Have you ever sat staring at a blank page, waiting for that original idea to strike? Good news: You’re not the only one! But what if I were to tell you there is no such completely original idea? That’s the refreshing and freeing message from Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist : it is not about theft in the criminal sense, it’s about learning, borrowing, and eventually creating something which is uniquely yours.
Here are reasons why Steal Like an Artist turned out to be the creative manifesto of many and just probably can unleash your own creative genius too.
1. Nothing is Original, and That’s Okay
Probably the most salient point that could be derived from this book is the fact that there is never anything wholly new. Every work of art that you admire, every movie you like, or every song you hear once was inspired by something. Think of creativity as a mosaic: you take pieces and bits from everywhere, rework them, and something absolutely your own is done.
Instead of having to feel this overwhelming pressure to create something new, Kleon encourages us to look around, study the things we love, and let them inspire us. The key is not in copying but in transformation: take ideas and add your voice to them.
2. Start Before You’re Ready
Too often, people wait for that perfect moment or the perfect idea to start creating. News flash: that moment rarely comes. Kleon is adamant about starting now.
Creativity is a process, and your style or “voice” is uncovered while making, not before. Just don’t think too hard about it; just start.
3. Find Your Tribe and Share Your Work
Being creative does not imply working in isolation. Yes, perhaps it is intimidating to put your work before the world, but by doing so, you open the door towards collaboration, further feedback, and even more growth.
When you share what you are making, you’re not showing off; you’re starting conversations. People will notice your uniqueness, and in time you will find others that inspire you just as much as you do them. It’s a self-serving circle of creativity.
4. Get Your Hands Dirty
He reminded us that creativity is not staring at the screen once. There is something magical in touching-a drawing, painting, building, and even merely scribbling your notes down on paper. This manual way employs another side of our brains, and sometimes it can concoct ideas which turn out pretty organic and personal.
If you’re stuck creatively, step away from the keyboard and try making something with your hands. You’ll be surprised at how it frees up your mind.
5. Side Projects Are Secret Weapons
Your hobbies and side projects aren’t distractions, they’re fuel for your creativity. Kleon stresses the importance of pursuing things outside of your main work.
Whether it’s playing the guitar, painting, or baking, these activities bring joy and often lead to unexpected “aha!” moments. Sometimes, the best ideas for your main creative pursuits come when you’re doing something completely unrelated.
6. Stealing Isn’t Cheating; It’s Honoring
Here’s the thing about “stealing like an artist”: it is not about copying; it is about studying and understanding. When you take something from somebody, you acknowledge their brilliance and build on top of it. It’s a way of saying, “You inspired me, and I want to take this idea somewhere new.
And don’t just steal from one source-steal from many. What you create will be exquisitely combined; it will seem utterly new.
Steal Like an Artist strikes a note in the minds of creatives because it democratizes creativity-it puts it within reach, removes the burden of needing to be “original”, and replaces that burden with the joy of investigation, experimentation, and transformation.
So what is holding you back? Read the book, study your favorite artists, and begin to create.
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Writer
Mridula Mozid
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE