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Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative (Austin Kleon) Paperback – February 28, 2012

by Austin Kleon (Author)

4.6 18,468 ratings

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Unlock your creativity.

An inspiring guide to creativity in the digital age, Steal Like an Artist presents ten transformative principles that will help readers discover their artistic side and build a more creative life.

Nothing is original, so embrace influence, school yourself through the work of others, remix and reimagine to discover your own path. Follow interests wherever they take you—what feels like a hobby may turn into you life’s work. Forget the old cliché about writing what you know: Instead, write the book you want to read, make the movie you want to watch.

And finally, stay Smart, stay out of debt, and risk being boring in the everyday world so that you have the space to be wild and daring in your imagination and your work.

“Brilliant and real and true.”—Rosanne Cash

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Brilliant and real and true."
-Rosanne Cash

"Austin Kleon is positively one of the most interesting people on the Internet... Kleon makes an articulate and compelling case for combinatorial creativity and the role of remix in the idea economy."
-The Atlantic

"Breezy and fun and yes, scary. Scary because it calls your bluff."
-Seth Godin

"A quick, easily digestible read that is particularly relevant in today's digital world."-School Library Journal

"Filled with well-formed advice that applies to nearly any kind of work."-Lifehacker.com

From the Back Cover

Unlock your creativity.

Steal like an artist.
Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started.
Write the book you want to read.
Use your hands.
Side projects and hobbies are important.
The secret: do good work and share it with people.
Geography is no longer our master.
Be nice. (The world is a small town.)
Be boring. (It’s the only way to get work done.)
Creativity is subtraction.

About the Author

Austin Kleon is the New York Times bestselling author of a trilogy of illustrated books about creativity in the digital age: Steal Like An Artist, Show Your Work!, and Keep Going. He’s also the author of Newspaper Blackout, a collection of poems made by redacting the newspaper with a permanent marker. His books have been translated into dozens of languages and have sold over a million copies worldwide. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and sons. Visit him online at www.austinkleon.com.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

HOW TO LOOK AT THE WORLD (LIKE AN ARTIST)

Every artist gets asked the question,
“Where do you get your ideas?”

The honest artist answers,
“I steal them.”

How does an artist look at the world?

First, you figure out what’s worth stealing, then you move on to the next thing.

That’s about all there is to it.

When you look at the world this way, you stop worrying about what’s “good” and what’s “bad”—there’s only stuff worth stealing, and stuff that’s not worth stealing.

Everything is up for grabs. If you don’t find something worth stealing today, you might find it worth stealing tomorrow or a month or a year from now.

“The only art I’ll ever study is stuff that I can steal from.”
—David Bowie

NOTHING IS ORIGINAL

The writer Jonathan Lethem has said that when people call something “original,” nine out of ten times they just don’t know the references or the original sources involved.

What a good artist understands is that nothing comes from nowhere. All creative work builds on what came before. Nothing is completely original.

It’s right there in the Bible: “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

Some people find this idea depressing, but it fills me with hope. As the French writer André Gide put it, “Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But, since no one was listening, everything must be said again.”

If we’re free from the burden of trying to be completely original, we can stop trying to make something out of nothing, and we can embrace influence instead of running away from it.

“What is originality? Undetected plagiarism.”
—William Ralph Inge

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0761169253
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Workman Publishing Company; 1st edition (February 28, 2012)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780761169253
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0761169253
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.02 x 0.56 x 5.9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1 in Arts & Photography Study & Teaching
- #3 in Popular Psychology Creativity & Genius
- #13 in Creativity (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.6 18,468 ratings

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Austin Kleon

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Austin Kleon is a writer and artist living in Austin, Texas. He's the author of two bestselling books: Steal Like an Artist, a manifesto for creativity in the digital age, and Newspaper Blackout, a collection of poetry made by redacting newspaper articles with a permanent marker. He speaks about creativity for organizations such as Pixar, Google, SXSW, TEDx, and The Economist. Visit him online at www.austinkleon.com.

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They appreciate the insightful advice and wisdom for creative souls. The book is described as a short, entertaining read with compelling illustrations and motivational quotes. Readers describe the writing style as humorous and conversational.

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Readability Inspiration Creativity Shortness Humor Quotes Authenticity Content

1,441 customers mention "Readability"1,411 positive30 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and understand. It guides them skillfully through the creative process with a premise that by applying the principles of the book, they can become better artists. The content is good, with some wisdom mixed into a reflection of an artist's life. Readers appreciate the author's writing style, particularly the simplicity and clarity in which he writes.

"this read is hopeful, it’s relatable & it’s full of a daring kind of authentic hope...." Read more

"...It's full of illustrations by Kleon and little flourishes that keep things brisk as you read...." Read more

"...Another interesting point he point out is that humans are more able to create content on paper or by physical actions rather than hitting the keypad...." Read more

"“Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon is a concise and inspiring guide that encourages creativity through the concept of ‘stealing’ ideas...." Read more

1,241 customers mention "Inspiration"1,214 positive27 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and helpful for creative souls. They say it provides good information and wisdom, making a profound concept simple and doable. The book is filled with practical advice, compelling illustrations, and motivational thoughts. It's a life lesson, art lesson, and writing lesson mixed into a reflection of a creative journey.

"...Reading from an artist is an experience in itself: this is a transformative one too. well done!" Read more

"...The small size makes the book feel approachable, ready to provide a quick inspiration burst if need be...." Read more

"...He believe that is because the muscle actions will stimulate the brain more thoroughly, thus unleashing the power of creativity...." Read more

"...The book is filled with practical advice, compelling illustrations, and motivational quotes, making it a quick yet impactful read for anyone looking..." Read more

406 customers mention "Creativity"376 positive30 negative

Customers find the book's advice and illustrations encouraging. They appreciate the style as hip and whimsical, with insightful quotes and fun drawings. The book is described as easy to read, beautiful to look at, and full of wisdom.

"...well done!" Read more

"..."Good Ideas" is one of the best new books about spurring creativity, but it's primarily focused on principles of creativity and their historical..." Read more

"...The book is filled with practical advice, compelling illustrations, and motivational quotes, making it a quick yet impactful read for anyone looking..." Read more

"Austin Kleon's "Steal Like An Artist" is like having a cool, hipster art friend you can carry around in your backpack and take out when you need a..." Read more

199 customers mention "Shortness"161 positive38 negative

Customers find the book concise and easy to read. They appreciate its depth while remaining accessible. The book provides insightful and practical advice in a concise manner.

"...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...." Read more

"...Steal Like an artist is a short and easy read, I finished the whole book in less than 2 hours and did some notes in the process...." Read more

"This is a pretty tiny book (the cup of coffee I poured when I started reading was still warm when I finished), but may end up being my favorite of..." Read more

"Although a small format book with less than 150 pages of content and lots of white and blank space, Steal Like an Artist punches way above its weight..." Read more

99 customers mention "Humor"94 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor and ideas. They find it witty, entertaining, and written in a conversational style. The writing is described as whimsical, friendly, and clever. Readers appreciate the short, crisp sentences and simple drawings used to convey information.

"...He designed the book himself and his voice and style shine through. "Artist" feels unified, innovative, balanced, and, above all, intimate...." Read more

"Loved the Authors humor, the lightness and ease of read. Short book many good points. Bought with the journal...." Read more

"...It gives a sense of permission and suggestion wrapped in funny commentary that makes you think about what you are doing or aren’t doing...." Read more

"...This book is well written full of insight, antidote, comedy in real life perspective to help you not only become a better artist, but leave the best..." Read more

87 customers mention "Quotes"66 positive21 negative

Customers appreciate the quotes from creative individuals that support the message. They find the message well-intentioned, without being preachy or promoting plagiarism. The book encourages creativity and self-expression without taking themselves too seriously.

"...The quotations he includes are indeed excellent. Several have become classic insights. Here is a representative selection:..." Read more

"...At just 140 pages, it's a quick read and is filled with insightful quotes, fun drawings, and inspirational photographs...." Read more

"...I'll be re reading this one when I've got a block to get through. Nice quotes." Read more

"Super great, thoughtful, reminder content. Not instructive but more associative continent with past and present example snippets...." Read more

72 customers mention "Authenticity"65 positive7 negative

Customers find the book relatable and realistic. They appreciate the author's honest and genuine writing style. The book provides a reality check on how successful people operate in the world.

"...Austin writes with an ease and familiarity that is accessible and relatable...." Read more

"...efforts in keeping the reader absorbed is immediately evident and deliberate - very simple but to the points...." Read more

"...This will give you a REALITY CHECK on how really the successful world works....." Read more

"...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...." Read more

90 customers mention "Content"57 positive33 negative

Customers have different views on the book's content. Some find the details and examples enlightening and encouraging, with a no-nonsense approach that provides a lot of information and advice quickly. Others feel it lacks depth and substance, reading like a comic book or a compilation of obvious information.

"...It’s the cycle of creation. The complexities you find are worth learning and from any knowledge that you receive exists an opportunity...." Read more

"...It's a quick, easy read. Nothing particularly profound but a good reminder that creativity is in many ways something anyone can learn and apply to..." Read more

"...It's very easy for creatives to get lost and detached in their own creativity. Clearly that hasn't happened with Austin...." Read more

"Honestly this book is an amazing, simple journey through an argument that has plagued many artists, writers, and humans alike...." Read more

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Julia E.
a hopeful light
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
this read is hopeful, it’s relatable & it’s full of a daring kind of authentic hope. Reading from an artist is an experience in itself: this is a transformative one too. well done!

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David J Turner
Get out there and get busy creating.
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2012
Verified Purchase
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.

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Conrad Ko
Well Done and Its an Adrenaline Rush
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2015
Verified Purchase
I bought this book on 10Feb2015 and finish it the night I bought it.

“Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon.
Creative/dp/0761169253/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_yI

I must confess I bought the book solely because of the Title. Since I was fasinated by the idea of stealing and the status symbol of being an artist, I bought it without second thought.

Steal Like an artist is a short and easy read, I finished the whole book in less than 2 hours and did some notes in the process. Anyone with reasonable reading skills should be able to finish the book in less than an afternoon.

The primary objective of the book is to persuade you to reverse engineer the work of others and improvised it into your own model. Start a Phony and become a real artist is the premise of the whole book. Austin defines copying as the act to absorb and reverse engineer the word of others and immersing oneself into a space where one can blend multiple ideas into a complete set of idea and create something out of it, be it a piece of art, a product or a business.

Austin Kleon also suggest the readers to find out who to copy, what to copy and the reason of copying, since the world is a GIGO (Garbage In and Garbage Out).

Another interesting point he point out is that humans are more able to create content on paper or by physical actions rather than hitting the keypad. He believe that is because the muscle actions will stimulate the brain more thoroughly, thus unleashing the power of creativity. This view resonante by another book I read “The Anti Education Era” written by James Paul Gee. In this book, James Paul Gee also recommends the use of multi sensory input. The more sense involve, the better the memory will register. So I guess as a writer, I will try to include more sensory input to entice the audience to a higher level of engagement.

As of now I am pretty obscure, that could be an Advantage according to Austin Kleon. Because I am in obscurity, I can afford to experiment and be focused on doing good work instead of handling social task. And the readers can feel more engaged in my works since its imperfect. The readers can discover and find the bits and piece by themselves, by filling the gaps between it, the audience can feel more engaged. That’s why incubation and obscure artist always sells better than a fully developed piece and a highly recognized artist.

In the book Austin also stresses the ability to remain stably euphoric. He suggest any artist to keep some praises from readers and audiences and reviewing them when one is having a struggle.

Last but not least, Creativity is subtraction, and creativity is the struggle against limitation. That’s why when you are facing a writer block, entrepreneur block or artist block, try to slash some elements and create something out of a lot of restrictions.

He validated this idea by actions quite well by finishing a poem book called “Newspaper Blackout”.

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Linesther
Must read!!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2024
Verified Purchase
“Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon is a concise and inspiring guide that encourages creativity through the concept of ‘stealing’ ideas. Kleon asserts that all creative work builds on what came before, advocating for artists to embrace influence and remix existing ideas to create something new and unique. The book is filled with practical advice, compelling illustrations, and motivational quotes, making it a quick yet impactful read for anyone looking to unlock their creative potential. Perfect for artists, writers, and anyone seeking to enhance their creativity, Kleon’s work is a modern classic on the art of innovation.

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vishnusagar
Inspiring and Transformative!
Reviewed in Canada on October 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
"Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon is an absolute gem for anyone looking to unlock their creative potential! This book is packed with practical advice and insights that challenge conventional notions of creativity. Kleon’s writing is engaging and accessible, making it easy to digest even the most profound concepts.

The idea that all creativity is rooted in influence and that it’s perfectly okay to “steal” ideas from others (in the sense of drawing inspiration) is both liberating and motivating. Each chapter is filled with actionable tips and real-life examples, encouraging readers to embrace their uniqueness while learning from those who came before them.

The book is beautifully illustrated, which adds to its charm and makes it an enjoyable read. Whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, or simply someone looking to think differently, this book is a must-read. It has inspired me to embrace my creative journey wholeheartedly. Highly recommended!

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leony nogueira
An easy and fast read with lots of insights to steal.
Reviewed in Brazil on June 17, 2024
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I loved this book, it is really easy to read but teachs you a lot about creativity and where to find it. but not only that. it also teach us readers how to live a more sustainable life towards creativity, with many advices that can help you find the track you might be looking for. I would recommend this book to anyone not only to people who wants to do more creative work, but also wants to use creativity for any aspects of their life.

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Daniel
absolutamente fantástico
Reviewed in Mexico on January 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
Un libro que te provoca e inspira a cada página. Un libro que te invita a leer una página y parar a pensar. Un libro que leerás decenas de veces y cada una te dirá algo distinto. Un libro fantástico.

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Client d'Amazon
Great book
Reviewed in France on December 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
A simple and easy-to-read Book.
Everything is interesting in it.
An other good point of view about being creative.
I recommand.

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Sachin Singh
Must recommend for Artists.
Reviewed in India on November 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book is a gem. I received the original copy of the book. Going to but more from the same author. The language is so easy to understand. Pages quality is superb. It is not like other book the presentation is great.
I love it.❤️

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Sachin Singh

Must recommend for Artists.
Reviewed in India on November 30, 2024
This book is a gem. I received the original copy of the book. Going to but more from the same author. The language is so easy to understand. Pages quality is superb. It is not like other book the presentation is great.
I love it.❤️

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Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative (Austin Kleon) Paperback – February 28, 2012

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Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars a hopeful light

5.0 out of 5 stars Get out there and get busy creating.

4.0 out of 5 stars Well Done and Its an Adrenaline Rush

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!!!

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and Transformative!

5.0 out of 5 stars An easy and fast read with lots of insights to steal.

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutamente fantástico

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book

5.0 out of 5 stars Must recommend for Artists.

a hopeful light

Get out there and get busy creating.

Well Done and Its an Adrenaline Rush

Must read!!!

Inspiring and Transformative!

An easy and fast read with lots of insights to steal.

absolutamente fantástico

Great book

Must recommend for Artists.