Customer Reviews

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

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This book was truly inspiring. I read the whole thing almost twice the day I bought it. As a designer, this book definitely is full of plenty of ideas to spark creativity and motivation to enhance your work and become a better artist. What Kleon says in this book can apply to anyone in any situation, not just artists. It is full of an immense amount of quotes and stories that make you think, and others that will make you want to start working right away. I feel like i have improved as an artist and as a person since reading this book only a few days ago. Definitely a book for everyone and anyone.

Austin Kleon's "Steal Like An Artist" is an exhilirating manifesto on owning your creativity. Original ideas don't come out of thin air. Embrace your influences and put them into your work. You don't have to consider yourself an artist to appreciate this fabulous little book -- any work will benefit from inspired creative thinking. "Steal Like An Artist" will get you there.

If you've been paying attention to certain parts of the Web recently, you may be familiar with a rising chorus of voices talking about creativity as "remixing." The broad thesis is that creativity isn't a mystical flash of insight in the mind of a lone genius, but rather a combinatorial, collaborative process in which artists and designers consciously and gradually combine existing ideas into novel forms. Books like "The Gift", by Lewis Hyde, and video series like "Everything is a Remix", by Kirby Ferguson, champion this burgeoning idea (and are name-checked by Kleon at the end of "Artist"). But if Hyde and Ferguson are the theorists charting the contours of these new ideas, Kleon is the practitioner, the man-of-artistic-action, bringing the means and the message to the people.

"Steal Like An Artist" began as a lecture given by Kleon at Broome Community College that later emerged as a viral blog post. Kleon makes no effort to hide the fact that the blog post forms the skeleton of "Artist". But even if you've memorized the post, Kleon layers enough muscle and flesh on it that you feel like you're encountering his core ideas all over again. The same rush of discovery and energy awaits.

Kleon describes himself as "a writer that draws," and "Artist" is proof of that. He designed the book himself and his voice and style shine through. "Artist" feels unified, innovative, balanced, and, above all, intimate. The book is small, like a big cocktail napkin. It's full of illustrations by Kleon and little flourishes that keep things brisk as you read. The small size makes the book feel approachable, ready to provide a quick inspiration burst if need be. Kleon describes ten basic principles to boost your creativity. He lists them on the back cover of the book (a choice that Kindle purchasers will miss) so that they're easily referenced. It's a small touch, but emblematic of the book's careful construction.

Most importantly, "Artist" is focused on practicality. Kleon has absorbed the lessons of Hyde and Ferguson, but he wants to do more than evangelize; he wants to transform. "Artist" is stuffed with practical tips that you can adopt. In fact, there's a section at the very end of the book titled "What Now?", in which Kleon gives you a long, itemized list of things you can do *right now* to prime your creative pump.

One recent book that Kleon doesn't reference is "Where Good Ideas Come From", by Steve Johnson. "Good Ideas" is one of the best new books about spurring creativity, but it's primarily focused on principles of creativity and their historical origins. "Artist" is a perfect companion to "Good Ideas". Once you've read Johnson's book and your head is full of theory, Kleon's book comes along and gives you a good, firm (and lighthearted) kick in the pants to send you on your way. You certainly don't need to read "Good Ideas" or any other book to receive the full benefit of "Artist". It's a short, heady blast of exuberance that's guaranteed to kick-start your imagination.

This gorgeous book isn't just for "artsy types" -- it's for anyone who wants to explore and nurture their creative side and do cool things with their life. The larger frame is a sort of practical memoir: Austin's tips he'd give to his younger self. The advice ranges from tactical (use a calendar!) to the philosophical (leave home!), and it's peppered throughout with quotes from famous creators and Austin's own brilliant, crisp, clever illustrations. When I'm not forcing my copy onto all my friends, I know I'll be diving into this book again and again, looking for a timely prompt, a new perspective, an encouraging nudge into the next project.

Before STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST became an indispensable book, it was a genius post. Before that, it was a thought-provoking talk. And before *that* -- long before -- it was essentially what it still is today: a growing collection of brilliant ideas that need to be shared with the rest of the world.

Once you read Austin's book, these ideas will become yours. But before you buy it, know this: it isn't really about theft or art. Hell, it isn't really even a book. It's an open framework for making things in the 21st century, It will never stop evolving, and it will change you along with it.

Which is exactly why you should own it.

The book arrived today. I'm already finished with it. This is not a bad thing at all, in fact, the book was exactly the length I wanted it to be. I couldn't put it down although it really is a one day read. I'm thinking about it now, I'll be thinking about it tomorrow and will look at it again soon and likely find entirely new inspiration. It's an honest, straightforward book that helps you consider how you can make more. I've been a fan of Austin's work for a while now. Now I'm a fan of his writing. Buy this, it's good and good for you. And yes, I know I don't know you, but that's irrelevant. In the beginning Austin mentions that this book is for anyone. At first I thought that was insane. Most books are written for someone, not for everyone. And those that are written for everyone tend to suck. Having finished it, I can't think of anybody who wouldn't benefit by even only flipping these pages through their fingers. Except for those who don't want to make anything and well... there's really no helping them.

Bottom line and long rant/review short, do yourself a favor (or someone else for that matter) get this book.

In Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon offers excellent and direct advice for those with confused and romantic notions of natural ability and pristine originality. It should be a required text for all studio art and creative writing courses.

It's always nice to have a book come along and give you a swift kick in the pants when you need it. Steal Like An Artist kicked me twice. I devoured the book in 20 minutes and was flying high afterward. A lot of what's in the book is common sense, but broken down into easy to understand language mixed in with some very cool artwork. I would also say that the book is not necessarily for artists alone. You can take what's written and tweak them to your specifications no matter what your call in life is. I look forward to more books by Austin Kleon!