Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You about Being Creative by Austin Kleon Summary

1. Nothing is original—creativity builds on existing ideas to remix new work.
2. Copy your heroes’ thinking patterns to unlock your unique creative voice.
3. Curate influences selectively—collect ideas you love to fuel authentic output.
4. Side projects spark creativity by separating play from profit-driven work.
5. Share unfinished work openly to build connections and refine your craft.
6. Procrastination reveals your true passions—follow what you do to avoid tasks.
7. Embrace a “copy-transform-remix” process to evolve ideas into originality.
8. Balance online creation with offline experiences to solve creative blocks.
9. Austin Kleon’s “creative genealogy” framework prioritizes studying mentors’ mentors.
10. Protect creative energy with a mundane day job that funds art.
11. Build a supportive inner circle—relationships determine creative resilience.
12. Create the art you wish existed to bypass imitation and find purpose.

About the Author of Steal Like an Artist

Austin Kleon is the New York Times bestselling author of Steal Like an Artist, a groundbreaking guide to creativity in the digital age.

As a writer and artist known for blending words, visuals, and practical wisdom, Kleon explores themes of artistic inspiration, creative authenticity, and the power of sharing work. His unique approach stems from his background as a web designer, librarian, and creator of the viral "newspaper blackout" poetry format.

Kleon’s other works, including Show Your Work! and Keep Going, further cement his reputation as a leading voice on sustaining creativity. He has been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, PBS Newshour, and in The Wall Street Journal, and speaks globally for organizations like Pixar, Google, and TEDx.

Kleon’s newsletter and blog offer ongoing insights into artistic practice. Steal Like an Artist has sold over two million copies worldwide and been translated into 30+ languages.

FAQs About Steal Like an Artist

What is Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon about?

Steal Like an Artist is a creativity manifesto that challenges traditional notions of originality. Austin Kleon argues that all creative work builds on existing ideas, encouraging readers to ethically "steal" inspiration, remix concepts, and embrace side projects. The book offers 10 practical principles, such as fostering curiosity and using analog tools, to help artists and professionals unlock their creative potential.

Who is Austin Kleon?

Austin Kleon is a New York Times bestselling author, artist, and speaker known for his books on creativity, including Show Your Work! and Keep Going. His work, translated into over 30 languages, blends actionable advice with illustrations. Kleon has spoken at organizations like Pixar and Google and is recognized for his insights on digital-age creativity.

Who should read Steal Like an Artist?

Aspiring artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to inject creativity into their personal or professional life will benefit. The book is particularly valuable for individuals facing creative blocks or those intimidated by starting new projects. Kleon’s advice applies to writers, designers, and hobbyists alike.

Is Steal Like an Artist worth reading?

Yes—the book’s concise, actionable insights make it a standout for creativity seekers. A global bestseller translated into 20+ languages, it distills complex ideas into digestible lessons. Readers praise its practicality, with exercises like keeping a "swipe file" of inspiration and prioritizing hands-on creation over perfectionism.

What are the main concepts in Steal Like an Artist?

Key ideas include:

• Ethical theft: Transform existing ideas instead of plagiarizing.
• Embrace side projects: Creativity thrives in unstructured exploration.
• Analog tools: Use pen and paper to bypass digital distractions.
• Share your process: Build a community by being openly iterative.

What does "steal like an artist" mean?

The phrase advocates borrowing ideas ethically by studying, remixing, and crediting influences. Kleon compares it to musicians sampling tracks—building on the past to create something new. It’s not about imitation but "code-switching" between inspirations to develop a unique voice.

Can beginners benefit from Steal Like an Artist?

Absolutely. Kleon’s advice targets those starting their creative journey, offering frameworks to overcome self-doubt. Tips like "write the book you want to read" and "don’t wait until you know who you are" demystify creativity, making it accessible to novices.

What is the "Newspaper Blackout" method Austin Kleon mentions?

This technique involves redacting newspaper articles with a marker to create poetry, leaving only words that form new meanings. Kleon popularized it in his first book, demonstrating how constraints can spark creativity. It’s a hands-on example of "stealing" from existing content.

How does Steal Like an Artist approach originality?

Kleon asserts that nothing is truly original—creativity is about "genealogy" of ideas, not purity. He cites historical figures like Shakespeare, who remixed existing stories, and advises focusing on how ideas are combined rather than their novelty.

What are the most popular quotes from Steal Like an Artist?

Notable lines include:

• "All creative work builds on what came before."
• "Write the book you want to read."
• "Side projects and hobbies are important." These quotes emphasize proactive creation and embracing influences.

Are there criticisms of Steal Like an Artist?

Some argue the book oversimplifies creativity or lacks depth for advanced practitioners. However, most reviewers praise its motivational tone and practicality, noting its value as a primer rather than an exhaustive guide.

How does Steal Like an Artist compare to other creativity books?

Unlike dense guides like The War of Art or Big Magic, Kleon’s work is visual, concise, and action-oriented. It’s often paired with Atomic Habits for its focus on incremental progress, but stands out for its emphasis on collaborative creativity over individual genius.