The book Steal Like an Artist was written by Austin Kleon. I read it a few years ago when I realized the subtitle promised creativity. Indeed, it's a gem for beginners who are in the field of productivity and desire to achieve results without looking like a perfectionist.
In this book, Kleon argues that no idea is truly original, but that all creative works are built on remixes and transformations of what came before. In this era, I couldn't agree more. There's indeed nothing new to build regardless of demands and wants; we only upgrade what has existed or transform it to fit people's needs. If this is the only takeaway you learn from this, it's enough to help you gain momentum to start anywhere without the fear of wanting to build something from scratch.
The core summary and concepts of the book are centered on the following:
Steal Like an Artist: This concept helps develop readers to shift into building something from nothing and collecting good ideas from various artist and writers.
Don't Wait Until You Know Who You Are to Get Started: This idea encourages one to start from any point by imitating their heroes, failing, and eventually discovering their unique voice in the process.
Write the Book You Want to Read: This concept teaches readers to shift from writing what we know to writing what we want to read, because this change could help us build something unique in the process.
Use Your Hands: Now that virtually everything is going digital, Kleon advises in this book that we use the analog system for writing down ideas, (perhaps it holds secrets that the present generation may not know) and use the digital system for editing and publishing.
Side Projects and Hobbies Are Important: Kleon in this book doesn't encourage working all the time, but rather recommends making time for boredom while also working.
Do Work and Share It with People: Kleon believes in the power of inviting people into one's creative work. Kleon also expands on this advising readers to connect with like-minded people online, making use of the opportunities provided by the internet.
The other concepts discuss being nice because the world is small, maintaining a regular routine, and placing constraints that come with multiple choices.
The work may be the perfect fit for many; however, it has both points of incredible value and points where it falters. For its strengths, Kleon gave actionable and practical advice, all centered around things we do or can do. The book also helped remove the burden of perfectionism, reducing it to remixing ideas and transforming them. Finally, certain advice like staying out of debt, marrying a supportive partner, and eating well provides a healthy and sustainable model for a long-term creative life.
However, the book falls short in these areas: Because the book was designed to be read in a few hours, ideas didn't actually have depth, only surface level treatment. Many readers may find the advice either familiar or oversimplified, and finally, the book relied heavily on quotes from artists and writers.
Steal Like an Artist serves as a quick shot of creative adrenaline. It is particularly valuable for early stage writers, visual artists, students, or anyone feeling stuck in perfectionist paralysis. While it offers more inspiration and momentum than deep technical instruction, its emphasis on simple habits, continuous practice, and embracing influence, making it a staple guide for modern creative life.
Rating: 70/100
Originally posted through scrobble.life/books.
