Steal Like an Artist

Synopsis

Artist Austin Kleon's beautifully illustrated bestseller teaches readers how to use their surroundings and their own creativity to discover their own artistic paths. Filled with clever infographics and words of wisdom from Kleon, and peppered with quotes from other successful artists, Steal Like an Artist, is an inspiration for both veteran and aspiring artists everywhere.

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

Summary

Chapter 1: You Are Not Your Job

* Summary: Explains that your identity should not be defined by your job or career. Instead, you should embrace your passions and hobbies, and use them to create a more fulfilling life.
* Example: A graphic designer who quits his job to pursue his passion for painting.

Chapter 2: Do the Work

* Summary: Emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication. Progress comes from consistent effort, not just from inspiration.
* Example: A writer who writes every day, even when they don't feel like it.

Chapter 3: Ship It

* Summary: Encourages creators to release their work into the world, even if it's not perfect. Failure is part of the learning process.
* Example: A musician who posts their songs online, even though they're not sure if people will like them.

Chapter 4: Steal Like an Artist

* Summary: Explains that creativity is about building upon the work of others. By studying and imitating the artists you admire, you can learn and grow.
* Example: A fashion designer who draws inspiration from the work of Coco Chanel.

Chapter 5: Sell Out

* Summary: Argues that selling out is not a bad thing. It can be a way to make a living while staying true to your creative vision.
* Example: A photographer who licenses their images to commercial clients while still pursuing personal projects.

Chapter 6: Your Big Idea is Not That Big

* Summary: Explores the idea that most big ideas have been done before. The key is to find your own unique angle and make it your own.
* Example: A chef who creates a new dish inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine.

Chapter 7: Build a Good Framework

* Summary: Discusses the importance of creating a supportive environment for creativity. This includes surrounding yourself with positive people, having a dedicated workspace, and establishing a regular routine.
* Example: A writer who joins a writers' group and creates a daily writing habit.

Chapter 8: The Spider and the Starfish

* Summary: Explains the difference between two types of creative organizations: spiders (centralized, bureaucratic) and starfish (decentralized, adaptable). Encourages creators to embrace the starfish model.
* Example: A community theater group that allows actors and directors to collaborate on projects without a single hierarchical leader.

Chapter 9: Keep Going

* Summary: Emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the creative journey. There will be setbacks and challenges, but you must keep pushing forward.
* Example: A filmmaker who continues to make films despite facing rejection from studios.

Chapter 10: The Model

* Summary: Provides a roadmap for the creative process, from idea generation to execution. Encourages creators to break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps.
* Example: A musician who uses a storyboard to plan out the structure of their next album.