Steal Like an Artist

10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

by Austin Kleon

4.6(18,338 ratings)

12 min read

Brief overview

This book shows that originality is often a myth, urging you to shamelessly gather inspiration from the world around you. Instead of endlessly hunting for the perfect new idea, you’ll learn to value experimentation, embrace failure, and refine your influences into something fresh. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to expand your creative practice and share it boldly.

Introduction

Welcome to a refreshing perspective on creativity—one that proudly acknowledges borrowing and remixing as part of the artistic tradition. Many of us feel pressure to invent something never before seen, but that idea can be paralyzing. The truth is that every masterpiece borrows from the past.

Artists learn from one another, building on collective knowledge. Even historic icons—think of Picasso or the Beatles—relied on influences to develop their styles. There’s comfort in that realization: you can rely on others’ sparks to fuel your own creative fire.

However, this doesn’t mean blind copying. The essence of this approach is about uncovering what fascinates you and allowing it to serve as a springboard for your own expression. It’s a liberating invitation to follow your curiosity, explore your interests, and apply them in fresh ways.

Across the coming pages, you’ll discover practical tips for embracing your influences, building healthy career habits, and rejecting the myth of the tortured genius. With an open mind and a willingness to experiment, you’ll learn how to make creativity a fulfilling part of daily life.

Steal What Inspires You

There is no such thing as a purely original work of art. Every creative piece is forged from references and inspirations drawn from history, culture, or personal experiences. By recognizing this, you can shed the burden of being ‘unique’ in the strictest sense, and instead focus on making existing ideas your own.

In this context, ‘stealing’ means learning from the people, works, and styles that move you—whether novels, paintings, or your neighbor’s stories. Create your personal artistic ‘family tree,’ tracking the individuals who’ve shaped the creators you admire. Investigate each branch for insights that ignite your own thought process.

The process is less about taking entire ideas wholesale and more about dissecting what makes them tick. You might adopt a unique color palette from a favorite painter or the comedic timing from a beloved performer. These aspects become stepping stones to your distinct style, bridging imitation and imagination.

The more strategies you gather, the more raw material you have to transform into your personal creative voice.

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What is Steal Like an Artist about?

Steal Like an Artist spotlights the idea that it’s impossible to create in total isolation. Instead of trying to invent something never seen before, Austin Kleon urges readers to embrace the influences that shape their work. He stresses that all great art builds on a rich foundation of existing ideas, offering a liberating way to view creativity as an ongoing conversation rather than a lone endeavor.

This approachable guide teaches you how to gather inspiration from unexpected places, refine it to suit your vision, and share your unique results boldly. Through practical advice on maintaining a curious mindset and forming supportive networks, the book highlights that creativity is less about sudden genius and more about blending passion, openness, and regular practice.

Review of Steal Like an Artist

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its clear, actionable strategy for developing your own voice through a mix of experimentation and borrowed inspiration. Kleon’s flexible approach helps readers see how they can build better habits, gather ideas from work they admire, and test new methods without fear of failing. His writing style is concise, featuring relatable examples that simplify concepts for a wide range of readers.

Beyond theory, Steal Like an Artist offers real-world applications—from designing daily routines for idea generation to leveraging social media as a creative outlet. It’s a relevant read for anyone hoping to craft more meaningful work, whether you’re brand-new to the arts or a seasoned professional. Highly recommended for those eager to expand their imagination while keeping the process grounded and authentic.

Who should read Steal Like an Artist?

Aspiring artists seeking a supportive framework for creative growth
Professionals needing fresh perspectives for ongoing projects
Content creators looking for practical routines and accessible strategies
Side hustlers who want to blend personal passions with professional goals

About the author

Austin Kleon is a New York Times bestselling author known for his works on creativity in the digital age. He has written five books, including "Steal Like an Artist," which focuses on fostering creativity. Kleon has spoken at organizations such as Pixar, Google, and TEDx, and his work has been translated into over a dozen languages. He publishes a weekly newsletter to 195,000 subscribers and has a background in web design and copywriting, having previously worked at a digital ad agency and the University of Texas law school.