’t know you needed. So grab a cup of coffee, cozy up in your favorite chair, and let this little book guide you toward embracing your own creative potential.
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